Sexual Minority Reflections on the Kinsey Scale and the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid: Conceptualization and Measurement

Abstract

This research investigated responses of sexual minority individuals to two sexual orientation scales regarding how well the scales capture their sexuality. Participants were self-identified sexual minorities (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, and asexual) who represented a range of gender identities. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified related to the conceptualization of sexual orientation, and three for its measurement. Themes for conceptualization were comprehensiveness, dichotomies, and beyond sex and gender. Themes related to measurement were measurement structure, terminology, and response mode. Discussion focuses on considerations for scale development to better capture experiences of sexual minorities.

KEYWORDS:

• Kinsey
• KSOG
• Klein
• sexual minority
• gender binary
• sexual orientation binary

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Paz Galupo

M. Paz Galupo, PhD, is professor of psychology and director of the Sexual and Gender Identity Lab at Towson University. Her research interests center on the intersections of identity with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. Paz currently serves as editor in chief for the Journal of GLBT Family Studies.

Renae C. Mitchell

Renae C. Mitchell, MA, earned her master's in clinical psychology from Towson University. She is currently working as a research assistant in the Department of Family Studies and Community Development and for the Sexual and Gender Identity Lab at Towson University. Her research interests include human sexuality, sexual minority identity and experience, and sexual violence prevention.

Ashley L. Grynkiewicz

Ashley L. Grynkiewicz, MA, earned her master's in clinical psychology from Towson University.

Kyle S. Davis

Kyle S. Davis, MA, earned a master's in counseling psychology from Towson University and is currently pursuing a PhD in counseling psychology at the University of Kentucky. Kyle's research interests include plurisexual, asexual, and transgender identity development and lived experiences.