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Constructing a sexual identity is one of the major developmental tasks of adolescence. Applying the Media Practice Model, this study retrospectively examines how self-identifying lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals used media during the commencement of the coming-out process and the effects of media use during this pivotal time of development. Results indicate that the Internet plays a critical role in the development of LGB sexual identities. Heavy users of media during the coming-out process are significantly less likely to communicate openly with their families later in life. However, individuals' reports of loneliness and self-esteem are not affected. Conclusions suggest that mediated forms of communication can be beneficial for sexual exploration among LGB individuals.Keywords Sexual orientation Á Adolescent development Á Media effects Á Family communication Understanding and appreciating one's own sexuality can be an arduous process creating grief and complications for many adolescents. The case is especially true for individuals who realize their sexuality may not fit societal norms. Although adolescents spend a significant amount of time talking about sex and exploring sex in the media (Savin-Williams and Diamond 2004), using the media during sexual exploration could have consequences on the family structure. Research has systematically explored the ways in which family communication is related to media use (Wilson 2004), and how lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adolescents utilize family communication when dealing with their sexuality (Feldman and Rosenthal 2002). Previous research has not, however, analyzed how each of these

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