Puberty and LGBTQ Identity: Debunking the 'Phase' Myth

It's a common misconception that LGBTQ individuals who come out during their pre-teen or teenage years may eventually grow out of the phase as their identities solidify. However, the arguments supporting this idea are often based on faulty studies and fail to consider the emotional and social realities of these young individuals.

Understanding Identity in Adolescence

The notion that LGBTQ adolescents might eventually 'grow out of it' is rooted in the belief that their identities are not fully formed until adulthood. However, extensive research and personal experiences demonstrate that many LGBTQ youths, by the time they are around 12 years old, are certain about their identities. Take the author, for instance, who was clear about being a straight girl by that age. Similarly, they have encountered multiple LGBTQ individuals who came out as young as fifth grade, and none of them 'grew out of it.'

Faulty Studies and Invalid Claims

The main argument supporting the 'phase' theory is based on a study that has been widely criticized for its methodology. This study, which purportedly showed that many LGBTQ individuals revert to heterosexual or cisgender identities, was found to be deeply flawed. The study was never peer-reviewed, and Johns Hopkins eventually asked the researcher to discontinue using their name in association with the study after being "asked" to retire. The researcher mixed in cis-heterosexual kids who never showed signs of same-sex attraction or trans identity, using this to base the claim that 80% of those who identified as LGBTQ eventually reverted to cis-heterosexual standards. This is an alarming and utterly invalid conclusion.

The Emotional and Social Context

The 'phase' argument is not only scientifically dubious but also a harmful way for adults to invalidate their children, often due to homophobia and transphobia. It is crucial to recognize that coming out is a deeply personal and often traumatic experience for many LGBTQ youth. Many trans individuals, in particular, show or tell their parents who they truly are from a very young age, but face intense resistance and sometimes physical abuse from parents who force them back into the closet. This abuse can lead to forms of suppression that do not mean the individual's true identity changes. Instead, it means they have to hide who they are to avoid harm. Eventually, they may come out again later in life, which does not indicate a change in their authentic identity but simply a safety issue.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

It is unequivocal that being LGBTQ is not a phase. While the current societal climate has improved for many LGBTQ young people, for those who experience fierce resistance, the closet is a place of safety. This does not mean they are not true to who they are. The experiences of countless trans individuals, including the author and their friends, show that the 'phase' argument is not just incorrect but a deeply harmful one. The reality is that many LGBTQ individuals will eventually find a way to be themselves, but it is a journey fraught with difficulties and dangers.

With the recognition that coming out is a critical but challenging process, it is essential that the wider community supports and encourages every LGBTQ individual to express their true selves. Challenging the 'phase' myth is not just about scientific accuracy but about ensuring that LGBTQ youth are seen and supported for who they are.