Additional meta-analyses showed that milestone timing varied by sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and birth cohort. Nonetheless, results also showed substantial heterogeneity in the mean effect sizes.
Meta-analysis results showed that the mean effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals varied by milestone: attraction, questioning one’s orientation ), self-identifying, sexual activity, coming out, and romantic relationship. Milestones occurred in different sequences, although attraction was almost always first, often followed by self-identification and/or sexual activity coming out and initiating a romantic relationship often followed these milestones. Common milestones measured in the 30 studies reviewed were becoming aware of queer attractions, questioning one’s sexual orientation, self-identifying as LGB+, coming out to others, engaging in sexual activity, and initiating a romantic relationship. This paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis on sexual orientation identity development milestones among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another sexual minority identity (LGB+). School of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
