“Those Are Typical Tell-Tale Signs of a Lesbian”: LGBQ Young Peoples’ Perceptions of Parental Messaging Surrounding Gender Non-Conforming Behavior

Abstract

Socialization surrounding gender and sexuality is prominent within the familial context. Gender and sexuality are frequently linked with the assumption that gender-expansive behavior leads to nonheterosexuality. Research has largely focused on parental perspectives, leaving queer youth experiences largely invisible. Utilizing semistructured interviews with 10 queer young adults, this project contributes to the existing discussions regarding gender and sexuality socialization while growing up. First, participants described parents’ seemingly natural ability to correctly categorize youth’s sexual orientation, which is often linked to gender nonconforming behavior. Participants reinforced essentialized ideas of gender and sexuality through their discussion of engagement in expansive gender behavior. Furthermore, women discussed more freedom to engage in diverse gender behavior, while being expected to conform to traditional gender roles. Through elevating youth’s viewpoints on gender and sexuality family dynamics, these findings can assist service providers and parents in supporting queer youth across their gender and sexual development.