Proposed model of lesbian identity development: an empirical examination.

A 42-question written survey was administered to 197 women, approximately 96% of whom were self-identified lesbians, for the purpose of gathering information about their experiences from first awareness of lesbian identity to their current status. Descriptive data are presented which seem to suggest that lesbian identity is present prior to the individual's recognition of incongruency between her feelings and those of non-lesbians, and that the process of self-labeling occurs through interaction with the non-lesbian world. The term lesbian identity is discussed and defined. The findings of this study are, in part, described in the framework of a proposed Model of Lesbian Identity Awareness and Self-Labeling which is currently undergoing further investigation.