Parental Sexual Orientation Socialization for Sexual Minority Youth: An Empirically‐Derived Conceptual Model

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Abstract
Objective: To identify and conceptualize parent–child interactions about cisgender sexual minority youths' (SMY) minoritized sexual identity, with an explicit focus on parenting communication and behaviors. Background: SMY experience stigma and consequently compromised development and health. Adjacent literature on racial/ethnic minoritized youth demonstrates the protective function of identity‐based parenting practices that facilitate adaptive strategies to combat the deleterious effects of stigma. Method: Using data from cisgender SMY in the LGBTQ+ Youth in Family Study, we conducted a constructivist grounded theory analysis of 90‐min semi‐structured interviews with cisgender SMY ( n = 18) aged 15–19 and, separately, their cisgender, heterosexual parent(s) ( n = 17). During analysis, the coders developed process, dyadic, and coding memos to increase rigor and interpret findings within and across individuals and family systems. Results: We identified seven overarching categories that illuminate parents' processes, interactions, and dynamics with their SMY child: Forecasting LGBTQ+ attitudes pre‐disclosure, communicating around sexuality, intervening in sexual identity development, addressing heterosexism, engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, communicating values, and demonstrating personal growth/change. In most categories, parents and youth identified processes that appeared to both support and undermine SMY's positive development, sending a wide range of implicit and explicit messages regarding youths' sexual identity in the context of adolescence and US culture. Conclusion: We introduce a novel framework for sexual orientation socialization processes between heterosexual, cisgender parents and SMY children to accelerate research and practice innovation for SMY development and health.
Funding Information
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P2CHD041041)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006382)

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