A recent study reveals the crucial role of aunts, or ‘othermothers’, in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. These women, who are not biological mothers but play a motherly role, are found to provide essential emotional and practical support, including housing.
Conducted in areas of Southern California and south Texas, the research involved interviews with 83 young people. It highlights how aunts help young LGBTQ+ individuals by offering more freedom and acceptance, often challenging the traditional family norms.
The study emphasizes the importance of these relationships, as aunts also advocate for LGBTQ+ awareness within families. This research is a significant step in understanding diverse family dynamics and their impact on LGBTQ+ youth.