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Developmental Process for Gay Women and Men
A 1977 Study of Professional Men and Women (Adapted from APA Board of Social and Ethical Responsibility. November 1977. "Removing the Stigma." APA Monitor.)
| Developmental Task | Average Age of Lesbians | Average Age of Gay Men |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness of homosexual feelings | 13.8 | 12.8 |
| First same-sex sexual experience | 15.6 | 17.2 |
| Understand what "homosexual" is | 15.6 | 17.2 |
| Had first homosexual relationship | 22.8 | 21.9 |
| Considered self "homosexual" | 23.2 | 21.1 |
| Acquired positive "gay" identity | 29.7 | 28.5 |
| Disclosed identity to spouse | 26.7 | 33.3 |
| Disclosed identity to friend(s) | 28.2 | 28.0 |
| Disclosed identity to parent | 30.2 | 28.0 |
| Disclosed identity professionally | 32.4 | 31.2 |
