A decade of changes: Within-group analysis of LGBTQ individuals' perceptions of their community context and the relevance for social service providers. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holman, Elizabeth Grace; Oswald, Ramona Faith
• Is Part Of: Journal of gay & lesbian social services. Volume 28:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: LGBTQ -- nonmetropolitan communities -- qualitative methods -- intersectionality; Social work with gays -- Periodicals; Social work with lesbians -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.8964
• DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2016.1191406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1053-8720

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The previous decade has seen a drastic shift in the social environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. It is not surprising then to find that the perceived "best" and "worst" aspects of life for nonmetropolitan LGBTQ individuals have also changed. We use data from two cohorts of the Rainbow Illinois survey to examine differences between responses in 2000 and 2011. Furthermore, we examine demographic differences in the perception of what is "best" and "worst" among the 2011 cohort. Results suggest that although the general social climate has improved for some, it remains problematic for others. Implications for social service providers are thoroughly discussed.