Exploring Emerging Adulthood Through a Queer Lens: Discrimination, Well-Being, and Sites of Resilience for LGBTQ+ People

• In Event: Beyond Victimization and Discrimination: Resilience, Help-Seeking, Well-being, and Joy among LGBTQ+ People

Abstract

LGBTQ+ young people are coming of age and moving into adulthood during a paradoxical time. On one hand, the past two decades have seen dramatic shifts in public opinion regarding increasingly positive perceptions of LGBTQ+ people, increasing proportions of young people identifying as LGBTQ+, and several major legislative and judicial victories for LGBTQ+ rights. On the other hand, the past several years have also seen increasing rates of interpersonal and fatal violence against LGBTQ+ people, as well as hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills, directives, or executive orders being introduced across the United States, many of which specifically target young queer people. Considering the recent virulent resurgence in state-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia, exploring sites of exclusion, need, support, and resilience in young LGBTQ+ people’s lives are important avenues for inquiry. This study employs semi-structured interviews to explore ~40 emerging adults’ (18-to-25-years-old) perceptions of and experiences with discrimination, well-being, and sites of resilience (i.e., psychological and/or physical spaces where people with specific identities may cope and become resilient; Payne, 2011). I anticipate results to indicate prevalent sources of discrimination, the general well-being of queer emerging adults in today’s turbulent political climate, and provide insights to which concrete supports cultivate queer joy and safety.

Author

• Megan Hannah Shaud, Temple University