Ethnic related variations from the cass model of homosexual identity formation: the experiences of two-spirit, lesbian and gay Native Americans.
Synthesis of current research with the self-stories of Native American two-spirit, lesbian and gay people suggests differences in social locations that may produce sexual orientation identity development processes absent from the current literature. We employed a modified form of grounded theory analysis to explore the identity experiences of six self-identified two-spirit, lesbian or gay Native Americans recounted during in-depth interviews. The resulting five themes are presented with quotes from participants for clarification and support, along with a discussion of their fit with the Cass Model of Homosexual Identity Development and interpersonal congruency theory. Results suggest two developmental pathways, one following the course of Cass' model and a second path notable for its absence of many of the key experiences specified by Cass.
Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, USA. hladams@bsu.edu
Heather L
HL
Adams
Layli
L
Phillips
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011606:Psychosexual Development; D012649:Self Concept