Sexual Orientation Identity Development Across the College Years: A Longitudinal Study

• In Event: Revisiting and Reimagining Identity Development in College Across Diverse Contexts

Abstract

In this paper I analyze the LGBTQ identity development of 23 students at one university. We conducted multiple interviews each year from college entry through students’ fourth year and found that individual LGBTQ identities remain durable for most students while group LGBTQ identities change over time. This study adds to the knowledge base about LGBTQ identity development, as it follows students across time.

Author

• Kristen A. Renn, Michigan State University