Gay Male Identities: Concepts and Issues

The second chapter provides an overview of the concept of homosexual men, commonly known as “gay men”, and how this definition contrasts with perceptions on lesbianism and bisexuality. A developmental perspective assists in understanding the issues, functions, and personalities of gay men as compared to other sexual identities such as lesbian. There are differences in experience between gay males and lesbians during the coming out process yet the process truthfully affects the core identity and behavior of the person involved. Another related phenomenon is the manifestation of internalized homophobia on the attitudes, beliefs, and careers of homosexual men and women. Diversity of experimental groups in terms of race and ethnicity even makes the journey of conceptualization interesting. In addition, the minority status of gay and lesbian individuals can be an asset or liability depending on how the issue is approached.