This stage typically occurs before puberty and when they notice they are different from their peers--however, they do not always know the difference is related to sexual preferences.

Alma College

An ideal and simplified model that attempts to explain how we develop our sexual identities by including age and the concept that stages may overlap and be experienced multiple times. 

Troiden's Model of Sexual Identity/Orientation Development

Setterlund, M., Feshbach, S., Weiner B., & Bohart A. (2019). Personality. United States of America: Academic Media Solutions.

Personality 5th Edition

Sensitization

A stage in adolescence where one realizes that they are sexually different; however, they aren't proud of their new identity. 

People can respond in several different ways; denial, attempts to change their sexual orientation, avoid situations that confirm sexual desires, form anti-homosexual attitudes, cope with drugs or alcohol, or accept the new identity.

Identity Confusion (Troiden)

The stage where people begin to incorporate homosexuality into their self-concepts. Their homosexual identity is tolerated more than it is embraced. For men this tends to occur around their early 20s and a bit later for women.

Identity Assumption (Troiden)

A person's happiness tends to increase as they allow homosexuality to become a critical component of their identity. Now they tend to engage same-sex relationships, engage deeper with the communities, etc. 

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