Intersectional Identity: Psychological Well-Being of Queer of Color Individuals

Abstract

Recent studies have focused on the ever growing field of identity development in specific cultural identifiers, such as sexual orientation and racial identity. By conducting a literature review of material pertaining to these areas of study, this article summarizes several key theories pertaining to the identity development of queer of color adolescents and emerging adults. By analyzing the potential combined effects of resilience, minority stress, identity development skills, and affirmation, new conclusions are drawn about what social interventions may help queer of color individuals develop social identities with greater ease. Potential conflicts of queer of color identity, such as sexual risk behavior and internalized homophobia, are discussed. The article ends by suggesting future directions of research so that more accurate, generalizable information may be gathered about this vastly expansive, under-examined field of anthropological and psychological study.