Discrimination has psychologically distressing effects in sexual minority individuals (SMI). Based on literature regarding minority stress, minority strengths and relational cultural theory (RCT),...Show moreDiscrimination has psychologically distressing effects in sexual minority individuals (SMI). Based on literature regarding minority stress, minority strengths and relational cultural theory (RCT), we suggest community identification processes and the ability to claim equal rights as protective factors against minority stressors. In this relationship, we suggest beliefs in deserving equal rights to play a central role. In this study, we investigated whether exploring the meaning of one’s identity as SMI, so-called sexual minority identity achievement (SMIA), predicts assertiveness, the readiness to claim equal rights. We further investigated whether self-respect, the belief in having equal rights, mediates this relationship. This secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey (N = 344) focused on a sample of SMI. Assertiveness was measured with the Negative Assertion subscale of the revised Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, SMIA was measured with the Identity Achievement subscale of the Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure adapted for sexual minority individuals, and self-respect was measured with a self-respect measure. Contrary to the hypothesis, multiple regression analysis found no significant relationship between SMIA and assertiveness. However, when including self-respect as a mediator, we found SMIA to positively predict assertiveness. Mediation analysis further found that self-respect partially mediates the effect of SMIA on assertiveness. Specifically, SMIA was found to negatively predict self-respect, contrary to the hypothesis, while self-respect positively predicted assertiveness, as hypothesized. From these findings, it follows that both SMIA and self-respect independently predict assertiveness. Furthermore, potential pathways of SMIA affecting self-respect are considered in the context of RCT and implications for future research are discussed.Show less