Contextualizing LGB youth’s support experiences: The conceptualization of LGB-specific social support

Abstract

Introduction Social support is valuable for preventing and mitigating a range of harms among youth, including victimization and negative mental health outcomes. However, social support research has historically centered heterosexual individuals’ needs and experiences. This paper examines how social support is conceptualized by LGB youth. Methods: The present study utilizes in-depth interviews from 20 self-identified LGB individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Results: Interviews suggest that LGB youth social support includes help with normalizing, processing, and navigating their identity. Conclusions: The data suggest that the support needs of LGB youth are distinct, and understandings of LGB social support need to be couched within heteronormativity, a wider, macro level social phenomenon. Implications for the scholars and practitioners are discussed.