Barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organizations are spaces in which LGBTQ individuals can access support and community, yet they have received little empirical attention, particularly outside urban areas. Given the benefits of LGBTQ community involvement, this study examined the barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Three qualitative methods were employed: interviews, focus groups, and participant observation sessions. Thematic analyses identified eight barriers originating within the individual (managing one's LGBTQ identity, individual characteristics), organization (lack of diversity, group dynamics, lack of awareness of programs, workplace/school climate), and community (size, hostility). Implications for reducing barriers in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ; LGBTQ organizations; nonmetropolitan; community involvement; LGBTQ community

Acknowledgments

We thank the research sites, including their program users, volunteers, and leaders, for their participation in this study. We also thank the 16 interviewees and six focus group members for their willingness to share their time, stories, and lives with us.