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The social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous LGBTQA+ young people: a global perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 July 2020

K. Spurway Open the ORCID record for K. Spurway [Opens in a new window] ,
K. Soldatic ,
L. Briskman ,
B. Uink ,
S. Liddelow-Hunt ,
B. Hill  and
A. Lin
K. Spurway*
Affiliation:
Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
K. Soldatic
Affiliation:
Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
L. Briskman
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
B. Uink
Affiliation:
Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, Murdoch University and Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
S. Liddelow-Hunt
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
B. Hill
Affiliation:
Kurongkurl Katitdjin, Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous and Equity, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
A. Lin
Affiliation:
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr. Kim Spurway BA, MSocSci, PhD, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Building EM, Parramatta, NSW2751, Australia. (Email: k.spurway@westernsydney.edu.au)
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Abstract

There has been scant exploration of the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of young Indigenous populations that identify as LGBTQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Asexual +). Given the vulnerability of this cohort living in Western settler colonial societies, wider investigation is called for to respond to their needs, experiences and aspirations. This paper summarizes existing research on the topic highlighting the lack of scholarship on the intersection of youth, Indigeneity, LGBTQA+ and SEWB. The paper takes a holistic approach to provide a global perspective that draws on an emerging body of literature and research driven by Indigenous scholars in settler colonial societies. The paper points to the importance of understanding converging colonial influences and ongoing contemporary elements, such as racism and marginalization that impact on young Indigenous LGBTQA+ wellbeing.

Keywords

IndigenousLGBT+mental healthsocial and emotional wellbeingyouth
Type
Perspective Piece
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 39 , Issue 2: Themed Issue: Psychiatric Anthropology , June 2022 , pp. 138 - 147
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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