Addressing the overlap between sexual violence and sexuality and gender-based minority stressors: Advancing understanding by centering 2SLGBTQQIA+ adolescents and young adults

This research project synthesized qualitative and quantitative evidence on the links between cissexism, heterosexism, and sexual violence among 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth to inform inclusive prevention and support strategies.

Principal investigator

Alexa Martin-Storey

Co-investigators

Melanie Dirks, Brett Holfeld, Wendy Craig, Geneviève Paquette, Deinera Exner-Cortens

Funding source

SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Objectives & Methods

Objectives

To better understand how cissexism and heterosexism are associated with sexual violence among adolescents and young adults.

Methods and Sample

This research project synthesizes qualitative and quantitative evidence on the relationship between cissexism, heterosexism, and sexual violence among 2SLGBTQQIA+ adolescents and young adults. Using systematic reviews of existing literature, the project examines how identity-based discrimination shapes experiences of sexual violence, disclosure, and access to support. The project is currently in its final stages, with manuscripts under review and publication.

Key findings

Sexual and gender minority youth (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth) experience higher rates of sexual violence than their heterosexual, cisgender peers, and suffer greater mental health consequences as a result.
Our research shows that homophobia and transphobia are not just backdrops to these experiences. LGBTQ+ youth themselves describe sexual violence as a tool used to enforce homophobic and transphobic norms, and being targeted for one's identity shapes both the violence they experience and how others respond to it.
When LGBTQ+ youth disclose sexual violence, they are often met with minimization or pushout — highlighting an urgent need for services and prevention efforts that take sexual orientation and gender identity seriously.

Associated outputs and publications

Martin-Storey, A., Zaine, Y-L., Dirks, M., Holfeld, B., Craig, W., Paquette, G., Exner-Cortens, D., & Morgan, R. (under review). Linking cissexist and heterosexist violence and sexual violence among adolescents and young adults: A scoping review of the qualitative literature.

Martin-Storey, A., Dirks, M., Holfeld, B., Craig, W., Paquette, G., Exner-Cortens, D., Zaine, Y-L, N. & Morgan, R. (2026). Linking cissexist and heterosexist violence and sexual violence among adolescents and young adults: A scoping review of the quantitative literature. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 87, 102138.

Martin-Storey, A., Beischel, W. J., Paquette, G., Goyer, M. F., Bergeron, M., & Blais, M. (2025). Linking sexual violence experiences to gender identities, gender expression, and sexual identities: Differences across groups and implications for trauma symptoms. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.

Martin-Storey, A., Paquette, G., Bergeron, M., Castonguay-Khounsombath, S., & Prévost, È. (2024). How sexual and gender minority students discuss sexuality and gender in describing their experiences of sexual violence. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 11(1), 113.