Queering labels: Expanding identity categories in LGBTQ + research and clinical practice

Abstract

Current understandings of gender and sexual identities are limited given the diversity of the LGBTQ + community. Researchers and clinicians are constantly challenged by the ever- expanding identity options. The current analysis seeks to bring awareness to the importance of moving beyond traditional binary gender identity and sexual identity categories when working with Millennial and Generation Z LGBTQ + populations. A sample of 1863 LGBTQ + young adults (M_age = 19.54, SD = 3.33, range= 18-35) reported on their gender identities and sexual identities. We found that 40% of our sample endorsed an expansive sexual identity while 34% endorsed an expansive gender identity. We also found differences between participants based on generational cohorts. Generation Z participants were more likely to report an expansive gender and sexual identity, when compared to Millennials. This data serves to inform researchers and clinicians as they continue work with, and serve, LGBTQ + communities.

KEYWORDS:

• Identity labels
• subverting binaries
• generation z
• millennials
• expansive identities

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Lou Collette S. Felipe to the initial grant application and design of this study.

Notes

1 The language of “expansive” and “emerging” identity labels have been used in the literature to detail non-binary gender and sexual identity labels. We will use expansive throughout for consistency.

2 Generation Z starts in 1997 according to Pew Research Center (Dimock, 2019)

3 Queer is used as an overarching term to identify any person who has a sexual and/or gender identity that is situated outside heteronormativity and/or cissexism (e.g., asexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, transgender, genderqueer, non-binary).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

J. J. Garrett-Walker

Dr. J. J. Garrett-Walker is an Associate Professor in the department of Psychology at the University of San Francisco. Dr. Garrett-Walker’s primary research explores identity development for Black LGBTQ + young adults.

Michelle J. Montagno

Dr. Michelle J. Montagno is an Associate Professor for the PsyD program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions at University of San Francisco. As a licensed psychologist, she also practices in San Francisco.