Using Photovoice Methodology to Illuminate the Experiences of LGBTQ Former Foster Youth

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (LGBTQ) identified youth are overrepresented in the Los Angeles County foster care system, and the majority are also youth of color. Many experience extreme discrimination, violence, and oppression related to their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression before, during, and after foster care. There is limited research regarding LGBTQ-identified youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Theoretically informed by intersectionality, queer, and feminist theories, the purpose of this community-based research study was to merge narrative approaches with photovoice methodology to better understand the aging-out experiences of 18 diverse LGBTQ youth in foster care. In-depth qualitative interviews with former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 26 provided participants with the opportunity to narrate their histories and pathways into the foster care system. Photovoice methodology invited youth to visually represent their experiences before, during, and after foster care. This article presents the findings from the photovoice portion of the project. An individual and cross-case photovoice analysis of all participants’ photos revealed the following prevalent themes: (1) experiences of foster placement history and transitioning out of care; (2) LGBTQ identity and coming out: moving from shame and stigma to empowerment and pride; (3) overcoming barriers in life related to mental health and substance abuse; and (4) the value of education as a source of resilience. This article concludes with recommendations for practice, policy, and research with LGBTQ former foster youth, informed by the narratives and visual voices of the research participants themselves.