LGBTQIA Identity and Family Belonging

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between LGBTQIA identity and family belonging. Participants in a previous study took an online survey where they were asked to write about a time when they felt like they belonged and a time when they felt like they did not belong. Participants were asked to describe the situation, who they were with, and how these people made them feel like they belonged or did not belong. Results found that LGBTQIA individuals were less likely to include family in their belonging narratives than non LGBTQIA individuals. Results also found that LGBTQIA individuals were more likely to say that a friend made them feel like they belonged the most, LGBTQIA individuals listed sexuality as a reason for belonging more than non LGBTQIA individuals, and LGBTQIA individuals faced more instances of homophobia in their rejection narratives than LGBTQIA individuals. Contrary to expectations, religion was listed less frequently as a cause for rejection among LGBTQIA individuals.

Keywords: LGBTQIA, family, family rejection, parental rejection