Identity Development, Coming Out, and Family Adjustment

LGBTQI+ youth face an identity struggle that is dissimilar to their heterosexual and/or cisgender peers. While family and community acceptance impacts the process of understanding one's own affectional orientation and/or gender identity, all LGBTQI+ persons typically engage in a process of understanding and eventually accepting their affectional and/or gender variance. The authors review LGBTQI+ Identity Formation Models, as well as the influence of intersectionality on identity. The benefits and challenges of coming out are explored, as counselors need to understand this delicate process and how to support clients who are considering coming out. Counselor work with families is also reviewed. © 2017 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved.

Journal Abbreviation: Affirm. Couns. With LGBTQI+ People