Sexual orientation identity development has been explained through various stage models (Cass, 1984; Troiden, 1989), recognizing the complexity and diversity in how individuals experience attraction (Fassinger & Miller, 1996; Drescher & Byne, 2017; Kasai, 2023). Drescher and Byne (2017) proposed terms such as "closeted," "homosexually self-aware," and "coming out to oneself" to describe identity stages. Traditional theories often position identity integration as the endpoint, assuming that those who have not adopted a sexual minority identity are still in development. However, individuals may recognize same-sex attraction without adopting a corresponding identity or acting on their attraction in Japan.
This study explored internal processes of identity development among eight individuals in Japan who reported experiencing same-sex attraction. Using Trajectory Equifinality Modeling (TEM), each participant engaged in three interviews, tracing their experiences from early awareness to current sexual identity expression.
Findings revealed a shared progression: initial unawareness or misperceptions about same-sex attraction, followed by awareness triggered by romantic experiences or external events, leading to diverse forms of self-expression. These personal expressions, termed Equifinality Points (EFPs), varied widely—from clear labels to ambiguous or nonverbal forms of identity.
The analysis identified three phases: unawareness of same-sex attraction, internal recognition of it, and navigating one's sexuality. Among these, coming out to oneself—the internal acknowledgment of same-sex attraction—stood out as particularly significant. Participants varied in how they ultimately expressed or did not express their sexuality, suggesting identity expression is not uniform. This underscores the importance of coming out to oneself as a pivotal psychological step. For many, it was triggered by romantic feelings or external events, which facilitated internal recognition without requiring public identification. The process varied in pace and sometimes repeated. Notably, recognizing attraction did not always lead to stable identity, highlighting that self-identification and attraction remain distinct yet related.