Communities of caring and coping: An exploration of resilience among LGBTQA2S + young adults in resource-deficit regions

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQA2S+) young adults (18-30 years) living in politically conservative regions (i.e., "red states") face stigmas and stressors that compound their mental health inequalities. Yet, healthcare-related constraints can deter them from seeking formal, clinical care. Centering the voices of the underresourced and underserved, we assess the following research question: How do LGBTQA2S + young adults establish communities of care to promote their well-being and resilience across multiple levels of social life? We applied an exploratory sequential mixed method design to merge meaning across in-depth interviews (N = 20) and survey data (N = 451) with LGBTQA2S + young adults in red states. Qualitatively, participants described resilience-building processes of community building, coping strategies, and connections with companion animals and nature. Quantitative patterns revealed that LGBTQA2S + pride and self-compassion were positively associated. with resilient coping, These findings can enhance both formal and informal mental health resources for LGBTQS+ young people's resilience in red state regions.