Renn, K. A. & Bilodeau B. L. (2011). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identity development theories. In B. Bank (Ed.), Gender and higher education (pp. 55-62). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
“For students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), colleges and universities can be important settings for developing sexual orientation and gender identities. Identity development along many dimensions (e.g., gender, race, ability, social class, and sexual orientation) occurs during college for students of all ages, from those who attend college immediately after high school to those adult learners who return to postsecondary education later in life. Understanding the context and processes of LGBT identity development can help faculty and administrators who work with students in classrooms and out-of-class settings such as residence halls, athletics, and academic and career advising. Theories of LGBT identity development are typically drawn from the fields of psychology and sociology, although there is a growing body of research specifically on the experiences and identities of college students.” (p. 55)