Kehinde Oladele (Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology)

Zoom Link: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/97145775800?pwd=K0FxMGkrT0xHVk9lWlE2RSs5dk5kQT09

Download: Oladele_Poster.pdf

Abstract

LGBTQ people of color experience many stressors due to discrimination, prejudice and stigma that subjects them to being at risk of negative mental health outcomes as well as physical health issues (Hatzenbuehler, 2009). Cochran (2001) reports that sexual minority are at a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and suicidal ideation. Meyer (2003) suggests that people of color of the LGBTQ community experience higher rates of stressors because of their multiple marginalized identities. Minority stress theory analyzes the different nuances of how these stressors may impact that individual’s physical and mental health. Minority stressors can be present in many different forms such as microaggressions (Meyer, 2003). These experiences of microaggressions are related to both racism and heterosexism. Previous research has focused on the unique stressors people of color experience, however there is a lack of research that particularly focuses on Black and Latin Women of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, research has not considered protective factors LGBTQ POC, have when experiencing these stressors. To better understand the stressors LGBTQ POC, this study aims to use mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The reason for this is because it will be beneficial to examine their stressors because people of color often face experiences that are unique due to their multiple marginalization. This will include questions that will encourage participants to provide details accounts of their experiences with microaggressions and how it impacted their mental health as well as the protective factors that mediated their experiences. Themes will be developed to better understand the commonality between participants. The quantitative portion provides better understanding of the intersection of these individuals marginalized identities and the microaggression they experience related to racism and heterosexism (Balsam et al., 2011).