Experiencing the Queer Collective Through Time: Exploring Perceptions of Cultural and Historical Continuity Among LGBTQ + Emerging Adults

OBJECTIVE: Using a pre-registered explanatory sequential mixed method design, we examined collective continuity, which until now has been studied in populations where its transmission is assumed to occur naturally via familial and cultural engagement. We examined collective continuity among LGBTQ+ emerging adults for whom access to the culture and history of the collective is not always available. METHOD STUDY 1: In Study 1, we examined associations across three measures of collective continuity and their associations with LGBTQ+ identity and well-being in college and community samples of emerging adults (N = 246). RESULTS STUDY 1: We found little association between the measures of collective continuity, modest associations between collective continuity and LGBTQ+ identity, and no relations between collective continuity and well-being. METHOD STUDY 2: Given the lack of empirical overlap in measures of collective continuity, in Study 2 we employed a qualitative interview approach (N = 8) to provide greater descriptive data on the phenomenon. RESULTS STUDY 2: These analyses revealed a lack of collective continuity and highlighted unique factors that facilitate or forestall the development of collective continuity among LGBTQ+ people, distinguishing this process from other groups (e.g., ethnic and national) in important ways. CONCLUSION: Together, these findings provide the opportunity for theoretical refinement and expansion of collective continuity.