The Identification and Structure of Strengths within the LGBTQIA+ Community: A Qualitative and Empowered Thematic Investigation

This paper employs a thematic analysis guided by the principles of empowerment methods to define and describe strengths within LGBTQIA + communities. It also investigates how the Three-Pillar Model and its extensions capture culturally bound expressions of strengths. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25) were conducted with LGBTQIA + adults residing in medically underserved areas. Codebook thematic analysis, or medium Q thematic analysis, resulted in five themes representing identity-based strengths (inclusive growth/learning, zest/hope, love/empathy, justice/fairness, courage/bravery), three themes reflecting positive subjective experiences with adaptability (stress-related growth, resilience, coping resources), four secondary subjective experience themes (kinship, general support, self-acceptance processes, general positive subjective experiences), and two inductive themes (pride, meaning in life). While some relational and adaptation strength themes overlapped with concepts underlying the Three-Pillar Model and complimentary work, culturally salient expressions of strength, such as pride and kinship, were highlighted in our model. Results characterize the interconnected pathways through which strength resources promote well-being and identify key mechanisms (pride, savoring) supporting identity affirmation.