Understanding Service Experiences of LGBTQ Young People Through an Intersectional Lens

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ) young people face forms of stigma and marginalization that position them as needing support and service provision, yet little is known about their service seeking and receiving experiences. This study qualitatively explored the service experiences of a racially and ethnically diverse group of fifteen LGBTQ-identified young people ages 18 to 24. Through their stories, themes were identified that enhance our understanding of the factors that impact effectiveness of services intended to meet their needs. An intersectional analysis of these stories offers insight into the ways that service providers can effectively support LGBTQ young people as they develop into adults.