An Intersectional Analysis of Linked Fate and LGBTQ Political Behavior

• In Event: Exploring the Limits of Inclusion: Race and LGBTQ Politics in the US

Abstract

This paper explores LGBT voter coherence and feelings of connection to the LGBTQ community across four racial groups in the United States. Existing research demonstrates that LGBTQ individuals tend to manifest liberal political attitudes and vote Democrat. However, studies tend to rely on a majority white sample. Do LGBTQ people demonstrate political coherence across racial groups? If so, is linked fate an explanation? To what extent does racial linked fate explain the political behavior of LGBTQ people of color? This paper explores these questions from an intersectional perspective using data from the 2016 Collaborative Multi-Racial Post-Election Survey. Preliminary results reveal diverging patterns of LGBTQ and racial linked fate that have varying implications for formal and informal types of participation. This work contributes to the political science literature on LGBTQ identity politics and political participation by clarifying the link between individual identifications and identification with the LGBTQ community.

Authors

• Julie Moreau, University of Toronto

• Stephen A. Nuño-Perez, Northern Arizona University

• Christine Marie Slaughter, Princeton University