LGBTQ+ emerging adults perceptions of discrimination and exclusion within the LGBTQ+ community

ABSTRACT

Research on LGBTQ+ emerging adult populations has primarily focused on discrimination that is experienced within the heterodominant culture. Due to systems of oppression and the forces of power and privilege, some sexual and gender minorities experience isolation and discrimination not only within the heterodominant culture, but within the LGBTQ+ community as well. Fourteen lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) young adults (20–25 years) with a diverse array of intersecting identities (e.g. gender, racial, ethnic, religious, cultural) participated in semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups. Participants reported on experiences of biphobia, acephobia, transphobia, gatekeeping the community, LGBTQ+ people of colour’s experiences of racism within the community, other forms of oppression, and offered advice on areas of growth for the LGBTQ+ community. Findings provide insight into LGBTQ+ emerging adults experiences of discrimination and future research implications.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ
• discrimination
• emerging adulthood
• exclusion
• community
• intersectionality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The present study uses the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning or other personal identity label) to encapsulate a range of sexual and gender identities (Parent, DeBlaere, & Moradi, 2013). The acronym demonstrates inclusivity of gender identity (i.e. transgender), is not as cumbersome, and acknowledges various sexual identities through the ‘plus’ symbol at the end, thereby inviting all sexual and gender identities into the conversation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joshua G. Parmenter

Joshua G. Parmenter, M.S., is a doctoral student in the Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology program at Utah State University. Their research focuses on LGBTQ+ health, intersectionality, adverse life experiences (i.e., discrimination, victimization, trauma), and community resiliency.

R. V. Galliher

Renee Galliher, PhD is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Her research is focused on identity development processes, emphasizing intersections of domains of identity within relational and cultural contexts. Dr. Galliher assesses ethnic, sexual, religious, professional, and other forms of identity across developmental transitions. Her work examines patterns of risk and resilience related to family and peer relationships, as well as cultural influences and the impact of prejudice and discrimination.

A. D. A. Maughan

Adam D. A. Maughan, BS, is a counseling psychology doctoral student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  His research examines the intersection of sexual orientation and religion, as well as the process and outcomes of intergroup dialogue.