ORGANIZATIONS

RESOURCES

• ​Analysis of LGBT Identity Development Models (Brent Bilodeau and Kristen Renn)
  
• Theories of LGBTQ Development (UNC Charlotte)
  
• Key Concepts for Understanding LGBT Identity Development (UCR.edu)
  
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (American Psychological Association)
  
• Gay and Lesbian Identity Development Model (Cass Identity Model) (MNSU.edu)
  
• Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity 101 - Unitarian Universalist Association
  

Sexual Development

Sexual Orientation describes a pattern of emotional, romantic and/or sexual attractions to males, females, both or neither.  The current consensus among scholars is that sexual orientation is not a choice and that it is a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental and biological factors that have a complex interplay.

Sexual orientation is seen by many to exist on a continuum ranging from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual with bisexuality in the middle. 

Biological gender, gender orientation and sexual orientation are separate and distinct aspects of a person's life and only in situations where their is discontinuity among them will people experience mental health disorders.