The buckle of the Bible Belt: Sexual minority emerging adults' minority stress in South Central Appalachia

Sexual minority emerging adults in Appalachia face multiple sources of stigma and discrimination. We conducted four focus groups and five one-on-one interviews with sexual minority young adults and community stakeholders. Themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (1) Appalachian culture engenders di...

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Published in:Journal of gay & lesbian mental health 2023-10, Vol.27 (4), p.439-457
Main Authors: Mann, Abbey K., Williams, Stacey L., Job, Sarah A., Pachankis, John E., Chaudoir, Stephenie R.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Sexual minority emerging adults in Appalachia face multiple sources of stigma and discrimination. We conducted four focus groups and five one-on-one interviews with sexual minority young adults and community stakeholders. Themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (1) Appalachian culture engenders discrimination and isolation; (2) a need to identify safe spaces; (3) lack of access to identity-affirming health services; and (4) participants draw strength from limited but persistent resistance, advocacy, and visibility. Sexual minority emerging adults experience intersectional stigma in a socially conservative Appalachian setting. Attention to their unique experiences points toward specific service and community support needs.
ISSN:1935-9705
1935-9713
DOI:10.1080/19359705.2022.2064953