Race, ethnicity, gender, and generational factors associated with the coming-out process among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals.Identification with the gay, lesbian, or bisexual bisexual /bi·sex·u·al/ (-sek´shoo-al) 1. pertaining to or characterized by bisexuality. 2. an individual exhibiting bisexuality. 3. pertaining to or characterized by hermaphroditism. 4. (GLB (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) Enacted in 1999 and effective in mid 2001, the GLB stipulates that every financial institution shall protect the security and confidentiality of its customers' confidential personal information. ) community revolves around the concept of a common marginalized sexual identity. This community identification process has often been examined in the context of coming out, when an individual begins to associate her or himself personally and publicly with other GLB persons, or discloses her or his sexual identity to non-GLB persons. Demographic factors like race, ethnicity, gender, and age play important roles in the coming-out process, but few recent studies have looked at this phenomenon. Early studies attempted to explain connections between these life events. Dank's (1971) study of 237 gay men found the average age of first sexual desire toward the same gender occurred around age 13, while acceptance of sexual identity emerged much later, around age 19. Additionally, men over the age of 30 self-identified as gay approximately three years later than men under the age of 30, indicating some cohort effect The term cohort effect is used in social science to describe variations in the characteristics of an area of study (such as the incidence of a characteristic or the age at onset) over time among individuals who are defined by some shared temporal experience or common life . Other studies have reported awareness of same-gender feelings among men at an average age of 13 (Bell, Weinberg, & Hammersmith, 1981; Kooden et al., 1979; McDonald, 1982) and between 14 and 16 for women (Bell et al., 1981; Riddle riddle, puzzling question, specifically one that consists of a fanciful description or definition of something to be guessed. A famous riddle was asked by the Sphinx: "What goes on four legs in the morning, on two at noon, on three at night?" Oedipus guessed the & Morin, 1977). With increased visibility of the GLB community as a result of gay liberation movements Noun 1. gay liberation movement - the movement aimed at liberating homosexuals from legal or social or economic oppression gay lib crusade, campaign, cause, drive, effort, movement - a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular and the emergence of HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. in the early 1980s, it is possible that the ages people experience milestones such as coming out to oneself, coming out to others, and same-gender sexual debut (i.e., first sexual behavior sexual behavior A person's sexual practices–ie, whether he/she engages in heterosexual or homosexual activity. See Sex life, Sexual life. with someone of the same gender) have changed. D'Augelli and Hershberger's (1993) study of 194 ethnically diverse GLB youth (ages 15-21 years) found reported self-awareness of GLB sexual orientation sexual orientation n. The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes, especially a direction seen to be dictated by physiologic rather than sociologic forces. at the average age of 10, but disclosure to others did not occur until about age 16. This is younger than suggested by previous studies. Same-gender sexual debut has been investigated by a number of researchers, but none recent. Historically, gay men have been found to report sexual debut with another man at an average age of 15 (Bell et al., 1981; Kooden et al., 1979; McDonald, 1982; Troiden, 1979). Meanwhile, lesbians report sexual debut with another woman later, at about age 20 (Bell et al.; Cook, Boxer, & Herdt, 1989; Riddle & Morin, 1977). Various theories of sexual identity development may help explain these gender differences in coming out and same-gender sexual debut (Plummer; 1975; Ponse, 1978; Troiden, 1979). Cass (1979) was the first to develop a model that could account for gay and lesbian identity development, and Troiden (1988) later adapted his theory to include both men and women. Although common models were developed, researchers have agreed that men become aware of their same-gender feelings at earlier ages than women (Bell et al., 1981; Kooden et al., 1979; McDonald, 1982; Riddle & Morin, 1977; Troiden, 1979). Most researchers have treated coming out as a desired end, whereas failure to come out is seen as a form of resistance, an indication of self-hatred, shame, embarrassment, or some other negative psychological phenomenon (Phellas, 1999). Understanding how this process might work for individuals of varied backgrounds is of utmost importance (Phellas). In addition, one needs to understand the positive (e.g., support from family, peers, and service providers) and negative (e.g., threats of violence, discord Discord See also Confusion. Andras demon of discord. [Occultism: Jobes, 93] discord, apple of caused conflict among goddesses; Trojan War ultimate result. [Gk. Myth. with cultural expectations) contexts in which individuals come out (Wallace, Carter, Nanin, Keller, & Alleyne, 2002). Race and ethnicity has not been addressed adequately in early studies on the coming-out process for GLB persons. Most findings of these studies were observed in samples composed of predominately White GLB persons. Only recently have researchers attempted to address issues related to racial and ethnic diversity within and across GLB communities (see Battle, Cohen cohen or kohen (Hebrew: “priest”) Jewish priest descended from Zadok (a descendant of Aaron), priest at the First Temple of Jerusalem. The biblical priesthood was hereditary and male. , Warren, Fergerson, & Audam, 2000). Factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age may interact with the coming-out process (Rosario, Schrimshaw, & Hunter, 2004). Phellas (1999) reported that disclosure of GLB sexual orientation to a family member presents challenges to ethnic minority families, who tend not to discuss sexuality issues and presume a heterosexual orientation. Also, researchers do not discount the impact that racism within the predominately-White GLB community can have on GLB people of color Noun 1. people of color - a race with skin pigmentation different from the white race (especially Blacks) people of colour, colour, color race - people who are believed to belong to the same genetic stock; "some biologists doubt that there are important (Icard, 1986; Loicano, 1989; Martinez & Sullivan, 1998; Savin-Williams, 1997) such that prejudice and discrimination alienates GLB people of color (Rosario et al., 2004). Based on knowledge of the substantial changes that have occurred both within society and within GLB communities, we hypothesized that age-cohort differences would exist among GLB adults in terms of the coming-out process, with younger individuals reporting beginning this process at an earlier age. Furthermore, we hypothesized that compared to GLB people of color, White individuals would report coming out earlier. Finally, we hypothesized that women would report coming out later than men. METHOD Participants and Procedure A cross-sectional street-intercept survey method (Miller, Wilder, Stillman, & Becker, 1997) was used to administer the "Sex and Love Survey, Version 2.0" to 2,733 participants at a series of GLB community events in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. and Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. between the fall of 2003 and the spring of 2004. The intercept intercept in mathematical terms the points at which a curve cuts the two axes of a graph. survey approach to collecting data has been used in previous studies, including those focused on GLB persons, and has been shown to provide data that is comparable to that obtained from more methodologically rigorous approaches (Halkitis & Parsons Parsons, city (1990 pop. 11,924), Labette co., SE Kans.; inc. 1871. It is a shipping point for dairy products, grain, and livestock. Manufactures include ammunition, wire and paper products, plastics, and appliances. , 2002; Koken, Parsons, Bimbi, & Severino, 2005). The response rate was high, with 82.9% of individuals consenting to complete a survey. As an incentive, those completing the 15-20 minute questionnaire were provided with a voucher A receipt or release which provides evidence of payment or other discharge of a debt, often for purposes of reimbursement, or attests to the accuracy of the accounts. for free admission to a movie. The survey instrument included items that assessed experience with a broad range of sexual behaviors, history of sexually transmitted infections, substance use, physical health, and a series of scales related to psychological well-being psychological well-being Research A nebulous legislative term intended to ensure that certain categories of lab animals, especially primates, don't 'go nuts' as a result of experimental design or conditions . This study was conducted by the Center for HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Educational Studies and Training (CHEST) and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the authors. To protect their confidentiality, participants were given the survey on a clipboard A reserved section of memory that is used as a temporary holding area for data that is copied or moved from one application to another using the copy and paste and cut and paste (move) menu options. Each time you transfer something into the clipboard, the previous contents are deleted. so they could step away from others to complete the questionnaire. Participants were also requested not to include any identifying information on the surveys. Upon completion, participants deposited their survey into a secure box at the event. Data were entered into an SPSS A statistical package from SPSS, Inc., Chicago (www.spss.com) that runs on PCs, most mainframes and minis and is used extensively in marketing research. It provides over 50 statistical processes, including regression analysis, correlation and analysis of variance. database and subsequently verified by project staff for accuracy. Measures Demographics The attributes of people in a particular geographic area. Used for marketing purposes, population, ethnic origins, religion, spoken language, income and age range are examples of demographic data. . Participants were asked to indicate age, sexual identity, and race/ethnicity (by checking all that apply). Response categories to race/ethnicity included African American African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. , Asian/Pacific Islander, European/ White, Hispanic/Latino, and Other (Specify). Coming out and sexual debut. Three separate questions were included following Floyd and Stein's (2002) example of the different aspects of coming out. Participants were asked to indicate the age they admitted to themselves they were GLB, the age they told another person they were GLB, and whether or not their parent/s (or person/s who raised them) were aware of their sexual activity with same-gendered partners. Finally, participants were asked to indicate the age they first had sex with a same-gendered partner. Analytic Plan We performed cross-tabulations and chi-square statistical tests to compare categorical data categorical data data relating to category such as qualitative data, e.g. dog, cat, female. It may be nominal when a name is used, e.g. location, breed, or ordinal when a range of categories is used, e.g. calf, yearling, cow. such as race/ethnicity, gender, and age cohorts. Mean differences by gender were compared using t-tests. Finally, in cases where categorical That which is unqualified or unconditional. A categorical imperative is a rule, command, or moral obligation that is absolutely and universally binding. Categorical is also used to describe programs limited to or designed for certain classes of people. variables containing more than two categories (such as race and ethnicity) were compared across a continuous variable (such as age of first sex with someone of the same gender), we used ANOVA anova see analysis of variance. ANOVA Analysis of variance, see there multiple comparisons and Bonferroni post-hoc analyses. Age, originally an open-ended item, was recoded into age-cohort categories: 18 to 24; 25 to 34; 35 to 44; 45 to 54; and over 55. The youngest age cohort contained individuals spanning seven years, while older cohorts span ten years. Young adults, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, are at a unique developmental phase called emerging adulthood Emerging adulthood is a phase of the life span between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, proposed by Jeffrey Arnett in a 2000 article in the American Psychologist (summary of article). The concept of Emerging Adulthood is closely related to the idea of a "Twixter. (Arnett, 2004). Although ages in this cohort are unevenly balanced from other cohorts in this analysis, it is developmentally more homogenous homogenous - homogeneous than having combined all 18 to 29 year olds together. RESULTS Approximately 15% (n = 400) of the sample were female. African Americans comprised 10% (n = 274), Asian/Pacific Islanders Islanders may refer to:
Among men, younger cohorts were more racially and ethnically diverse. For example, 79.3% (n = 135) of men over the age of 55 were White, compared to only 53.1% (n = 119) of men between ages 18 to 24, [chi square chi square (kī), n a nonparametric statistic used with discrete data in the form of frequency count (nominal data) or percentages or proportions that can be reduced to frequencies. ] (16) = 115.43, p < .001 (see Table 2). Similarly, there were more women of color not of the white race; - commonly meaning, esp. in the United States, of negro blood, pure or mixed. See also: Color among the younger female participants; however, no statistical tests could be performed due to low expected counts in some cells. Gender Differences in Coming Out and Sexual Debut On average, men reported coming out to themselves at a younger age (M = 17.5) than did women (M = 19.6), t(2,519) = 5.66, p < .001. Men were also younger (M = 17.9) than women (M = 19.8) when engaging in their first same-gender sexual experiences, t(2,259) = 5.58, p < .001. There were no significant gender differences between the ages that men and women reported coming out to others, nor whether they had come out to their parents. Age Cohort Differences in Coming Out and Sexual Debut Among women, there were significant differences between age cohorts with regard to coming out, F (4, 377) = 14.15, p < .001 (see Table 3). Women ages 18 to 24 reported coming out to themselves at younger ages than all older cohorts (M = 15.88). Among men, similar differences were identified between age cohorts (F [4, 2127] = 14.15, p < .001) in that those ages 18 to 24 reported coming out to themselves at a younger age than all older cohorts (M = 15.01). Although males ages 25 to 34 (M = 16.87) and those 35 to 44 (M = 17.31) did not differ statistically in the reported age of coming out to oneself, men ages 25 to 34 came out at an earlier age than those in older cohorts, 45 to 54 (M = 19.26) and 55 and above (M = 20.31). Women ages 18 to 24 (M = 16.87) and 25 to 34 (M = 20.11) reported a significantly younger age at coming out to others compared to older cohorts, F (4, 366) = 22.60, p < .001. Meanwhile, all remaining older cohorts of women did not significantly differ from one another. Men ages 18 to 24 (M = 16.94) reported coming out to others at a significantly younger age than all other age cohorts, F (4, 2,016) = 46.32, p < .001. In addition, men ages 25 to 34 (M = 19.84) reported coming out to others at younger ages than those 45 to 54 (M = 22.50) and 55 and above (M = 24.11). Among men, younger cohorts were more likely to report being out to their parents than older cohorts ([chi square] [4] = 30.761, p < .001). Approximately 75% (n = 169) of men ages 18 to 24 reported being out to their parents, compared to 71% (n = 266) of men 45 to 54 and only 55% (n = 99) of men over 55 (see Table 4). Statistical analyses were not performed on women because of low expected counts in one cell. Among women, significant differences in reported ages of sexual debut with a person of the same gender were identified across age cohorts, F (4, 368) = 14.75,p < .001. Post-hoc analyses revealed women ages 18 to 24 (M = 16.85) reported experiencing same-gender sex for the first time at significantly younger ages than those in all other age categories, with the exception of those ages 25 to 34 (M = 18.78). Women ages 35 to 44 (M = 21.33) and 45 to 54 (M = 23.00) did not significantly differ from one another in reported age of same-gender sexual debut; however, they did differ from those over 55 (M = 28.43) by more than seven years. Similar significant differences were found among men and their first reported same-gender sexual experience. Men ages 18 to 24 (M = 16.08) reported sexual debut at a younger age than those in all older age categories, F (4, 1,880) = 6.65, p < .001. Unique to this analysis was that none of the other male age cohorts significantly differed from one another in reported age of first same-gender sexual experience. See Table 3 for all age comparisons. Race and Ethnicity Differences in Coming Out and Sexual Debut Because there were uneven distributions of race across age cohorts, racial and ethnic differences in ages of coming out to self and others were assessed within each cohort, split by gender. ANOVAs conducted with these data revealed no significant differences between racial and ethnic groups in reported ages of coming out to self and coming out to others. Essentially, the age cohort differences by gender (see Table 3) were robust across race and ethnicity. We found significant differences between racial and ethnic groups in being out to one's parents. Separate cross-tabulations were conducted for both men and women (see Table 5). Approximately 80% (n = 164) of White women reported being out to their parents, compared to 61% (n = 39) of African American women, 72% (n = 55) of Latinas, and 68% (n = 30) of women identifying as Other races. Similarly, 77% (n = 1,094) of White men indicated they were out to their parents, compared to 51% (n = 82) of Asian/Pacific Islander men, 62% (n = 118) of African American men, 69% (n = 197) of Latinos, and 71% (n = 89) of men identifying as other races. These relationships remained intact even when we split the analysis by age cohort. We conducted ANOVAs to examine potential race and ethnicity differences in age of same-gender sexual debut. For the most part, there were no significant differences in reported age of sexual debut with same-gender partners across race and ethnicity; however, among 25- to 34-year-olds, there were significant findings. White women ages 25 to 34 (M = 19.66) reported experiencing same-gender sexual debut approximately three years after Latina women ages 25-34 (M = 16.64), F (3, 125) = 3.16, p < .05. African American men ages 25 to 34 (M = 15.51) reported their first same-gender sexual experience at younger ages than Asian/Pacific Islanders (M = 19.51), Whites (M = 18.03), and men identifying as Other (M = 19.61), F (4, 607) = 7.08, p < .001. There were no other significant racial or ethnic differences in reported sexual debut within any other age cohort categories among men or women. DISCUSSION This investigation was conducted to describe how race, ethnicity, age, and gender are related to the coming-out process. There has been little research that addresses gender, age, racial, and ethnic diversity within GLB communities. Among the few studies discussed, there is mounting evidence that GLB communities are highly diverse. Exploring these differences and how they relate to identity and everyday life is critical to both GLB communities and the public health arena. Then GLB communities can better address how to meet the varying needs of their members, while the public health community can better direct services, support, and interventions for GLB communities. Furthermore, exploring the differential experiences in coming out within the GLB community is critical to understanding the GLB community as a whole. This analysis found that among both men and women, younger cohorts are coming out at earlier ages; this finding supports both previous research (Dank, 1971) and the hypotheses tested in this study. This could be due to current cultural factors impacting the coming-out process. A younger person admitting a GLB identity today does not carry the same stigma stigma: see pistil. Stigma mark of Cain God’s mark on Cain, a sign of his shame for fratricide. [O. T.: Genesis 4:15] scarlet letter or taboo taboo or tabu (both: tăb  `, tə–), prohibition of an act or the use of an object or word under pain of punishment. as one who did so two decades ago. As a result,
age of both discovery and admission of GLB sexual identity may be more
on par with their heterosexual youth counterparts (Graber &
Archibald, 2001). This further exemplifies the need to provide GLB
affirmative health education, prevention, and services to young adults
as they are coming into their sexual identities.Developing multiple identities based on sexuality, race/ethnicity, and other factors can be difficult (Wallace et al., 2002). Among GLB people of color, sexual identity often remains secondary or tertiary to other identities and roles (Phellas, 1999). A person of color Noun 1. person of color - (formal) any non-European non-white person person of colour individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul - a human being; "there was too much for one person to do" may prioritize pri·or·i·tize v. pri·or·i·tized, pri·or·i·tiz·ing, pri·or·i·tiz·es Usage Problem v.tr. To arrange or deal with in order of importance. v.intr. the development of a racial/ethnic identity over a sexual identity in response to many psychosocial psychosocial /psy·cho·so·cial/ (si?ko-so´shul) pertaining to or involving both psychic and social aspects. psy·cho·so·cial adj. Involving aspects of both social and psychological behavior. and environmental barriers associated with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status socioeconomic status, n the position of an individual on a socio-economic scale that measures such factors as education, income, type of occupation, place of residence, and in some populations, ethnicity and religion. (Wallace et al.). This study indicated that people of color come out to themselves and others and experience sex with a same-gendered partner at roughly the same age as White people. In this respect, the hypothesis was not supported. The significant findings related to racial and ethnic differences in age of first sexual activity among men and women ages 25 to 34 are speculative and could be an artifact A distortion in an image or sound caused by a limitation or malfunction in the hardware or software. Artifacts may or may not be easily detectable. Under intense inspection, one might find artifacts all the time, but a few pixels out of balance or a few milliseconds of abnormal sound of the sample. White men and women were far more likely to be out their parents compared to all other racial and ethnic groups. Those least likely to be out were Asian/Pacific Islander men and African American men and women. These data suggest coming into a GLB identity is not hindered or delayed by being a racial or ethnic minority (see also Rosario et al., 2004); however, barriers of disclosure to parents/guardians are still evident. Nonetheless, these data do not refute re·fute tr.v. re·fut·ed, re·fut·ing, re·futes 1. To prove to be false or erroneous; overthrow by argument or proof: refute testimony. 2. that GLB persons of color manage multiple identities. Further investigation into potential barriers to being out to one's parents, and how this varies according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. racial and ethnic background, is warranted. Finally, the data indicated women experienced the coming-out process differently than men. These findings support the hypothesis and previous research (Bell et al., 1981; Kooden et al., 1979; McDonald, 1982; Riddle & Morin, 1977; Troiden, 1979). Although younger cohorts of both men and women are coming into a GLB sexual identity at earlier ages than respective older cohorts, women overall begin the process at later ages than men. Further, there is a much larger gap between older and younger cohorts in ages when the process begins among women. For example, women ages 18-24 came out when they were more than 10 years younger than women over 55, compared to a seven-year gap between men in comparable age categories. Likewise, younger participants experienced sexual debut with the same gender at earlier ages than older participants, and this age gap was more pronounced among women. Limitations Some limitations to the data collected for this study should be considered when evaluating the generalizability of these findings. These results do not adequately represent all facets of the GLB community, but they give a comprehensive picture of the individuals that attend large-scale GLB events. The venues at which data were collected may not represent individuals who live outside of large urban cities. Since the GLB community is not restricted to metropolitan areas, further investigation into less densely-populated areas is warranted. Lack of comparative racial and ethnic diversity among older GLB cohorts suggests a need for specific outreach in working with older GLB people of color. Since these data were collected at large-scale venues, lack of equal representation suggests older GLB people of color may not have had the desire to attend these events. As discussed in previous research, GLB people of color carry multiple identities. The salience sa·li·ence also sa·li·en·cy n. pl. sa·li·en·ces also sa·li·en·cies 1. The quality or condition of being salient. 2. A pronounced feature or part; a highlight. Noun 1. of other identities could be stronger among older individuals (Bergling, 2004). Lack of representation among older GLB people of color could also be attributed to long-standing impacts of racism (Icard, 1986; Loicano, 1989; Martinez & Sullivan, 1998; Savin-Williams, 1997), hence reducing interest in attending the events where data were collected. We were unsuccessful in obtaining a representative sample of Asian/Pacific Islander women. Further research is needed to understand how Asian identities might play a role in the lives of Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian and bisexual women and their involvement in the GLB community. Finally, although efforts were taken to ensure confidentiality, there was potential for biased responses due to social desirability in the reporting of sensitive information. Implications Few researchers have documented the diversity that exists within the GLB community in age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The findings from this analysis speak not only to other researchers who endeavor to study diversity within GLB communities, but also to service providers and health educators who continue to work with and for such communities. Treatment of psychosocial and developmental issues surrounding and within GLB communities must be culturally appropriate in order to meet the needs of the various populations represented. It is imperative to provide support to GLB individuals during the coming-out process as it has been linked to both psychological and physical well-being (Cole, Kemeny, Taylor, & Visscher, 1996; Kennamer, Honnold, Bradford, & Hendricks, 2000; Peacock peacock or peafowl, large bird of the genus Pavo, in the pheasant family, native to E Asia. There are two main species, the common (Pavo cristatus), and the Javanese (P. , 2000; Ryan & Futterman, 1998; Stokes Stokes , William 1804-1878. British physician. Known especially for his studies of diseases of the chest and heart, he expanded on the observations of John Cheyne in describing the breathing irregularity now known as Cheyne-Stokes respiration. & Peterson, 1998). Additionally, there is a documented relationship between lack of disclosure of sexual orientation and risk for HIV (Kennamer et al., 2000; Ryan & Futterman, 1998; Stokes & Peterson, 1998). Meanwhile, other researchers have identified a relationship between concealment of homosexual identity and diseases such as cancer (Cole et al., 1996). Exploring issues of multiple identities among GLB people of color is central to research and program development for these populations. This study found that among both men and women, people of color were better-represented in younger age cohorts. Since these individuals are coming into both adulthood and their sexual identity, this is an important time to provide culturally-appropriate prevention and educational services for facilitating the coming-out process, as well as for fostering healthier behaviors. Researchers have found young men ages 18 to 24 are reporting more sexual risk behavior than in previous years (Bellis, Cook, Clark, Syed, & Hoskins, 2002; Catania et al., 2001). This analysis found the youngest cohort reported sex at earlier ages than all other cohorts. Thus, adolescence and early adulthood is an urgent time to provide support and educational services related to safer sex and other harm-reduction practices. Acknowledgment acknowledgment, in law, formal declaration or admission by a person who executed an instrument (e.g., a will or a deed) that the instrument is his. The acknowledgment is made before a court, a notary public, or any other authorized person. and announcement of one's sexual identity to oneself and to others is a process experienced differently depending upon one's age, gender, and racial/ethnic background. The importance of addressing coming-out issues in health and social service provision, as well as in sexuality education, is apparent. These findings speak not only to health and social service providers, but also to policy makers developing sexuality education curriculum for teens and young adults. Further, they inform the arena of sexuality research and the impact historical changes of the last few decades have had on the coming-out process. Note. The Sex and Love v2.0 Project was supported by the Hunter College Hunter College: see New York, City University of. Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), under the direction of Jeffrey T. Parsons. We acknowledge the contributions of other members of the Sex and Love v2.0 Research Team--Gideon Feldstein, Catherine Holder, James Kelleher James Francis "Jim" Kelleher, PC , QC , BA , LL.B (born October 2, 1930) is a Canadian politician and retired Senator. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Law degree in 1956 from Osgoode , Juline A. Koken, Joseph C. Punzalan, and Diane Tider, and would like to extend particular thanks to Juline A. Koken for her assistance in the preparation of the manuscript. We additionally acknowledge the financial support for Christian Grov from the Graduate Center's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) was founded in 1991 by Professor Martin Duberman as the first university-based research center in the United States dedicated to the study of historical, cultural, and political issues of vital concern to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and (CLAGS CLAGS Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CUNY) ) and from the Birdie Fuch award of the Department of Sociology Noun 1. department of sociology - the academic department responsible for teaching and research in sociology sociology department academic department - a division of a school that is responsible for a given subject . Manuscript accepted August 30, 2005 REFERENCES Arnett, J. J. (2004). 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Table 1. Age, Race, and Ethnicity of Sample by Gender
% Mean Age SD Range
Women (n = 400)
African American 16.5 34.55 10.42 18-62
Asian/Pacific Islander (1) -- -- -- --
White 52.3 34.37 10.78 18-71
Latina 20.0 33.57 9.92 19-56
Other 11.3 31.51 10.28 19-63
Men (n = 2,333)
African American 9.0 37.87 9.88 19-74
Asian/Pacific Islander 7.4 35.06 19.01 18-67
White 63.9 39.48 11.28 18-80
Latino 13.7 33.83 9.11 18-75
Other 6.0 27.29 11.96 20-84
(1) API women coded into "Other" category due to small sample size.
Table 2. Racial and Ethnic Composition by Age Cohort and
Gender
Asian/
African Pacific
Age American Islander (1) White Latino/a Other Total
Women *
18 to 24
(n = 87) 16.1% -- 48.0% 19.5% 16.0% 100%
25 to 34
(n = 138) 13.0 -- 55.0 21.0 11.0 100
35 to 44
(n = 103) 21.4 -- 47.0 19.4 13.0 100
45 to 54
(n = 58) 13.8 -- 66.0 19.0 1.7 100
55+
(n = 11) 27.3 -- 36.0 18.2 18.0 100
Men **
18 to 24
(n = 224) 9.4% 8.0% 21.0% 53.0% 8.9% 100%
25 to 34
(n = 717) 7.4 10.0 20.0 56.0 6.1 100
35 to 44
(n = 796) 10.1 7.7 12.0 65.0 5.7 100
45 to 54
(n = 390) 11.0 3.3 5.6 75.0 4.9 100
55+
(n = 193) 5.7 3.6 5.2 79.0 6.2 100
(1) API women coded into "Other" category due to small sample size.
* No [chi square] performed, expected cell count < 5 for three cells.
** [chi square] (16) = 115.43, p < .001.
Table 3. Age Cohort Differences by Gender
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+
Mean age (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Sig.
Women
Out to self 15.88 18.86 21.06 23.09 24.90 p < .001
Out to others 16.87 20.11 22.93 25.53 27.38 p < .001
Same-gender
sexual debut 16.85 18.78 21.33 23.00 28.43 p < .001
Men
Out to self 15.01 16.87 17.31 19.26 20.31 p < .001
Out to others 16.94 19.84 20.54 22.50 24.11 p < .001
Same-gender
sexual debut 16.08 17.86 17.86 18.64 18.95 p < .001
Mean age Post-hoc
Women
Out to self A < B,C,D,E
B < D,E
Out to others A < B,C,D,E
B < C,D,E
Same-gender A < C,D,E
sexual debut B < C,D,E
C < E
Men
Out to self A < B,C,D,E
B < D,E
C < D,E
Out to others A < B,C,D,E
B < D,E
C < D,E
D < E
Same-gender
sexual debut A < B,C.D,E
Table 4. Cross-Tabulation of Age Cohort and Percentage Out to Parents
Cohort Women * Men **
18 to 24 71.3% 75.4%
25 to 34 79.7 74.4
35 to 44 72.7 74.1
45 to 54 71.4 71.3
55+ 60.0 55.0
* No [chi square] performed, expected count < 5 for one cell.
** [chi square] (4) = 30.761, p < .001.
Table 5. Cross-Tabulation of Race and Ethnicity and
Percentage Out to Parents
Cohort Women * Men **
African American 60.9% 61.8%
Asian/Pacific Islander (1) -- 51.3
White 80.4 76.8
Latino/a 72.4 69.1
Other 68.2 71.2
(1) API women coded into "Other" category due to small sample size.
* [chi square] (4) = 10.94, p < .05.
** [chi square] (4) = 61.67, p < .001.
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