Rethinking microaggressions and anti-social behaviour against LGBTIQ+ Youth

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to further our understanding of experiences of anti-social behaviour in LGBTIQ+ youth in university settings.
Design/methodology/approach - The discussion reflects on qualitative interviews with LGBTIQ+ young people studying at university (n=16) exploring their experiences of anti-social behaviour including harassment, bullying and victimisation in tertiary settings. Findings - The findings demonstrate that attention should be paid to the complex nature of anti-social behaviour. In particular, LGBTIQ+ youth documented experiences of microaggressions perpetrated by other members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Using the taxonomy of anti-social behaviour against LGBTIQ+ people developed by Nadal et al., (2010, 2011), we build on literature that understands microaggressions against LGBTIQ+ people as a result of heterosexism to address previously unexplored microaggressions perpetrated by other LGBTIQ+ people. Research limitations/implications - Future research could seek a larger sample of participants from a range of universities, as campus climate may influence the experiences and microaggressions perpetrated. Practical implications - Individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community also perpetrate microaggressions against LGBTIQ+ people, including individuals with the same sexual orientation and gender identity as the victim. Those seeking to respond to microaggressions need to attune their attention to this source of anti-social behaviour. Originality/value - Previous research has focused on microaggressions and hate crimes perpetrated by non-LGBTIQ+ individuals. This research indicates the existence of microaggressions perpetrated by LGBTIQ+ community members against other LGBTIQ+ persons. The theoretical taxonomy of sexual orientation and transgender microaggressions is expanded to address LGBTIQ+ perpetrated anti-social behaviour.