I am Human, Too! An Analysis of Conflict Resolution Theories and Their Applicability to the LGBTQ Community

Members of the LGBT community have historically been victims of marginalization and alienation to various degrees. Incidents such as the Stonewall Riots, pride marches, and manifestos, among others, have served as a way for the LGBTQ community to attempt to take a stand against the systems in place that perpetuate inequality. Factors such as identity and gender have directly impacted the level to which individuals are shunned from their families, communities and social nexus. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore how factors such as identity and gender impact a sense of integration in the LGBTQ community. In addition, this dissertation aims to determine the applicability of three conflict resolution theories: Structural Violence, Social Cubism, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to the LGBTQ community. This study analyzes the history of the LGBTQ community, identity formation theories, gender expectations in society, and factors that lead to alienation and marginalization. This dissertation is a qualitative study which utilizes case study methodology to analyze the existing literature related to the aforementioned topics. In this study, the reader is provided with a detailed explanation of the applicability of the three theories, including the role of factors such as identity, gender, and integration versus tolerance in the LGBTQ community. The study concludes with an analysis of the theories, recommendations for future research, and insight for those who aim to resolve conflict in the LGBTQ community