Queer socialization: A case study of lesbian, gay, and queer (LGQ) parent families

ABSTRACT

This paper uses case study data from four lesbian, gay, and queer (LGQ) parent families with children between the ages of 14–18 years old to describe queer socialization, or the process of by which children learn about queer culture. The author draws on the racial socialization literature, and extends the limited research on socialization in lesbian and gay (LG) parent families, by describing the content, form, and rationale for queer socialization. Results indicate that queer socialization takes the form of direct, indirect, and time management strategies aimed at teaching children about queer culture, discrimination toward LGBTQ people, wariness in relationships with heterosexual or socially conservative individuals, or heteronormativity. Queer socialization occurred in these families because of concerns for children’s wellbeing, and environmental, parental, and child characteristics. Understanding the what, how, and why of queer socialization is the first step to fully understanding the process and utilizing it to improve the lives of LGBTQ parent families.

KEYWORDS:

• Socialization
• Lesbian
• Gay
• Queer
• Socialization
• Multiracial
• Black families

Highlights

• Presents research on four Black and multiracial families with LGQ parents and teenagers.

• Queer socialization is a process by which children learn about queer culture.

• Queer socialization may be direct, indirect, or involve time management.

• The content of queer socialization varies.

• Queer socialization occurs due to family characteristics and concern for wellbeing.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my mentor, colleague, and friend Ramona Faith Oswald for her support and guidance throughout this project from its inception to this publication. Data collection and analysis would not have been possible without my undergraduate research assistants, Daniel Salazar and Ariel Watts, and the generous support of the Jesse Bernard Outstanding Research Proposal Award from a Feminist Perspective through the Feminism & Family Studies Section of the National Council on Family Relations.