As society has progressed, so too have people's perspectives on gender identity and sexual orientation. This evolution has resulted in increased acceptance of diverse genders and sexualities, which has led to the development of new terms such as "LGBTQ" - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning. These terms refer to individuals who identify as anything other than heterosexual or cisgender. Identifying with an LGBTQ category can be fluid, meaning it may change throughout one's lifetime.
These identities are often seen through the lens of cultural belonging and citizenship, which presents unique challenges for social belonging, civic participation, and representation.
LGBTQ identities intersect with multicultural citizenship to shape social belonging in various ways.
Immigrant populations within the United States are more likely to identify as LGBTQ due to higher rates of discrimination based on their ethnicity and sexual orientation. The intersection between LGBTQ identities and multiculturalism leads to unique experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion from mainstream culture. As a result, many LGBTQ individuals seek support groups that cater specifically to their needs and interests. In addition, they often experience disproportionate levels of poverty, homelessness, and health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
Civic participation is also impacted by LGBTQ identities interacting with multiculturalism.
LGBTQ people may face barriers to employment due to employers' lack of understanding or acceptance of their identity. They may also encounter obstacles accessing healthcare services due to provider prejudice or lack of knowledge about LGBTQ-specific issues. This can lead to increased health risks, such as higher rates of HIV/AIDS diagnoses.
LGBTQ individuals may have difficulty finding safe spaces where they feel comfortable expressing themselves freely without fear of reprisal.
Representation is another area affected by the interaction between LGBTQ identities and multiculturalism.
Political leaders who are openly gay or transgender may be seen as outsiders within their communities, making it difficult for them to gain support for policies beneficial to LGBTQ individuals. In contrast, those who identify as both LGBTQ and part of a minority group may experience greater representation in media and politics, but still face challenges related to intersectionality.
LGBTQ identities intersect with multiculturalism to shape social belonging, civic participation, and representation. It is essential to recognize these intersections to create more inclusive societies that value all individuals regardless of their gender and sexual orientation.
How do LGBTQ identities intersect with multicultural citizenship to shape social belonging, civic participation, and representation?
Although research shows that members of the LGBTQ community face numerous challenges in their everyday lives such as discrimination, marginalization, and stigmatization (Gilbert & Herman 2015), they can still actively participate in society by creating alternative spaces for themselves through collective action and advocacy.