Sexual Orientation and Youth.

This article explores the developmental and interpersonal experienced by young people as they pertain to gender and sexual orientation. Cognitive isolation from self is one of the unique characteristics of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) developmental processes. As LGBTQ individuals gain self-knowledge, they are challenged by the choices of invisibility versus self-disclosure and safety versus self-respect. By focusing on shifting American views of LGBTQ issues in relation to adolescent gender and sexual orientation development, this article explores the challenges facing LGBTQ youth and adults.