Perceived Family Acceptance Measure

Accepting and sharing about oneself as a sexual and gender minority (SGM) individual is complex. This is even more complex for individuals who identify as both SGM and Latino because they possess more than one minoritized identity. As a result, SGM Latino youth are more susceptible to higher levels of stress, which if not effectively managed, can lead to homelessness, anxiety and depression, and substance abuse. Latino family members find it difficult to learn how to positively interact with their SGM family member (e.g., in the early phases of coming out). In this quantitative survey study, researchers examined survey data collected from 1,877 Latino youth concerning home experiences, health, identity, and parental nativity. Data were drawn from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey, an online, anonymous comprehensive survey designed to advance understanding of the experiences of SGM adolescents (13-17 years of age). The survey, developed and distributed by the Human Rights Campaign, examined perceptions of familial acceptance regarding SGM identity during youth. Significant relationships were found between family acceptance, sexual orientation, and parental nativity (birthplace of parents in- or outside of the United States). The findings provide for a rich discussion about the implications for helping Latino SGM youth and educating Latino family members.

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Perceptions of family acceptance into the military community among U.S. LGBT service members: A mixed-methods study

Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health ◽

10.3138/jmvfh-2021-0019 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e20210019

Author(s):

Katherina S. Sullivan ◽

Jessica Dodge ◽

Kathleen McNamara ◽

Rachael Gribble ◽

Mary Keeling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

Service Members ◽

Family Services ◽

Family Acceptance ◽

Lgbt Families ◽

Chain Of Command ◽

Military Community ◽

The Military

Lay Summary There are approximately 16,000 families of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) service members in the U.S. military, but very little is known about how accepted they feel in the communities in which they live. This study begins to address this question by considering the perspectives of LGBT service members, which they shared both in response to an online survey and in interviews. Findings suggest that many service members believe their spouses and families are accepted by their chain of command. However, a smaller but important group continued to express concerns about their family being accepted in their military community. Many service members appear concerned that family services available to them through the military are not appropriate for LGBT families. Altogether, this article highlights the need for more research to understand the well-being and needs of this group.

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