Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Construction as a Joint Youth-Parent Project

Abstract

This study investigated how sexual and gender minority youth and their parents construct goals and strategies relevant to the youth’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI). Six youth-parent dyads were studied over 10 months using the qualitative action-project method, which is grounded in contextual action theory. The data consisted of participant conversations, video recall of internal processes, and telephone monitoring. Data analysis resulted in the identification of a youth-parent relationship project for each dyad. Embedded within the broader relationship project were joint actions specific to the youth’s SOGI construction process, such as supporting one another with challenges related to identity disclosures, revisiting the past, and cultivating hope and gratitude. Findings demonstrate a SOGI construction process that is relational, ongoing, dynamic, and infused with goal-directed action. These findings provide insight into youth-parent relationship processes that facilitate the youth’s SOGI construction process.