After exposing some opposing principles in the practice of gifted education, this article proposes approaching giftedness as an identity issue. This shift of focus could reconcile opposing approaches, build congruence and strength in our field, and better serve the gifted population. To illustrate the feasibility of this approach and its potential outcomes, the article draws examples from the field of lesbian and gay studies, which has a long tradition of dealing with identity issues. If the shift to an identity approach were made, we should admit the constructed nature of giftedness, emphasize responsibility, pay more attention to adolescents, and facilitate the presence of openly gifted adults as role models.
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