One LGBT community or many? Linked fate in LGBT people

Abstract

Introduction

While the LGBT community is often referred to as a monolith, research suggests that it may be separate subgroups under one umbrella. Linked fate is the sense that what happens to the group will affect the individual member. While research on racial identity groups suggests members often feel a sense of linked fate with other group members, this has not been explored in the LGBT community.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods approach with data collected from an online survey of 500 self-identifying LGBT people, we use quantitative analyses to determine whether LGBT people feel a sense of linked fate across subgroups. We then conduct reflexive thematic analysis to describe and interpret the qualitative data.

Results

Findings suggest LGBT people feel a sense of linked fate with other LGBT people despite subgroup differences. Qualitative results suggest LGBT people's linked fate is rooted in stigma and a sense of belonging in the LGBT community.

Conclusions

The results offer insights into how LGBT people's sense of linked fate may be driven by shared stigmatization and a sense of belonging in the LGBT community. Findings have implications for LGBT people's political activism and their willingness to collectively respond to attacks on LGBT people's rights.