This study applied a risk and resilience framework to assess the effects of racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender discrimination for Black, Indigenous, or other people of color (BIPOC) who are also lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientation and gender minority (LGBTQ+). Strong positive connections to one’s intersectional BIPOC LGBTQ+ identities were assessed as a potential protective factor. Data were collected via online surveys from 431 people living in the U.S. who self-identified as both BIPOC and LGBTQ+. Responses were analyzed using linear regression analyses. Greater frequencies of all types of discrimination were associated with more symptoms of depression. An intersectional BIPOC LGBTQ+ identity was found to be associated with protection against the impact of discrimination that was attributed to multiple identities (intersectional discrimination). Additionally, a positive intersectional BIPOC LGBTQ+ identity was also associated with buffering the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination. Fostering of a positive intersectional BIPOC LGBTQ+ identity may therefore be an important avenue for future interventions focused on BIPOC LGBTQ+ populations.
Presentation date: August 6, 2024