Support, cohabitation and burden perception correlations among LGBTQA+ youth in Spain in times of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the situation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer and asexual (LGBTQA+) youth in Spain, pre-examining the links between the people they live with, their support networks and their perception of being a burden. Design/methodology/approach This study traces some brushstrokes through the preliminary results of the LGBTQA+ population between 13 and 21 years old (n = 445). These data are part of a larger project with 2,800+ respondents. Findings This study’s data highlight the connections between places of cohabitation, support and vulnerability in a crisis situation. In general, gender identity, age, support and feelings of acceptance have been key variables in identifying psychosocial factors related to the health of this population. Lastly, the authors offer some future guidelines to improve the situation of young people in the face of new situations of confinement, incorporating good practices for children and youth services. Research limitations/implications The use of the snowball technique for data collection may limit the representativeness of the sample. In the same way that data collection is used through access to an online questionnaire, it can limit access to certain people. Practical implications Address the psychosocial needs of LGBTQA+ youth, especially in crisis situations. With our data, we can improve services for future situations of confinement due to coronavirus, planning actions that include the youngest members of this population group, as well as those with non-normative sexualities and identities. Social implications Encourage and diversify support for LGBTQA+ youth from their families, peers, teachers and other professionals working in the youth field. This support would be congruent with the anti-discriminatory and trans-specific legislation existing in most Spanish regions. Furthermore, it would propose a social change that not only benefits LGTBQA+ people, as it allows for a more inclusive cultural change for all in terms of gender and sexuality. Originality/value New data obtained within the time frame of the state of alarm are provided, concerning a social group that has been little researched and that finds itself in an unprecedented health crisis.