LGBTQ Financial Insecurity

• In Event: 1466 - Section on the Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 5. Sexualities and Economies

Abstract

LGBTQ individuals face disproportionate rates of economic insecurity, in part through discrimination and stigma from families, workplaces, and the state, often minimizing safety nets and economic opportunities for LGBTQ individuals. However, what remains unknown are the specific pathways and mechanisms that result in financial insecurity for LGBTQ individuals. This article analyzes in-depth interviews with LGBTQ individuals to explore how and whether LGBTQ individuals frame their sexuality or gender identity as linked with their financial (in)security. Previous studies explore the role of familial support or rejection, workplace discrimination, and healthcare access in LGBTQ individuals’ life experience, this study finds that LGBTQ individuals frame their LGBTQ identity and financial (in)security as: intrinsically linked to, somewhat linked, not at all linked, or as secure. This theoretical framework of pathways related to LGBTQ financial insecurity enables further work that centers the connections between class, and sexuality or gender identity.

Authors

• Emma Ryan Bosley-Smith, The Ohio State University

• Corinne Reczek, Ohio State University