An exploratory study of emerging adults’ decisions not to label their sexual identity

Few studies have explored young people’s decisions to forgo traditional sexual identity labeling, opting instead to not label their sexuality at all. We explored this decision and its effects in a sample of emerging adults aged 18-29 (N = 47) who completed two open-ended online survey prompts in 2022. Findings from thematic analysis suggested participants came to the decision not to label their sexual identity because labels are unnecessary, no label fits, or they anticipated negative reactions from others. Their decisions had positive effects, negative effects, or no effect. These findings suggest some emerging adults prefer not to use a sexual identity label because they perceive their sexuality as complex and sexual identity labels as restrictive. While forgoing a sexual identity label can facilitate greater self-confidence and sexual exploration, it can also trigger expressions of confusion and questioning from friends, family, and community who believe that specific sexual identity labels are necessary. Future research and clinical practice with contemporary emerging adults can incorporate these findings in efforts to be more inclusive of marginalized subpopulations.