SENGinar: Identity Development and Gifted LGBTQ Adolescents

‘Starting to realise that I was non-binary was stressful because I felt like it was another tier away from normal that I was going to have to contend with.’ (Dunne, 2023) 

All gifted students face issues surrounding identity formation and healthy psychosocial development (Cross & Cross, 2017) and may engage in social coping strategies designed to avoid being stigmatized in social or academic situations (Cross et al., 1993). Gifted LGBTQ adolescents must contend with these challenges, in addition to figuring out how their multiple identities interact and a whole other layer of social norms! Being different in two ways, sometimes more, can be a uniquely isolating experience. Gifted LGBTQ adolescents may also face identity struggles at a younger age than their peers due to accelerated cognitive development and the desire to pursue information about sexual orientation and gender identity (Peterson & Rischar, 2000). 

This SENGinar will focus on identity development and gifted LGBTQ adolescents, through the lens of a recent mixed methods study on gifted LGBTQ students in Ireland. Participants reported contrasting experiences in school and at a gifted enrichment programme, which impacted their overall identity development. The environment of each site had a direct effect on social and emotional growth, coming to terms with their identity and developing positive peer relationships. This lecture will highlight the factors which create a positive (or negative) environment for gifted LGBTQ young people and discuss some of the first research in this field from a European perspective.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Orla Dunne is a senior staff member and researcher at Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland (CTYI) at Dublin City University. CTYI is one of the largest providers of gifted enrichment programmes in Europe. Orla’s research focuses on gifted LGBTQ young people and how educational environments can better support them. She has spoken about her work at multiple international conferences, written three book chapters and delivered lectures to teachers. She recently had an article published in SENG Journal. Orla also sits on the board of directors for ShoutOut, an Irish organisation that promotes inclusion by delivering LGBTQ educational programmes.