Session: Researching the Bright Side of the Rainbow- Resilience Among Lgbtqia+ Youth, Insights and Challenges (Society for Social Work and Research 26th Annual Conference - Social Work Science for Racial, Social, and Political Justice)

Scientific research on LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender and other sexualities and identities) youth has largely focused on their negative mental and physical health risk factors and outcomes. The risk-based approach has undeniably revealed the sheer health inequalities burdening LGBTQIA+ youth. However, the risk-based approach has neglected their resilience capacities; the many ways in which LGBTQIA+ youth successfully navigate and overcome their many challenges to sustain optimal wellbeing. LGBTQIA+ research is experiencing a major shift in finally exploring and delving into their resilience and looking at the bright side of the rainbow. Findings regarding LGBTQIA+ youth resilience highlight the importance of factors like family acceptance, social support, and affirmative practices of their identities. Yet, important knowledge gaps and research challenges remain. This symposium aims to address these gaps and challenges through presenting diverse perspectives and studies on LGBTQIA+ youth resilience. Rodrigo Gonzðlez �lvarez will discuss findings of a scoping review study on resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out of home care. In this study, resilience is understood in a broad and multidimensional sense, from individual to social resilience resources. The review summarizes the scarce available knowledge about resilience resources and processes in this population while pointing out specific research gaps and offering suggestions for fostering resilience. Rory P. O'Brien will share findings from a qualitative study on sexual minority youth self-care practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a developmental period when LGBTQIA+ youth are known to benefit from peer relationships and a historical period that induced isolation, the study participants engaged in a wide variety of coping strategies that speaks to their resilience. Mónica López López will reflect on the ethical challenges and insights learned while conducting the research project Audre, focused on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care. She will illustrate the complexities of research as an ethical endeavor: from the basic requirement of ensuring participants safety, to issues of meaningful participation, cultural competence and researchers' reflexivity. A conclusive thought emerges: highly ethical research not only protects but also empowers. Kevin van Mierlo will offer us an insightful presentation from his unique position as participant and research assistant in the Audre project. He will offer his own reflections on how we can better include the knowledge of non-scientist in scientific knowledge production, particularly queer youth, and how we can envision academia if a more wholesome approach is incorporated. This symposium aims to explore new research approaches that promote social change and benefit marginalized populations. Resilience-based perspectives have the potential to tap the positive resources and pathways to nurture for LGBTQIA+ youth to thrive. The symposium, applying the participatory principles presented, will follow a participatory approach where a dialogue with the audience will be prioritized. Additionally, we will engage with the rich perspective of an experienced practitioner in the field of LGBTQIA+ youth in the child protection system, Leo Wieldraaijer-Vincent, director of Cornerstones Youth Care (the Netherlands).