Exploring LGBTQIA þ Young Adults’ Perceived Sense of Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Photovoice Study

Introduction and objectives: The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected every aspect of people’s lives around the globe, in particular, vulnerable populations have been among the most affected by the social consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and between them, we could find the sexual and gender (SGM) minority groups. The study aim was: (a) to explore how restrictive measures influence the perceived sense of well-being of LGBTQIAþ young adults; (b) to promote an empowering dialogue on these issues. Methods and sample: We conducted this study through Participatory Action Research (PAR) called Photovoice, developed on zoom in three bi-monthly meetings. The sample consisted of five LGBTQIAþ persons (22–28 years) who live in different Italian regions. Findings and discussion: The results offer insight into participants’ feelings about the lockdown period, their self-awareness, well-being resources, and coping strategies within and beyond the present times of social transformation. Three main thematics emerged from the analysis and the critical dialogue within the group: “Family” between traditional and chosen family; “Survival” in terms of researching more or less positive coping strategies against difficulties, and lastly “The contrast” among light and obscurity, contact and noncontact, proximity and distance, inner and outer selves, in the search for ourselves. Three thematics emerged well represented in participants’ pictures, in which visual representation’ power could impress more in-depthnthe sense of their feelings during this period; moreover, these thematics were connected by sub-themes as loneliness, coping strategies, distress, hope, technology and distance. Recommendations: Consistent with the previous study, it seems important to call for a major “cultural responsiveness” in an emergency period as COVID-19 toward sexual minority people, and therefore Photovoice could be an important tool working to promote well-being through the LGBTQIA+ community