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Triggered: Qualitatively exploring structural and social drivers of firearm violence exposure among LGBTQ+ young adults of color in Detroit

Author

Listed:
  • Correll-King, Wesley M.
  • Ubong, Ini-Abasi
  • Monro, Dior
  • Scott, Kalaan
  • Strunk, Sydney N.
  • Stephenson, J.
  • Jadwin-Cakmak, Laura
  • Everhart, Avery
  • Gamarel, Kristi E.

Abstract

Firearm violence is a leading cause of injury and death among youth and young adults in the U.S. with notable inequities across race and ethnicity, geography, and gender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) young adults are largely absent from firearms research. Guided by structural violence and Social Safety theory, we qualitatively explored structural and social influences on firearm violence exposure among LGBTQ+ young adults of color in Detroit, Michigan. Through analysis of in-depth interviews with 24 participants, we developed three themes aligned with this aim. First, participants' accounts reflected how contemporary and historical structural racism in Detroit is the root cause of the firearm violence. Second, participants characterized firearms as a source of protection in the absence of structural safety. Finally, participants described how firearm violence against LGBTQ+ people is often an attempt to regain social status lost to structural violence. These themes indicate that structural racism in Detroit has unique impacts on LGBTQ+ young adults of color's exposure to firearms and firearm violence. Future research with this community is needed to guide protective interventions and policy changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Correll-King, Wesley M. & Ubong, Ini-Abasi & Monro, Dior & Scott, Kalaan & Strunk, Sydney N. & Stephenson, J. & Jadwin-Cakmak, Laura & Everhart, Avery & Gamarel, Kristi E., 2025. "Triggered: Qualitatively exploring structural and social drivers of firearm violence exposure among LGBTQ+ young adults of color in Detroit," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 384(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:384:y:2025:i:c:s027795362500855x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118524
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Larson, Matthew & Xu, Yanqing & Ouellet, Leah & Klahm, Charles F., 2019. "Exploring the impact of 9398 demolitions on neighborhood-level crime in Detroit, Michigan," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 57-63.
    2. Metzl, Jonathan M. & McKay, Tara & Piemonte, Jennifer L., 2021. "Structural competency and the future of firearm research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    3. De Biasi, Alaina, 2024. "The impact of the Detroit crime gun intelligence center on fatal and nonfatal shooting clearance rates," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    4. Uzzi, Mudia & Whittaker, Shannon & Esposito, Michael H. & Dean, Lorraine T. & Buggs, Shani A. & Pollack Porter, Keshia M., 2024. "Racial capitalism and firearm violence: Developing a theoretical framework for firearm violence research examining structural racism," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 358(C).
    5. Kline, Nolan, 2022. "Syndemic statuses: Intersectionality and mobilizing for LGBTQ+ Latinx health equity after the Pulse shooting," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    6. Burrell, Marcus & White, Ann Marie & Frerichs, Leah & Funchess, Melanie & Cerulli, Catherine & DiGiovanni, Lauren & Lich, Kristen Hassmiller, 2021. "Depicting “the system”: How structural racism and disenfranchisement in the United States can cause dynamics in community violence among males in urban black communities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    7. Gobaud, Ariana N. & Morrison, Christopher N. & Branas, Charles C. & Jacoby, Sara & Kramer, Michael & Adkins-Jackson, Paris B., 2024. "Measuring the effect of historical structural racism on community firearm violence in US cities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
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