(PS4-100) Strength-Based Intersectional Considerations for Interventions with Asian Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

Abstract Text: Adapting an intersectional lens in clinical and community settings with multiple marginalized individuals may offer inclusive strategies - expanding effective intervention implementation. Rooted in Black feminist scholarship, intersectionality highlights the complex overlap of social identities. Collins (2019) expands on this definition, emphasizing the importance of addressing social inequality, power dynamics, relationality, social context, complexity, and social justice in intersectional work. By adopting a strengths-based lens, we aim to honor and expand on the breadth of the practical implications of intersectional perspectives in intervention. Qualitative accounts of the lived experiences of Asian sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals in Canada unveil the impacts of intersectionality on the relationships of marginalized communities, emphasizing the resilient and adaptive strategies they employ. This poster critically examines how these considerations can be applied in clinical-community research and practice.

Between October 2020 - April 2021, 10 individuals were recruited and interviewed regarding topics relating to salient and experience-shaping identities - including their ethnic identity and sexual identity. Interviews were designed and analyzed with a phenomenological lens, tracing participants’ lived experiences. All participants were interviewed virtually. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically. Coders focused on how individualized intersectionality, trauma, and strengths were developed. A narrative review of existing models regarding intersectionality further informed suggestions for its application for Asian SGM communities.

The thematic analysis highlights three key considerations when working with Asian SGM individuals: (1) Account for points of convergence and divergence in the roles of identities, culture, and associated experiences of clients and community partners. (2) Engage in the complex meaning-making process of identities and their impacts on everyday lived experiences and relationship development. (3) Intentionally develop strengths, resilience, and support within their relationships in the context of social inequities and power dynamics. While this study aimed to explore the nuances of experiences among individuals with intersectional identities and propose ways to support them better, the application of these concepts remains largely unexplored. Future empirical research is needed to validate these considerations and examine their real-world impact. Nonetheless, these results inform potential pathways for community-focused practitioners and researchers to honor the contextual differences of individual experiences and celebrate how people foster resilience.