Since coming out as gay, Trish only wants to spend her time with other people who identify as sexual minorities. Which stage of sexual identity development is Trish most likely in?

• A. Identity diffusion
• B. Identity confusion
• C. Identity tolerance
• D. Identity achievement

Answer: (C)

This item tests understanding of stages of sexual identity development, focusing on how someone moves from uncertainty to forming a social world around their identity. When Trish comes out as gay and then chooses to spend time only with others who identify as sexual minorities, she’s showing a commitment to a minority-focused social circle and seeking support from peers who share the same orientation. This reflects the tolerance stage, where the individual has begun to accept and embrace their minority identity and starts to align with others who share it, but may not yet have fully integrated this identity into all areas of life or broadened connections beyond that group.

Diffusion or confusion would involve ongoing uncertainty or lack of commitment to any identity, rather than a preference for minority peers. Achievement represents a more integrated stage where the person fully accepts their identity and engages broadly across contexts, not restricting social time to a specific group.