Cass identity model

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The Cass identity model is one of the fundamental theories of LGBT identity development, developed in 1979 by Vivienne Cass.^[1] This model was one of the first to treat LGBT people as normal in a heterosexist society and in a climate of homophobia and biphobia instead of treating homosexuality and bisexuality themselves as a problem. Cass described a process of six stages of LGBT identity development. While these stages are sequential, some people might revisit stages at different points in their lives.

The six stages of Cass' models

Source:^[2]

Identity confusion

In the first stage, identity confusion, the person is amazed to think of themselves as a queer person. "Could I be queer?" This stage begins with the person's first awareness of homosexual or bisexual thoughts, feelings, and attractions. The people typically feel confused and experience turmoil.

To the question "Who am I?", the answers can be acceptance, psychological self-

Denial

This is a sub-stage where one will deny homosexuality. Possible responses can be: to avoid information about homosexuals or bisexuals; inhibited behavior; self-denial of homosexuality and bisexuality ("experimenting", "an accident", "just drunk", "just looking"). The possible needs can be: the person may explore internal positive and negative judgments. Will be allowed to be uncertain regarding sexual identity. May find support in knowing that sexual behavior occurs along a spectrum. May receive permission and encouragement to explore sexual identity as a normal experience (like career identity and social identity).

Identity comparison

The second stage is called identity comparison. In this stage, the person accepts the possibility of being homosexual or bisexual and examines the wider implications of that tentative commitment. "Maybe this does apply to me." The self-alienation becomes isolation. The task is to deal with the social alienation.

Possible responses can be: the person may begin to grieve for losses and the things they give up by embracing their sexual orientation (marriage, children). They may compartmentalize their own sexuality—accept lesbian/gay definition of behavior but maintain "heterosexual" identity. Tells oneself, "It's only temporary"; "I'm just in love with this particular woman/man"; etc.

The possible needs can be: will be very important that the person develops own definitions. Will need information about sexual identity, LGBT community resources, encouragement to talk about loss of heterosexual life expectations. May be permitted to keep some "heterosexual" identity (as "not an all or none" issue).

Identity tolerance

In the third stage, identity tolerance, the person comes to the understanding they are "not the only one".

The person acknowledges they are likely homosexual or bisexual and seeks out other homosexual or bisexual people to combat feelings of isolation. Increased commitment to being homosexual or bisexual. The task is to decrease social alienation by seeking out homosexual or bisexual people.

Possible responses can be: beginning to have language to talk and think about the issue. Recognition that being homosexual or bisexual does not preclude other options. Accentuate difference between self and heterosexuals. Seek out LGBT culture (positive contact leads to more positive sense of self, negative contact leads to devaluation of the culture, stops growth). The person may try out variety of stereotypical roles.

The possible needs can be: to be supported in exploring own shame feelings derived from

Joanne Kaufman and Cathryn Johnson have argued that based upon more recent research, this model is less valid today than it was at its inception for several reasons:[3]

1. This model does not take into account socio-cultural factors that can impact identity development.
2. The nature of the social stigma and its management practices have changed since the inception of the model.
3. The linear nature of the model would suggest that anyone who abandons the model or fails to go through each of the six stages would not be able to be considered as a well adjusted queer person, which may no longer be true.

See also

• Coming out
• Homosocialization
• Fassinger's model of gay and lesbian identity development
• Labeling theory
• Sexual orientation

Books

• Vivienne Cass (1979, 1984, 1990). In Ritter and Terndrup (2002) Handbook of Affirmative Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men

External links

• Stages in “Coming Out” Process
• Jen Anderson and Mario Brown, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Identity Development- Druri university
• Diagram of Cass Identity Model by Joe Kort(PDF) Joe Kort

References