SHIFTs: Sexual Health Inclusivity during Family Talks according to lesbian, bisexual, and queer young women

Greater visibility, supportive social environments, and expanded opportunities for identity expression have contributed to more cisgender youth openly identifying as lesbian, bisexual, or queer (LBQ), alongside increasing parental acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. Parent-Child Sex Communication (PCSC) provides adolescents with crucial sexual health knowledge relevant to their emerging identities. However, there is limited research exploring PCSC from the perspectives of LBQ daughters to enhance inclusive family-based sexual health communication interventions. We conducted a qualitative study with 36 female, cisgender LBQ participants. They participated in in-depth interviews and topic sorting, identifying common discussion topics, suggesting future topics, and proposing appropriate timing for these discussions during elementary, middle school, or high school. The diverse sample (27.8% lesbian/gay, 44.4% bisexual, 27.8% queer/asexual; 35.3% Asian, 35.3% White, 17.6% Latinx, 11.8% Black) identified 66 topics previously discussed with parents, often framed heteronormatively with little acknowledgement of same-gender attractions or identities. They recommended early and inclusive PCSC that adapts as young girls mature. LBQ adolescents emphasized the importance of age-appropriate sexual health discussions with parents. These insights help shift PCSC from a heteronormative framework to an inclusive, evidence-based approach. Supportive policies in family and educational settings are essential to address the informational needs of this demographic.