Sexual Orientation and Gender

This chapter will present sexual orientation development among gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, including developmental issues (e.g., coming out, labeling, relationship building, etc), describing how gender and heteronormativity play a crucial role for the mental health of men and women. Gender differences in how relationships develop and are maintained throughout the lifespan will be described as well. Unique “isms” that can affect mental health, including for LGB individuals of color, will be identified, including experiencing visibility/invisibility as a queer person of color, “passing”, and navigating fragmented contexts/identities.