In a recent research article entitled “’Even when I feel alone, I always know I’m not really alone’: An intersectional analysis of LGBTQIA+–BIPOC's experiences of community and resistance, the authors explored the intersectionality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Intersectionality is a concept that allows people to think critically about how individuals have multiple identities and face unique challenges at the intersections of those identities. There are innumerable identities such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, spirituality, gender, socioeconomic status etc. Each of these identities have their unique characteristics that combine in particular ways with the other identities, that make up the unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses for each person. The concept of intersectionality is also a way to examine the interlocking forms of oppression and systematic exclusion of certain peoples. (Photo by Cody Hall on Unsplash)
What the authors found is that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who historically have lived within the intersections of marginalized categories experience unique trauma that is linked to isolation and oppression. This is in direct contrast for populations that are not routinely and systematically marginalized.
What the researchers discovered, after analyzing the narrative data, was that there were two far-reaching categories, each with subthemes. The first category was entitled “on the fringes” which included aspects such as the invalidation of LGBTQIA+–BIPOC experiences; White supremacy, colonization, and Western imperialism; “out and proud” dynamics. (Photo by Isaac N. on Unsplash) The second category was entitled “resistance” and included acts of resisting intersectional oppression; finding intersectional identity cohesion; and coalition building). The theme of resistance was accompanied by statements such as “we’re here,” and “I’m gonna let you know.” The researchers reported that the “invalidation of LGBTQIA+–BIPOC identities and voices resulted in participants feeling and being isolated and excluded within cis-heterodominant BIPOC communities” (Parmenter et al., 2024, p. 10) (Photo by Isaac N. on Unsplash)
The researchers cautioned psychotherapists to “be cognizant of the internalization of oppressive messages and how intersectional identity cohesion and coalition building with other LGBTQIA+–BIPOC may resist oppressive messages to assist in affirming LGBTQIA+–BIPOC identities” (Parmenter et al., 2024, p. 18).
Because youth and adults who identify as LGBTQIA+–BIPOC are continuously exposed to the subtle messages of racism, oppression, and marginalization, they have a higher risk for suicide. When LGBTQIA+–BIPOC people are exposed to discrimination, they often internalize the negative and destructive feelings of self-worth, that are received from poor parental support, physical, emotional, and mental victimization, peers, family members, media and others in society (Cottrell et al., 2022).
This research demonstrates the importance of continuing to understand the predicament of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC members and how significant it is for marginalized and oppressed people to have a safe space to explore the various aspects of their unique intersectionality.
(Photo by Elyssa Fahndrich on Unsplash)
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS FEELING SUICIDAL AND WANTS TO DO SELF-HARM, ACT NOW AND USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES:
Call 911 or 988
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
www.sprc.org/populations/lgbt
1-800-273-TALK (8255) Online chat feature also available
Colorado Crisis Services
https://coloradocrisisservices.org/
1-844-493-8255, Text “TALK” to 38255
Crisis Text Line
www.crisistextline.org/
Text “HOME” to 741741
Trans Lifeline
https://translifeline.org/
1-877-565-8860
The Trevor Project
www.thetrevorproject.org/
1-866-488-7386 (Online chat feature also available)
It Gets Better Project
https://itgetsbetter.org/
(Includes a searchable database by country, state, and zip code, and referral to crisis and mental health resources)
GLBT National Hotline
https://www.glbthotline.org/national-hotline.html
1-888-843-456
R. David Johns has a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision, and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the state of Colorado. As a gay-identified counselor and therapist, he uses trauma informed practices, such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness to discover each client’s unique way towards healing. For an appointment call 303-642-6636 or email at [email protected]
References
Cottrell, D., Gonzalez, J., Atchison P., Evans, S. & Stokes, A. (2022). Suicide risk and prevention in LGBTQ+ youth. Nursing, 52 (2), 40-45. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000803432.31284.34.
Gorzkowski Hamilton, J. , Horowitz, L. , Standley, C. , Ryan, P. , Wei, A. , Lau, M. & Yu Moutier, C. (2023). Developing the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention. Journal of the Public Health Management and Practice, 29 (5), E214-E222. doi: 10.1097-PHH.0000000000001764.
Parmenter, J. G., Grace Wong, E., Khan, N. S., Pradell, L., & Galliher, R. V. (2024). “Even when I feel alone, I always know I’m not really alone”: An intersectional analysis of LGBTQIA+–BIPOC's experiences of community and resistance. Feminism & Psychology, 0(0) doi: 10.1177/09593535241238073.
