Browsing by Subject "Queer"

This research aims to examine the identity construction processes of sexual and gender minorities who are also a part of visible ethnic minorities. There is very little research conducted on the topic by social psychology scholars in the Finnish context. The present research is interwoven with critical social psychology drawing its’ framework from intersectional theory, queer theory, and notions of hybrid identity, theorized by Ang (2001), Bhabha (2012) & Hall (1999). The main framework of the study is constructionism which treats the established understandings of the social world and identities as phenomena that are constructed in social practices, rather than as natural truths (see e.g. Gergen, 1985). This research examines how and in relation to which social environments BIPOC and queer identities are constructed, whilst considering how local and global interlocking systems of oppression and privilege challenge and enable such identity negotiations which are done from a state of “in-betweenness” of cultural identities as visible ethnic minorities often describe, and hybridity theories suggest. Using the framework of intersectionality and hybridity capacitates the examination of both, challenges, as well as possibilities of identity construction from the intersections of BIPOC and queer identities in the Finnish context. The research questions are: 1. What kind of challenges and possibilities of cultural identity construction do BIPOC and queer people face in the Finnish context? a. How were the intersections of their identities negotiated? b. How did hybridity figure in their identity negotiations? The data consists of three focus group interviews conducted in the context of insider research. The analysis method used was Reflexive Thematic Analysis. As a result, three themes were generated from the data: (1) Hybrid identity as a necessity, (2) Queerness is white, and (3) Hybrid identity is inherently queer. The analysis suggests that queerness and BIPOC:ness create an intersection of identities, which demand and enable hybrid construction of identities, not only in terms of cultural or BIPOC identity but also in terms of queerness. However, identity construction is done in relation to the available communities which either support and enable exploring and constructing such identities or challenge and limit these processes.

This research examines the experiences of young queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian students with mental health services (MHS). The aim is to investigate the subjective and shared expectations, experiences and potential needs of LGBTQ+ youth within mental health services. A wider goal of the study is to contribute to broader discussions on social justice and mental healthcare provision. I utilized a theoretical framework that integrates a critical take on neoliberalism from the perspective of critical social psychology, intersectional feminism and queer theory, to analyze power dynamics and societal inequalities influencing these experiences. Employing reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), I analyzed data collected from two focus groups consisting of queer young adult students, adopting non-hierarchical perspective in line with the principles of critical participatory research and co-research. Recurrent themes in prior similar research are, for instance, stigma, lack of knowledge and the need for mental health care to be more LGBTQ+-inclusive and informed. According to the findings of this study, queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian students have certain expectations, experiences and demands about the quality of MHS that are influenced and shaped by transphobia, homophobia and racism. Firstly, knowledge hierarchies and inequalities within healthcare settings have influenced their help-seeking. Second, they experience being invisibilized, invalidated, being assumed about their background, burdened by responsibility and stigmatized within mental health services. Third, although participants receive assistance within the MHS, encounters with professionals have also generated counterproductive outcomes: distress, frustration, exacerbated minority stress, and harmful coping mechanisms such as avoiding seeking help and performing gender binary. Lastly, these queer, trans, non-binary and lesbian youth advocate for transformative changes within mental health services and emphasize the need for competence, validation from and safer encounters with healthcare providers, for the ultimate aim of all being seen, heard and supported. In addition, ensuring proper trans care is essential for the mental wellbeing of trans and non-binary individuals in Finland. In accordance with previous findings, this study enhances understanding of queer encounters with mental health services, pointing out the pervasive impact of cisheteronormativity, racism and neoliberalism on mental health service institutions and the broader field of health psychology.