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. 2017;21(1):3-31.
doi: 10.1080/19359705.2016.1217499. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

Russell B Toomey  1 , Virginia W Huynh  2 , Samantha K Jones  3 , Sophia Lee  4 , Michelle Revels-Macalinao  2
Affiliations

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

Russell B Toomey et al. J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2017.

Abstract

This study analyzed the content of 125 unique reports published since 1990 that have examined the health and well-being-as well as the interpersonal and contextual experiences-of sexual minority youth of color (SMYoC). One-half of reports sampled only young men, 73% were noncomparative samples of sexual minority youth, and 68% of samples included multiple racial-ethnic groups (i.e., 32% of samples were mono-racial/ethnic). Most reports focused on health-related outcomes (i.e., sexual and mental health, substance use), while substantially fewer attended to normative developmental processes (i.e., identity development) or contextual and interpersonal relationships (i.e., family, school, community, or violence). Few reports intentionally examined how intersecting oppressions and privileges related to sexual orientation and race-ethnicity contributed to outcomes of interest. Findings suggest that research with SMYoC has been framed by a lingering deficit perspective, rather than emphasizing normative developmental processes or cultural strengths. The findings highlight areas for future research focused on minority stress, coping, and resilience of SMYoC.

Keywords: Health; qualitative methods; racial-ethnic identity; sexual orientation; social inequality.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram reporting screening and selection procedures. SMY = sexual minority youth.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Plot of the years that reports included were published. I = 1 report.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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