Increasing visibility: Developmental issues and characteristics of lesbian undergraduate students

Very little research has been conducted examining the developmental issues and experiences of gay and lesbian students within the college environment. D'Augelli (1991) stated that little is known about the identity processes of lesbian and gay college students. The paucity of research is disturbing given the importance of the college years in the identity development of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. The purpose of this study was to address the lack of research conducted on lesbian undergraduate students.;This research, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, explored the relationship between stages of lesbian identity as measured by Cass's Stage Allocation Measure (1984) and developmental issues as described by the adapted Penn State Lesbian/Gay Life Course Questionnaire (D'Augelli, 1991; McDonald, 1982). Descriptive statistics for all sample demographics (e.g. age, race/ethnicity, and class year) were collected from 135 self-identified lesbians from 23 colleges and universities in the United States. A qualitative component, which consisted of nine interviews further investigated the developmental issues and factors contributing to openness about a lesbian identity as described by the questionnaire.;Analysis of variance indicated a significant stage effect on participants' willingness to self-disclose their sexual orientation. Significance was also found based on the stage of respondents and the family members the women had told about their lesbianism. Significant stage effects were found on a number of situations (failing to introduce a partner, changing pronouns, etc.) related to disguising a lesbian lifestyle. No significance was found by stage and race/ethnicity on satisfaction with women's community or local/gay community. No significance was indicated for management of personal identity (willingness to self-disclose) by race/ethnicity and stage.;The research indicated that the findings of this study were consistent with Cass's (1979) Homosexual Identity model. Those women in the later stages of Cass's model were more likely to self-disclose than those in the earlier stages. Though the nine women interviewed by telephone varied in their personal characteristics, many of the perspectives and experiences they shared were similar. Consistent themes emerged for each of the questions.