Gender, sexuality, and food access: An exploration of food security with LGBTQIA2S+ university students (2024)

Although research has been limited to date, food insecurity in the United States has been shown to be more pervasive among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, agender, asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) community, affecting millions annually. College and university students also experience statistically significantly higher rates of food insecurity than nonstudents. This research examines food insecurity at the intersection of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the university and college student population, as told by the community itself. A qualitative, participatory approach and methods of Photovoice and semi-structured interviews with eight self-identified LGBTQIA2S+ university students studying at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) were used to explore the factors influencing participants’ food access. Data were analyzed using thematic decomposition analysis guided by intersectionality and queer theories. LGBTQIA2S+ identities were found to significantly impact food access, which was further influenced by physical, socio-cultural, and political environments. Barriers to food access include experiences with discrimination on and off campus, poor support systems, a lack of full-selection grocery stores on or near campus, religious influences, the stigma associated with needing food assistance, mental and physical health conditions, financial constraints, time limitations, and lacking transportation options. Understanding the intersectionality of LGBTQIA2S+ students’ experiences and providing relevant and effective support is needed to improve equitable access to nutritious and affordable foods. The findings of this research provide novel insights into food insecurity, an issue that is increasingly influencing the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA2S+ university students