Sexual identity development among ethnic sexual-minority male youths.

Abstract

The current research explores how ethnicity influences sexual identity development. Among 139 sexual-minority male youths, measures of sexual identity development assessed the timing and sequencing of developmental milestones, disclosure of sexual identity to others, internalized homophobia, and same- and opposite-sex relationship histories. Findings demonstrated that participants, regardless of ethnicity, experienced most identity milestones at developmentally appropriate ages, had moderately low levels of internalized homophobia, and became romantically and sexually involved with other males during adolescence. Differences across ethnic groups were found in the timing and sequencing of certain milestones, disclosure of sexual identity to family members, and romantic and sexual involvement with females.