Coping With LGBT and Racial-Ethnic-Related Stressors: A Mixed-Methods Study of LGBT Youth of Color

This study examines how racial-ethnic minority lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth cope with both racial-ethnic and LGBT-related stress. Within a sample of 213 LGBT youth of color, the present study presents (1) quantitative and qualitative results from an approach and avoidance-based measure of parental racial coping socialization across six conversation domains, and (2) qualitative responses regarding LGBT stressors and associated coping strategies. The emphasis on approach versus avoidance varied across the racial-ethnic conversation domains. However, both racial-ethnic- and LGBT-related coping strategies emphasized a combination of cognitive and behavioral strategies. Similarities and differences also existed in the types of stressors encountered across racial-ethnic and LGBT statuses. We discuss the potential for coping skill transfer across these minority statuses.