Perceived Microaggressions and Mental Health in a Sample of Black Youths Experiencing Homelessness

The effects of microaggressions targeted at sexual minorities and racial minorities have been well documented. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths and black youths are more likely to experience homelessness than their heterosexual, cisgender, and white peers, and yet little is known about how microaggressions may affect youths during instances of homelessness. This study examines whether perceived LGBT racial microaggressions and perceived racial microaggressions are associated with depressive symptoms and suicidality in a sample of black youths experiencing homelessness. This study uses a cross-sectional design with structured face-to-face interviews of a convenience sample of 89 black youths (ages 16 to 24 years) experiencing homelessness. Results show that whereas both types of perceived microaggressions are positively associated with depressive symptoms, neither form of microaggression is independently associated with suicidality. Depressive symptoms and suicidality are common experiences among black youths dealing with homelessness, and the perception of microaggressions targeted at sexual or racial minority statuses is associated with depressive symptomology. Results underscore the importance of social workers comprehensively addressing how subtle, pervasive forms of heterosexism, gender normativity, and racism affect mental health outcomes among homeless youths.