The rain feels different under the same umbrella: Experiences with poverty across LGBTQ subgroups

Population-based survey data have demonstrated that LGBTQ communities report varying rates of economic insecurity, yet very little research directly assesses how pathways into and experiences with poverty look different among subgroups at the intersections of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This qualitative study applies constructivist grounded theory analysis to examine the lived experiences of 92 low-income LGBTQ adults. While shared experiences were evident, the analysis highlights issues notably salient to specific SOGI subgroups. Distinct themes underscore the following experiences for each subgroup: negotiating manhood within parenting and social services (trans men); stigma in housing and shelters (trans women); seeking independence and stability through higher education (nonbinary people); ubiquitous impact of mothering on economic challenges and supports (cisgender bisexual women); staying strong for family and work (cisgender lesbian women); maintaining family connections while navigating masculinity expectations (cisgender bisexual men); and stigma and support related to HIV (cisgender gay men). This study challenges monolithic narratives among queer and trans people and underscores the need for structural interventions that reflect the diverse realities of LGBTQ lives. Findings offer implications for policy, practice, and research on economic justice.