The role of sexual and gender identity in the life aspirations of Portuguese youth

Abstract

Positive life aspirations among adolescents and young adults have been associated with greater wellbeing in the future. However, belonging to a stigmatized minority may jeopardize this process. In this work, we sought to understand the role of sexual and gender identity in the life aspirations (desires and expectations) of adolescents and young adults (14–19 years), attending secondary education in Portugal (N = 888). Two MANOVAs with sexual and gender identity as a between-subjects factor (LGBTQ+ vs. Cis-heterosexual) were conducted to inspect differences in future desires and expectations in three life domains: family, social, and material. LGBTQ + youth expressed lower desires and expectations regarding all future life domains, when compared to their cis-heterosexual peers, with greater effect sizes detected for the family domain. In general, results suggest that when contemplating their future, LGBTQ + youth may be at a disadvantage. The findings highlight the need for parents, teachers, and policymakers to recognize the adversities LGBTQ + adolescents and young people still face in the present which and might extend to their future.

Keywords:

• Sexual orientation
• gender identity
• future life aspirations

Acknowledgments

This research uses data from the Fostering the Right to Education in Europe (FREE) Project, designed by Salvatore Ioverno, Mieke Van Houtte, Alexis Dewaele, and Ann Buysse.

Disclosure statement

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Research Foundation–Flanders (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; Grant No. 12V8120N) and in Portugal, the research was funded by the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Foundation for Science and Technology Portugal (FCT UIDB/00050/2020).

Notes on contributors

Beatriz Alves

Beatriz Alves has an MSc in Psychology, with a dissertation about the future life aspirations of LGBTQ youth.

Jorge Gato

Jorge Gato is a Researcher in the Center for Psychology and in the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University Porto, and a Systemic Family Therapist whose work focuses on the lives of LGBTQ + individuals, across different contexts and life-span periods. His current research interests include the well-being of LGBTQ youth in schools, LGBTQ parenthood and conjugality, and how stigma affects the mental health of sexual and gender minorities.