Two Iranian mothers' life experiences in Canada : a critical narrative inquiry.

Abstract

This critical ethnographic work aims to understand the financial narratives, and insights faced by Canadian and Vietnamese LGBTQI2S+ young adults. My project emphasizes thinking outside of the box, disrupting the current status quo about the LGBTQI2S+ community by challenging accepted beliefs about gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. My project critically challenges inequitable social structures which limit the fundamental rights and power of a number of LGBTQI2S+ individuals when they attempt to obtain financial literacy education and essential services. This research therefore serves to increase public awareness, encourage the advancement of beneficial social improvements for people relegated to the margins and to examine spaces that could transform the lives of LGBTQI2S+ individuals for the better. The key theoretical frameworks include concepts of financial literacy and inclusion, the critical/transformative paradigm, notions of sexual construction and power dynamics, intersectionality and ecology of human development, queer theory, behavioral finance theory, and critical pedagogy. Surveys and focus groups were utilized for data collection. I employed thematic analysis to identify and analyze key themes. The four themes are: (1) discrimination and exclusion, (2) impacts of laws, (3) shame and internalized homophobia, and (4) resiliency, joy, and moving forward. This work contributes to the growing scholarship of human rights and social equity towards LGBTQI2S+ young adults. The insights are essential for LGBTQI2S+organizations, scholars, educators, financial providers, and policymakers when they consider potential ways to build policies, curriculums, or services to approach and support this community.