The Relationship of Lesbian and Gay Identity Development and Involvement in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Organizations

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between gay and lesbian identity development and involvement in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations. Eighty nine undergraduate and graduate students who self identified as gay, lesbian, or questioning were surveyed at a large, mid-Atlantic, state university. The Gay and Lesbian Identity Questionnaire (Revised) (Fassinger, 2001a; Fassinger, 2001b) was used to measure identity development. An instrument was created to measure involvement. No significant relationship was found between identity development and level of involvement. However, it was found that participants with more integrated identities showed a preference for support and social type organizations over education and cultural organizations. There were also significant relationships between age, coming out, and gay and lesbian identity development. Implications for theory and practice and directions for future research were examined.