The colours of the rainbow: an exploratory quantitative analysis of identity affirmation among sexual and gender minority people of colour in North America

Experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE) among sexual and gender minority people of colour (SGM-POC) have not been adequately described. A non-probabilistic cross-sectional sample of youth aged 15-29 in Canada and the United States (US) was recruited online during March-August 2022. 7,889 participants were recruited, including White (n=6,287), Asian (n=532), Black (n=207), Hispanic (n=168), Middle Eastern (n=36), and multi-racial (n=651) respondents. Prevalence of SOGIECE (70-85%) and pressure to be cisgender and/or heterosexual (81-90%) were high, with no significant differences between subgroups. Family events were the least reported safe setting in which to be out (0-16%), especially for Asian (p<0.001) and Black (p=0.011) respondents. SGM-POC reported family members as supportive less frequently than White respondents. Priests/religious leaders (6-16%) and other members of a religious group (11-17%) were the least reported source of support. These findings provide guidance for targeted public health efforts.