Navigating Intersectional Identities Among LGBTQ+ BIPOC in Community Spaces
Location
SU-214
Start Date
1-5-2026 11:40 AM
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The present study examines how the psychological benefits of LGBTQ+ spaces may differ across racial and ethnic groups, centering the experiences of LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals. Although LGBTQ+ spaces are often conceptualized as inclusive environments that promote identity affirmation and support, research indicates that they may not equally provide belonging for all racial groups. For many White LGBTQ+ individuals, these spaces serve as supportive community environments that create social connection and acceptance, offering refuge. In contrast, LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals frequently describe experiences of conditional belonging, limited cultural relevance, and pressures to assimilate. These reports suggest that affirmation and access are not universally experienced within mainstream LGBTQ+ communities, where white cultural norms often shape representations and expectations. Study two represents the second phase of a multi stage project, examining how intersectional and marginalized identities shape belonging, access, and well-being within LGBTQ+ and BIPOC spaces. The first phase of the project was completed in 2024 and involved a qualitative reanalysis of existing data on open-ended responses, exploring whether perceptions of LGBTQ+ spaces differ across racial and ethnic groups. Building on these findings, Phase two reanalyzed existing quantitative data from 360 participants in a prior mixed-methods project. Using multiple regression analysis, the present study examined whether exposure to LGBTQ+ spaces predicted belonging and well-being, and whether race and ethnicity moderated these relationships. Measures include the General Belongingness Scale, General Well-being Schedule, and indices of exposure to sexual mentality spaces. The results from the pilot study found that generally White participants benefited most from LGBTQ+ spaces in terms of increased feelings of belonging and well-being. In Phase 2, findings showed that while straight participants reported a general increase in belonging and well-being, these results were not statistically significant. However, they indicated a trend that White and straight participants consistently benefited from these spaces. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of inclusion by emphasizing the need for intersectional, community informed, and culturally safe spaces that support belonging and well-being for all LGBTQ+ individuals.
Faculty Sponsor
Emily Esposito
Navigating Intersectional Identities Among LGBTQ+ BIPOC in Community Spaces
SU-214
The present study examines how the psychological benefits of LGBTQ+ spaces may differ across racial and ethnic groups, centering the experiences of LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals. Although LGBTQ+ spaces are often conceptualized as inclusive environments that promote identity affirmation and support, research indicates that they may not equally provide belonging for all racial groups. For many White LGBTQ+ individuals, these spaces serve as supportive community environments that create social connection and acceptance, offering refuge. In contrast, LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals frequently describe experiences of conditional belonging, limited cultural relevance, and pressures to assimilate. These reports suggest that affirmation and access are not universally experienced within mainstream LGBTQ+ communities, where white cultural norms often shape representations and expectations. Study two represents the second phase of a multi stage project, examining how intersectional and marginalized identities shape belonging, access, and well-being within LGBTQ+ and BIPOC spaces. The first phase of the project was completed in 2024 and involved a qualitative reanalysis of existing data on open-ended responses, exploring whether perceptions of LGBTQ+ spaces differ across racial and ethnic groups. Building on these findings, Phase two reanalyzed existing quantitative data from 360 participants in a prior mixed-methods project. Using multiple regression analysis, the present study examined whether exposure to LGBTQ+ spaces predicted belonging and well-being, and whether race and ethnicity moderated these relationships. Measures include the General Belongingness Scale, General Well-being Schedule, and indices of exposure to sexual mentality spaces. The results from the pilot study found that generally White participants benefited most from LGBTQ+ spaces in terms of increased feelings of belonging and well-being. In Phase 2, findings showed that while straight participants reported a general increase in belonging and well-being, these results were not statistically significant. However, they indicated a trend that White and straight participants consistently benefited from these spaces. Ultimately, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of inclusion by emphasizing the need for intersectional, community informed, and culturally safe spaces that support belonging and well-being for all LGBTQ+ individuals.