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Exploring microaggressions among LGBTQIA+ youth in the child welfare system

Author

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  • López, Mónica López
  • Parra, Luis Armando
  • O’Brien, Rory Patrick
  • Brummelaar, Mijntje ten
  • Villar, Mireia Foradada
  • Martínez-Jothar, Gabriela

Abstract

Research highlights the critical roles that care professionals and peers play in supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and other gender and sexual minority youth (LGBTQIA+). While compassionate and affirming care enhances LGBTQIA+ youths’ well-being, not all professionals provide this support, leading to negative psychosocial outcomes. This study explores microaggressions experienced by LGBTQIA+ youths in residential care, focusing on microinvalidations, microinsults, and microassaults. Additionally, the current study focused on how LGBTQIA+ youths resisted these microaggressions. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 LGBTQIA+ youth in Cantabria, Spain, revealed that these microaggressions stemmed from both care professionals and non-LGBTQIA+ peers. Participants reported microinvalidations (e.g., denial of identities), microinsults (e.g., stereotypes of hypersexuality), and, less frequently, microassaults (e.g., direct and indirect derogatory comments). Youth resisted these microaggressions by asserting their rights, such as challenging restrictions on self-expression, educating others, and either ignoring or confronting perpetrators. LGBTQIA+ racialized youth faced additional compounded discrimination due to intersecting racial and LGBTQIA+ identities. These findings highlight the need for professional training programs that focus on providing affirming care and supporting LGBTQIA+ youths’ resilience to improve their well-being and mitigate the impact of microaggressions.

Suggested Citation

  • López, Mónica López & Parra, Luis Armando & O’Brien, Rory Patrick & Brummelaar, Mijntje ten & Villar, Mireia Foradada & Martínez-Jothar, Gabriela, 2025. "Exploring microaggressions among LGBTQIA+ youth in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:177:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925003421
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108459
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Prince, Dana M. & Ray-Novak, Meagan & Tossone, Krystel & Peterson, Emily & Gillani, Braveheart & Mintz, Laura, 2024. "Psychological comorbidities and suicidality in sexual and gender minority foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
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