Resiliency and Intersecting Forms of Oppression on Psychological Well-Being Among Black/African American LGBTQ Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Measuring LGBTQ Experience: Students, Parents, and the Value of Support

Abstract

This study examines how multiple intersecting forms of oppression experienced at school, specifically anti-LGBTQ victimization and race-based victimization, impacts psychological well-being among a national sample of LGBTQ Black/African-American youth. Results from regression models indicate that LGBTQ Black/African-American students who experience high levels of anti-LGBTQ victimization had the lowest psychological well-being (depression and self-esteem). Similar patterns were found for students who experienced high levels of race-based victimization. However, LGBTQ Black/African-American students who experienced both high levels of anti-LGBTQ victimization and low levels of race-based victimization had a heightened effect on depression. These findings suggest that LGBTQ Black/African-American students who learn about and deal with racism growing up may develop coping skills to manage other forms of oppression, such as anti-LGBTQ victimization.

Author

• Nhan Truong, GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network