Between the dog and the wolf – An interpretative phenomenological analysis of bicultural, sexual minority people’s lived experiences

Abstract

Abstract Previous research in social psychology has, via intersectional approaches, established that individuals with multiple-minority identities frequently wrestle with psychosocial dilemmas in both ingroup and outgroup settings, which can impede a positive belonging and identity formation. The present study investigates lived experiences held by a multiple-minority group seldom provided sufficient consideration; bicultural, sexual minorities. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight non-heterosexual individuals, with second-generation immigration backgrounds, living in Sweden. Data was analyzed through a collaborative interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two overarching group experiential themes (GETs) were created: “A puzzle of identity struggles” and “Sources of empowerment”. The former included GETs detailing experiences of bullying, misidentification, parental shortcomings, gender issues, and severe mental health challenges. “Sources of empowerment” covered GETs focusing on strengthening factors in the participants’ experiences, which incorporated acts of love, pride in heritage, improved identification with sexuality, creative coping strategies, purpose in life, and positive belonging. Blurred lines existed between general stressors’ and minority-specific stressors’ impact on the participants’ lived experiences, which problematizes simplified understandings of multiple-minorities. Further research on experiences held by ethnic, sexual minority individuals is strongly encouraged, as are advances in multiple-minority knowledge among professionals within the educational, and mental health systems. This would facilitate preventive and interventive work that could improve life conditions and sense of belonging among non-heterosexual, ethnic minorities.