Dissertation Defense Announcement Ed.D. Program: Stephen Beun “At the Intersection of LGBTQIA+ and ADHD: The lived experiences of multiply marginalized individuals”

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, who are members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual, aka LGBTQIA+, community belong to two marginalized populations. Existing research has revealed how each marginalized population is at risk of various negative outcomes in education and employment as well as in their socio-emotional, and mental health. Students with ADHD have higher rates of academic struggles including failing courses, lower GPAs and standardized test scores, higher rates of absenteeism, tardiness, and dropping out of high school, and are less likely to pursue college. LGBTQIA+ students have more negative school experiences and share a higher-than-average high school dropout rate with those having ADHD. Increased peer harassment, victimization, and suicidal ideation exist in both populations. The concerns raised by the existing research have a decidedly negative focus. There is a dearth of research looking at individuals with ADHD and who are LGBTQIA+. Considering these and other potential negative outcomes, exploring the lived experiences of this multiply marginalized population is warranted to determine if they experience the concerns expressed in the research, and if so, what they do to manage them. Study participants reflected the concerns expressed in existing literature. A thematic analysis produced the following eight themes: ADHD, LGBTQIA+, Life after school, Mental Health, Relationships, Religious influence, Social Media, and Teachers. The influences of each combined to help these individuals manage the concerns raised by existing research and lead fulfilling lives.