At the Intersection of Intersectional Identity and Microaggressions: An Examination of the Experiences and Identity of Sexual and Gender Diverse BIPOC Individuals

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology

DOI

10.1037/cdp0000624

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) live at the intersection of identities that produce idiosyncratic experiences of marginalization. Existing theories often rely on single-axis (e.g., SGD or BIPOC) or additive/multiplicative (e.g., SGD + BIPOC/SGD × BIPOC identity scores) frameworks that fail to capture unique intersectional identity phenomenon experienced by SGD–BIPOC communities. Additionally, the bulk of research focuses on the negative experiences of SGD–BIPOC and misses opportunities to quantitatively examine resilience factors (i.e., intersectional identity affirmation) and how they co-occur with other intersectional identity phenomenon (i.e., conflicts in allegiances) to serve as protective factors against adverse mental health outcomes. The present study examined the co-occurring experiences of intersectional identity phenomenon and how it may influence negative mental health outcomes and intersectional microaggression distress (IMAD). Method: We conducted a latent profile analysis among 418 SGD–BIPOC to identify profiles based on co-occurring intersectional identity phenomenon (i.e., identity cohesion, identity-based growth, and conflicts in allegiances). We then tested to see if profiles differed on IMAD, anxiety, and depression. Results: Analyses yielded two distinctive profiles: High Identity Conflict and High Identity Cohesion. The relationship between IMAD and mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression) was moderated by latent profile membership. Conclusions: Our findings provide quantitative evidence on intersectional identity affirmation as a resilience factor for SGD–BIPOC communities, thereby expanding existing theories. Implications for research, clinical practice, and social justice are discussed.

Keywords

and people of color, mental health, bisexual, gay, Indigenous, intersectional microaggressions, intersectional identity, lesbian, queer, Black, transgender

Department

Psychology

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