Barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organizations are spaces in which LGBTQ individuals can access support and community, yet they have received little empirical attention, particularly outside urban areas. Given the benefits of LGBTQ community involvement, this study examined the barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Three qualitative methods were employed: interviews, focus groups, and participant observation sessions. Thematic analyses identified eight barriers originating within the individual (managing one's LGBTQ identity, individual characteristics), organization (lack of diversity, group dynamics, lack of awareness of programs, workplace/school climate), and community (size, hostility). Implications for reducing barriers in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations are discussed.

Volunteering among Older Lesbian and Gay Adults: Associations with Mental, Physical and Social Well-Being

“…Thirdly, the survey did not include questions on how long participants had volunteered, time spent per week volunteering or whether volunteering was a positive experience for them, which may be important questions to examine in future research. In addition to poorer health and well-being being a potential barrier to volunteering, there may be other barriers to involvement in volunteering, such as concerns around sexual orientation disclosure or a perceived lack of diversity within organisations (Paceley, et al, 2016). Future research is needed to examine volunteering activities in older lesbian and gay people in greater detail, and how these factors may be related to well-being outcomes.…”

Barriers and Facilitators to Promoting Resilience to HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of HIV-Positive, Racial and Ethnic Minority, Middle-Aged and Older Men Who Have Sex with Men from Ontario, Canada

“…Research has also documented that community health centers have been vital to fostering regular screening of STIs and support for the continuity of HIV/AIDS care (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, follow-ups) for MSM [75]; greater accessibility to sexual health services (e.g., STI testing, provision of lubricants and condoms) and new knowledge [76]; and the consistent engagement of MSM in the healthcare delivery system prior to an HIV diagnosis and this engagement's important connection to subsequent desired health outcomes [77]. The work of ASOs has led to increased opportunities for community involvement among MSM [78]; heightened awareness of concerns and issues relevant to the larger LGBTQ community [79]; and paths for developing social support networks and individual self-esteem [80]. Since the early 1980's, ASOs have been the most accessible community resource for reliable information and updates on HIV/AIDS [81][82][83].…”

Feelings of LGBTQ+ community belonging among diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents in the United States.

“…LGBTQ+ community activity is sometimes limited in rural areas, particularly in the South and Midwest (U.S.). Paceley et al (2016) explored LGBTQ+ community in a nonmetropolitan Midwestern county and found several barriers to LGBTQ+ individuals' community connections, including marginalization based on other identities, hostile groups, exclusionary practices by LGBTQ+ groups, and community size. Little is known, however, about geographic factors and connection to the LGBTQ + community among youth with LGBTQ+ parents.…”