On the construction of the intersectional identity of LGBTQ people who stutter.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the processes involved in the construction of the intersectional identity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people who stutter (LGBTQ+PWS). The study fills a gap in the literature between research on the social identity of people who stutter (Daniels & Gabel, 2004) and a description of the lived experiences of LGBTQ people who stutter (Daniels, Boyle, & Archer, 2023).

METHODS: A hybrid qualitative approach combining Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and Grounded Theory methodologies (GT) was used incorporating semi-structured interviewing for obtaining data (IPA and GT) and initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding (GT) were used for theory development. The results produced a core phenomenon of the intersectional identity and a theory on its construction.

CONCLUSIONS: Five categories emerged from focused coding in the domains of cognitive and affective effects during interactions, an awareness of the intersectional identity, individual, public, and structural stigmatization, authenticity and self-acceptance, and concealment and disclosure. Data analyses revealed the core phenomenon of the intersectional identity to be navigating social identities before, during, and after social and communicative interactions by managing information about themselves. The construction of the intersectional LGBTQ+PWS identity involves a dynamic interplay of identity salience, centrality, and situational negotiation, factors that are common to both marginalized groups. These processes are interactive in that one identity influences the visibility, management, and meaning of the other. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.