Identity integration: Aligning sexual orientation and gender identity with leadership

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity brings unique experiences, challenges, and strengths to leadership positions. However, the extent to which sexual orientation and gender identity influence one’s leadership role may depend on how much these identities are integrated. When LGBTQ identity is connected to leadership identity, it could add extra difficulties to leading, but it may also be a source of strength, resulting in enhanced leadership. Based on 52 interviews with LGBTQ leaders, we used a grounded theory approach to develop a theoretical framework suggesting that identity integration, i.e., how closely LGBTQ identity is aligned with leadership identity, may lead to enhanced leadership among this population in two ways. We found that identity integration affected some leaders’ power and influence over others (though sometimes hampered by discrimination) and led to some individuals gaining more skills and/or opportunities that helped them lead and influence others. However, a consistent theme throughout was that the potential positive aspects of identity integration were nuanced and often intertwined with struggles. Our findings contribute to the literature on LGBTQ leadership by examining the ways in which integrating identities can add another layer to the experience of being a leader, encompassing added benefits as well as additional challenges. Broadly, this study can help organizations best utilize and support these leaders, and LGBTQ people themselves can better understand how to navigate the challenging yet potentially rewarding positions they are in as leaders.