https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2452-2087
![Sample our Humanities journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5939/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Humanities.jpg"})
Abstract
Multi-gender attracted (bisexual+) youth experience a high risk for suicide and mental health problems, but little is known about their protective factors. This study explored the challenges and supporting factors for wellbeing in a sample of diverse bisexual+ young people through semi-structured qualitative interviews. Participants (n = 15) were aged 17–25 years and were multi-gender attracted. The sample included young people who were transgender and gender diverse, culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal, living in regional areas, and on the asexual spectrum. This research demonstrated unique challenges and protective factors for bisexual+ wellbeing compared to other sexual minority youth. In particular, the findings highlight the exclusion and stigmatization that many bisexual+ young people face, including from within the LGBTQIA+ community. These experiences were more pronounced for some bisexual+ youth, including TGD or CALD young people. Consequently, bisexual+ youth often had limited social support and a sense of belonging, which can buffer against the impact of marginalization among lesbian and gay youth. Despite these challenges, young people were resilient, empathetic and tolerant of others. Those who had access to supportive environments, visibility, and information on their diversity found these healing. Wellbeing in bisexual+ youth was impacted by a myriad of intersecting aspects of identity and experience, highlighting the importance of intersectional approaches in understanding minority experiences. The findings underscore the need for targeted and intersectional services for sexually diverse youth to address the wellbeing needs of this diverse group.
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge that this study was conducted on Aboriginal lands and recognise the traditional custodians of Eora, Dharug, Dharawal, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Awabakal and Wurundjeri nations, and their elders both past and present. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
We would also like to thank several researchers, community activists, and health professionals who contributed to stakeholder interviews for this project: Eloise Monteiro, Anthony Lekkas, Misty Farquhar, Adele Moleta, Julia Taylor, Josh Muller.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Hilary Miller
Hilary Miller is a public health researcher with a passion for health promotion through addressing the social determinants of health and co-design. They hold an undergraduate in Science (Psychology) and Arts (majoring in Development Studies/Anthropology) from the Australian National University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney.
Louisa Welland holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. She is an experienced qualitative researcher with a curiosity to understand the world through creative, qualitative methods.
Sarah McCook is an experienced feminist researcher and consultant specialising in gender, violence, and social change in so-called Australia and Asia-Pacific. Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate with RMIT University examining men’s lived experiences of masculinity, normativity, and transformative change to prevent gendered violence.
Dr Katherine Giunta has a PhD in Anthropology from The University of Sydney. Her research interests include queer life worlds, youth mental health and marginalised groups’ online lives.
Louisa Welland
Hilary Miller is a public health researcher with a passion for health promotion through addressing the social determinants of health and co-design. They hold an undergraduate in Science (Psychology) and Arts (majoring in Development Studies/Anthropology) from the Australian National University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney.
Louisa Welland holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. She is an experienced qualitative researcher with a curiosity to understand the world through creative, qualitative methods.
Sarah McCook is an experienced feminist researcher and consultant specialising in gender, violence, and social change in so-called Australia and Asia-Pacific. Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate with RMIT University examining men’s lived experiences of masculinity, normativity, and transformative change to prevent gendered violence.
Dr Katherine Giunta has a PhD in Anthropology from The University of Sydney. Her research interests include queer life worlds, youth mental health and marginalised groups’ online lives.
Sarah McCook
Hilary Miller is a public health researcher with a passion for health promotion through addressing the social determinants of health and co-design. They hold an undergraduate in Science (Psychology) and Arts (majoring in Development Studies/Anthropology) from the Australian National University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney.
Louisa Welland holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. She is an experienced qualitative researcher with a curiosity to understand the world through creative, qualitative methods.
Sarah McCook is an experienced feminist researcher and consultant specialising in gender, violence, and social change in so-called Australia and Asia-Pacific. Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate with RMIT University examining men’s lived experiences of masculinity, normativity, and transformative change to prevent gendered violence.
Dr Katherine Giunta has a PhD in Anthropology from The University of Sydney. Her research interests include queer life worlds, youth mental health and marginalised groups’ online lives.
Katherine Giunta
Hilary Miller is a public health researcher with a passion for health promotion through addressing the social determinants of health and co-design. They hold an undergraduate in Science (Psychology) and Arts (majoring in Development Studies/Anthropology) from the Australian National University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney.
Louisa Welland holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. She is an experienced qualitative researcher with a curiosity to understand the world through creative, qualitative methods.
Sarah McCook is an experienced feminist researcher and consultant specialising in gender, violence, and social change in so-called Australia and Asia-Pacific. Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate with RMIT University examining men’s lived experiences of masculinity, normativity, and transformative change to prevent gendered violence.
Dr Katherine Giunta has a PhD in Anthropology from The University of Sydney. Her research interests include queer life worlds, youth mental health and marginalised groups’ online lives.