Narratives from the Closet

Stories of LGBTQIAP+ Youth

Abstract

LGBTQIAP+ youth are living in unprecedented liminal spaces. While positive changes related to the acceptance and recognition of this community have occurred in the United States, youth who are questioning, coming out, and navigating their sexual journeys remain socially, emotionally, and in other ways vulnerable in their environments. Drawing from narratives of youth who live outside of the normative structures of sexuality, we weave a tapestry of stories to highlight the challenges and struggles, as well as the strengths and protective factors, of LGBTQIAP+ youth. We found cohesion in the themes that emerged from the narratives; yet, at the same time, we acknowledge that each queer youth’s story has its own cultural specificity based on their lived experience in their particular environment. Finally, we offer suggestions for supporting the health and well-being of all young people in their varied environments, highlighting those that particularly provide space for questioning and coming out youth.