Exploring the lived experiences of rural LGBTQ + youth: Navigating identity and authenticity within school and community contexts

Abstract Research with rural LGBTQ + youth suggests their experiences of stigma and victimization, as well as related health concerns, may be greater than that of urban LGBTQ + youth. Regional differences may also affect their experiences, yet we lack research on the nuanced contextual factors affecting LGBTQ + youth in the rural Midwest. This study examined the lived experiences pertaining to community and school environments among LGBTQ + youth in rural Minnesota (N = 7). Specifically, we aimed to understand how youth navigated their gender and sexual identities, including authenticity, within these contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with LGBTQ + youth and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings include three themes: (1) school-related hostility and challenges; (2) community intolerance affecting personal authenticity; and (3) affirming environments, support, and authenticity. The findings indicate rural LGBTQ + youth in Minnesota have difficulty accessing inclusive resources and navigating rural environments; also highlighting the resiliency of youth and their ability to identify people and spaces that provided opportunities to practice authenticity and wholeness.