Microaggression Experiences among Racially, Socioeconomically, and Geographically Diverse Youth with LGBTQ+ Parents in the U.S.

• In Event: Microaggressions Experiences and Developmental Outcomes Among Offspring of Sexual and Gender Minority Parents Over Time

Abstract

Approximately six million people in the U.S. have LGBTQ+ parents (Gates, 2015a). Children with LGBTQ+ parents comprise greater demographic diversity in race, geography, and socioeconomic status (SES) than represented by existing research (Badgett et al., 2013; Fish & Russell, 2018; Gates, 2015b; LGBT Demographic Data Interactive, 2019), and their direct perspectives are also underrepresented (Fish & Russell, 2018; Garner, 2005; Kuvalanka et al., 2006). While the adjustment of children with LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual parents is comparable (e.g., Bos et al., 2016; Calzo et al., 2019; Patterson, 2017), research also shows that children with LGBTQ+ parents face discrimination, harassment, and microaggressions (Crouch et al., 2015; Haines et al., 2018; Patterson, 2013). Despite often being subtle, microaggressions share negative associations with health among LGBTQ+ people (Nadal, 2013; Sue, 2010), and presumably their children, but little research has explored this. Guided by strengths-based and intersectional approaches, we investigated microaggressions among racially, economically, and geographically diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents (Bowleg, 2008; Crenshaw, 1989; Fish & Russell, 2018).

Although exploratory, we expected youth would report microaggressions (Farr et al., 2016; Haines et al., 2018). Participants with multiple (vs. fewer) marginalized identities (e.g., racial/ethnic minority, lower SES, etc.) would endorse more microaggressions.

Participants (N=50, 12-25 years, Mage=19.5) were recruited through local and national LGBTQ+ organizations, purposefully targeting underrepresented groups. Participants represented the South (n = 21), Midwest (n=14), Northeast (n=9), and West (n=6). Perceived SES ranged from 2.5-8 (M=5.7), on a 1-10 scale, compared with other Americans. Participants were diverse in sexual orientation (~50% sexual minorities), gender (~20% gender minorities), and race (~40% racial/ethnic minorities). Participants were from families formed through varied pathways (e.g., ~2/3 had lesbian or gay parents; ~1/3 had bisexual, queer, or pansexual parents).

During phone interviews, participants responded to 27 microaggression items (see Table 1), adapted from Swann et al.’s (2016) LGBTQ+ youth microaggression measure, on a 1 (not at all) to 5 (about every day) scale considering the previous six months.

The average frequency across items was low (M=1.80). The most frequently endorsed items included, “Someone expressed a stereotype” (M=2.76), “You heard about people trying to deny rights for same-sex couples or LGBTQ+ people” (M=2.70), and, “You saw a group either in person, or in the media, show negative signs” (M=2.65). Contrary to expectations, no significant differences emerged between average microaggressions and demographic characteristics (Table 2); there were no significant correlations between age or SES and microaggressions. The findings reflect that youth with LGBTQ+ parents do commonly (although infrequently) experience microaggressions, particularly items reflecting heterosexism, consistent with some existing studies (e.g., Farr et al., 2016; Haines et al., 2017; Nadal et al., 2011). All items were reported by at least several participants. Microaggressions occurred despite demographic distinctions among the sample (although analyses were underpowered), which may indicate that these are somewhat universal experiences for reasons beyond participants’ own identities (Lick et al., 2013). Overall, results could inform researchers and professionals in effectively addressing the needs of diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents.

Authors

• Rachel H. Farr, University of Kentucky
  Presenting Author

• Kelsey A Siebenthaler, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kay Simon, University of Kentucky
  Non-Presenting Author