Identity-Based Harassment Experiences at the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation: Associations With Functioning

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Abstract

Identity-based harassment (IBH) experienced by youth is a significant public health concern, especially among racial/ethnic minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ youth (Price et al., 2019; FBI, 2016). Using data from 6,358 adolescents from 10 New England High Schools, this study examines differences in exposure to general bullying and IBH among high school youth, based on the intersection of race and sexual orientation and the intersection of ethnicity and sexual orientation. Analyses assess how bullying and IBH are associated with social-emotional functioning and academic performance for subgroups based on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Results demonstrate different patterns of predicting functioning based on intersectionality. Findings highlight the salience of IBH for adolescents, and particularly for those with intersectional marginalized identities.

Authors

• Tanvi N. Shah, Boston University

• Melissa K. Holt, Boston University

• Olivia Wyatt, Boston University

• Christine Marsico, Boston University

• Jennifer Greif Green, Boston University

• Phil Fogelman, Anti-Defamation League