Urban Lesbian and Gay American Indian Identity

Abstract

Research on American Indian identity has been, for the most part, poorly conceptualized and its findings contradictory. Indian identity has been shown to relate to positive mental health and cultural continuity and survival. However, the identity of gay and lesbian American Indians has not yet been addressed. Toward the formulation of a preliminary model of urban lesbian and gay American Indian (GAI) identity development, the author delineates acculturation levels, cultural values, and conflicts in allegiances that GAIs face in negotiating a positive identity. Implications for clinical practice, research, and mental health service delivery are outlined.