Factors limiting SGM youths’ involvement in nonmetropolitan SGM community organizations

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youths face risks due to growing up with stigmatized identities. SGM organizations minimize these risks by reducing isolation, promoting positive identity development, and providing access to supportive resources. However, nonmetropolitan SGM youths may have high risks with low access to SGM organizations. Little research has been conducted on nonmetropolitan SGM organizations. This study utilized in-depth interviews and open-ended survey items to explore the factors limiting SGM youths’ involvement in nonmetropolitan SGM organizations. Findings revealed three factors limiting involvement: accessibility, utility, and stigma. Implications for future research and practice with SGM youths are discussed.

Keywords:

• sexual and gender minority
• youth
• community
• community organization
• barriers
• LGBTQ

Acknowledgments

The first author wishes to thank her dissertation committee for their assistance with this study: Janet Liechty, Ramona F. Oswald, Benjamin Lough, Jennifer Greene, and Shelley Craig. Thank you, also, to Amanda Hwu and Hortencia Arizpe for their assistance in data collection and analysis.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by The Williams Institute and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate College.