Research Rodeo 8
Hello everyone. I hope all of my Jewish followers are having a nice Passover. I hosted my family and friends for the first night, which was a lovely seder and a lot of kids screaming and playing. It was a fantastic time.
This week, it’s time for another Research Rodeo as we explore some recent articles which have come out in academic journals. I try to do these often so that I can demystify academic research, make it more accessible, and help us all explore the ways we can use research to better support the queer community. As always, if you would like a copy of any of these articles, let me know.
McCauley et al. (2024) “Stress of being outed to parents, LGBTQ family support, and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender diverse youth” In the US, one of the big political debates is around bills calling for teachers and other educators to out LGBTQ students. Being outed by someone else robs people of the control of their own information and may put children in a dangerous position depending on how accepting their parents are. In McCauley et al., they found that being outed led to higher rates of depression among LGBTQ adolescents due to lower support from their family. Indeed, this study provides more support to the perspective that teachers and others who work with children should not, by law, be required to disclose LGBTQ status to parents.
Waters et al. (2024) “LGBTQ+ inequity in crowdfunding cancer costs: The influence of online reach and LGBTQ+ state policy” This interesting study looks at the difference in funding for GoFundMe campaigns for LGBTQ+ and non LGBTQ+ individuals. The study found that LGBTQ+ individuals were able to raise, on average, $1600 less than non-LGBTQ+ people’s campaigns. Considering that other research have shown that LGBTQ+ people have more of a financial burden when they have cancer than non-LGBTQ+ people, this study adds to the research to show how LGBTQ+ people, for a variety of reasons, have lower financial stability. What was important is that difference was higher for those who were in states with anti-LGBTQ+ law.
As shown in this paragraph, we are seeing the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws having a strong impact on many diverse areas of queer lives. When fighting against these laws, it is important to show how far reaching and harmful they are for queer individuals and the direct impact they can have. For organizations in areas where these bills are being passed, understanding the far reaching impacts can help you prepare to support your queer clients, even if you are not specifically working in LGBTQIA+ areas.
Perez-Figueroa et al. (2024) Tending to the Flock: The Experiences of LDS Clergy with LGBTQ Congregants Religious organizations are asking more and more how they can be more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ congregants. People are leaving religious organizations because of their anti-LGBTQIA+ stance. Perez-Figueroa et al. look LDS clergy to ask about the complexities of supporting LGBTQIA+ people while still being mindful of the church. Below are the main themes that were found, including prioritizing listening, creating space for LGBTQ+ congregants, be an ally, and expressing Gds love. As these themes came from heterosexual, cisgendered clergy, what LGBTQIA+ people might feel they need would be different. This article starts important conversations on how religious organizations can be more supportive of LGBTQIA+ people and communities and what is needed from clergy to support LGBTQIA+ people where they are instead of where the clergy thinks they should be.
This week, we looked at three articles which provide insight into how nonprofits can better support LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. There are many different avenues of support and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ experience, including the coming out process, the impact of medical issues on finances, and how clergy can support LGBTQIA+ people.
I hope you all have a great week!