Sexual identity is how people think about themselves in terms of who is romantically or sexually interested in someone. Sexual identity can also refer to sexual orientation identity , that is, when people identify or do not identify with sexual orientation or choose not to identify with sexual orientation. Sexual identity and sexual behavior are strongly linked to sexual orientation, but they are distinguished, with identity referring to the individual conceptions of themselves, behavior referring to actual sexual acts committed by individual, and sexual orientation refers to romantic or sexual attraction to persons of the opposite sex or sex, sex or sex, for both sexes or more than one sex, or to anyone.
Historical models of sexual identity tend to see its formation as a process experienced only by sexual minorities, while more contemporary models view the process more universally and seek to present sexual identity within the broader scope of other key identity theories and processes.
Video Sexual identity
Definition and identity
Sexual identity has been described as a component of individual identity that reflects their sexual self-concept. The integration of the respective identity components (eg moral, religion, ethnicity, occupation) into a larger overall identity is crucial to the process of developing a multi-dimensional identity construction.
Sexual identity may change throughout a person's lifetime, and may or may not be in harmony with biological sex, sexual behavior or actual sexual orientation. For example, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people may not publicly identify such as in homophobic/heterosexual settings or in areas where records of LGBT rights are poor. In a 1990 study by the Sexuality Social Organization, only 16% of women and 36% of men reporting same-sex attraction levels had either homosexual or bisexual identities.
Sexual identity is more closely related to sexual behavior than sexual orientation. The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with homosexual or bisexual identities had sexual activity with someone of the same sex, compared with 32% of women and 43% of men with similar attractions. After reviewing the results, the organization commented: "The development of self-identification as homosexual or gay is a psychologically and socially complex state, something which, in this society, is achieved only from time to time, often with considerable personal struggle and self-doubt, again social discomfort. "
Sexuality without labels
Unlabeled sexuality is when a person chooses not to label their sexual identity. This identification may stem from one's uncertainty about their sexuality or their reluctance to adapt to sexuality because they do not always like labels, or they want to feel free in their attractions rather than being forced into the same, other, good, or pan attraction due to sexual identity they. Identifying as unlabeled can also be caused by "one's unwillingness to accept their sexual minority status." Since not labeled is a decision aimed at not having sexual identity, it is different from bisexuality or other sexual identity. Those who are not labeled are more likely to see sexuality as less stable and more fluid and tend to focus more on "people, not gender."
It was reported that some women who identify as unlabeled do so because they can not or are uncertain about the type of relationship they will have in the future. Thus, the distinction of this sexual label can provide for a person to be more fully aware of their "true" sexuality because it frees them from the pressure of liking and interest in who their sexual identification should be.
Maps Sexual identity
Development
General
Much of the research on orientation of sexual orientation focuses on the development of people interested in the same sex. Many people who feel attracted to their own sex members come out at some point in their lives. Exit is described in three phases. The first phase is the phase of "knowing yourself," and the consciousness arises that a person is sexually and emotionally attracted to a member of his or her own gender. It is often described as internal and can occur in childhood or during puberty, but sometimes until the age of 40 or older. The second phase involves the decision to go out to others, e.g. family, friends, and/or co-workers, while the third phase involves living openly as LGBT people. In the United States today, people often come out during high school or college. At this age, they may not believe or seek help from others, especially when their orientation is not accepted in society. Sometimes they do not tell their own families.
According to Rosario, Schrimshaw, Hunter, Braun (2006), "the development of lesbian, gay, or bisexual sexual identity (LGB) is a complex and often difficult process Unlike members of other minority groups (eg ethnicity and racial minorities) individual LGBs are not raised in other similar peoples communities from which they learn about their identity and that reinforce and support that identity "and" [r] ather, individual LGBs are often raised in communities that do not know or are openly openly hostile to homosexuality.
Some individuals with unwanted sexual objects may choose to actively identify with the identity of a sexual minority, which creates a sexual orientation identity that is different from their actual sexual orientation. The identity of sexual orientation, but not sexual orientation, may change through psychotherapy, support groups, and life events. A person who has homosexual feelings can identify himself in various ways. One may accept the identity of LGB, to develop a heterosexual identity, to deny the identity of LGB when choosing to identify as a former gay, or refrain from determining sexual identity. In a The Wall Street Journal article on reconciling faith and homosexuality, researcher Judith Glassgold, who leads the task force, stated, "We are not trying to encourage people to become gay ex-'' and" there is little research on the long-term effects of denying identity gay, but there is 'no clear evidence of danger' and 'some people seem satisfied with that way' ".
Sexual identity development model
Several models have been made to describe out as a process for the development of gay and lesbian identity (eg Dank, 1971; Cass, 1984; Coleman, 1989; Troiden, 1989). This historical model has taken the view of the formation of sexual identity as a process of sexual minority alone. However, not every LGBT person follows such a model. For example, some LGBT teenagers become aware and accept their same gender passion or gender identity in puberty in the same way as heterosexual teenagers become aware of their sexuality, which is free from any notion of difference, stigma or shame in the sex of persons people they are interested in. More contemporary models take the attitude that it is a more universal process. The current model for the development of sexual identity attempts to include other models of identity development, such as Marcia's ego-identity status.
The identity model of Cass, founded by Vivienne Cass, outlines six separate stages transferred by successful individuals out: (1) identity confusion, (2) identity comparison, (3) identity tolerance, (4) identity acceptance, (5) pride, and (6) identity synthesis. Fassinger's gay and lesbian identity development model contains four stages at the individual and group level: (1) awareness, (2) exploration, (3) deepening/commitment, and (4) internalization/synthesis.
Some models of sexual identity development do not use discrete, regular stages, but conceptualize the development of identity as composed of independent identity processes. For example, D'Augelli's model illustrates six non-consecutive independent identity processes: (1) abandoning heterosexual identities, (2) Developing a personal LGB identity status, (3) Developing LGB social identity, (4) Being LGB, (5) Developing LGB intimacy status, and (6) Entering the LGB community.
The Sexual Identity Development Coupling Model is currently the only model that incorporates the development of heterosexual identity in its status to include mandatory heterosexuality, active exploration, diffusion, deepening and commitment to status, and synthesis.
Contemporary models see the formation of sexual identity as a universal process, rather than a sexual minority, in which not only sexual minorities are experiencing the development of sexual identity, but also the heterosexual population. More recent research has supported these theories, having shown that heterosexual populations display all Marcia statuses in the domain of sexual identity.
See also
- Androphilia and gynephilia
- Asexuality
- Bi-curious
- Erikson's psychosocial developmental stage
- Men who have sex with men
- Pansexuality
- Polysexuality
- Questions (sexuality and gender)
- situational sexual behavior
- Women who have sex with women â â¬
References
Further reading
- The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex Is Too Important to Define Who We Are (2011) Jenell Williams Paris
Source of the article : Wikipedia