Intergenerational Storytelling as a Developmental Resource in LGBTQ+ Communities

Bibliographic Data

ID3609843
AuthorsNic M Weststrate (0000-0001-5272-472X, University of Illinois Chicago, corresponding author), Kit Turner (0009-0001-7472-0487, Western Washington University), Kate C Mclean (0000-0003-3973-1786, Western Washington University)
Year2024
Volume71
Issue7
Pages1626-1651
Publication date2024-06-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2023.2202295
PMID37104778
OpenAlexW4367173011
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited46

LGBTQ+ people continue to be threatened by systemic censorship and erasure in public spaces and discourses, making community-based resources for positive development crucial. In this study, we examined one such developmental resource-LGBTQ+ intergenerational storytelling about cultural-historical events. LGBTQ+ adults (N = 495) ranging in age from 17 to 80 years (M = 39.22, SD = 19.89) responded to an online survey about LGBTQ+ intergenerational storytelling and relationships. Results showed that although LGBTQ+ intergenerational storytelling was reported to occur infrequently, sharing stories across generations was considered important, and LGBTQ+ people desired even greater intergenerational connection. Intergenerational narratives reported by participants were primarily about cultural-historical events involving adversity and oppression (e.g. AIDS crisis), policy and legislation (e.g. marriage equality), and protest, resistance, and activism (e.g. Stonewall uprising). Stories were mostly told by older friends in private or social settings for the purpose of passing on LGBTQ+ history. Lessons learned through storytelling were diverse but tended to focus on appreciation and affirmation. Valuing intergenerational storytelling was associated with positive psychosocial identity. This study suggests that intergenerational storytelling may be an important developmental resource for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized communities

Lesbian · Narrative · Oppression · Political science · Politics · Queer · Sociology · Storytelling · Transgender · Family Support in Illness · Gender Studies · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Law · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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