Conceptualization of Sexual Orientation Identity Among Sexual Minorities: Patterns Across Sexual and Gender Identity

Abstract

This research analyzed how sexual minority individuals discussed identity when critiquing two sexual orientation scales. To better understand the diversity of sexual minority experience, analyses focused on the patterns of responses across sexual orientation identity (monosexual, plurisexual, and asexual) and gender identity (cisgender and transgender). Participants were self-identified sexual minorities who represented a range of gender identities. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were identified related to sexual orientation identity: (1) salience of identity, (2) social identity, (3) identity development and change, and (4) identity and the body. Discussion focuses on understanding the findings in the context of intersectionality theory and emphasizes the need to conceptually disaggregate sexual orientation and gender identity. The conceptualization of sexual orientation as centered on normative assumptions of monosexuality, verisexuality/nonasexuality, genderism, and cisgenderism is also explored.

KEYWORDS:

• asexual
• LGBTQ
• cisgender
• gender identity
• monosexual
• plurisexual
• pansexual
• sexual orientation
• sexual identity
• transgender

Notes

¹We use the term ‘plurisexual’ instead of ‘nonmonosexual’ throughout the article because it does not linguistically assume monosexual as the ideal conceptualization of sexuality.

²When referring to participants’ identities, we use ‘trans*’ instead of the umbrella term ‘transgender’ to be as inclusive as possible to individuals who identify along a transgender/transsexual/genderqueer spectrum. Although ‘transgender’ has been used as an umbrella term, many gender nonconforming individuals do not identify under it. The word ‘trans*’ has been chosen as more inclusive and open to the different identities of transgender individuals, and to also represent individuals who do not identify as transgender but describe their transgender experience as a status or medical history.

³We use the term ‘verisexual’ to replace ‘nonasexual’ or ‘sexual’—both terms that problematize asexual experience and reinforce the normative assumption of sexual desire.

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.

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.

Ashley L. Grynkiewicz

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

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.