scholarly journals Black Sexual Minority Men’s Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Is Associated With Exposure to Homonegative Religious Messages

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 155798831880643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Mathias Lassiter ◽  
Russell Brewer ◽  
Leo Wilton
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
The United States ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Western Society ◽  
Church Members ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
Sexual Orientation Disclosure

Previous research has highlighted the homonegative atmospheres of many religious communities in Western society and their harmful impact on Black sexual minority (SM) people’s mental and physical health. However, few studies have examined the relationship between sexual orientation disclosure to church members and exposure to homonegative religious messages in religious settings. This online quantitative study investigated this relationship among a sample of 320 Black SM men. The participants for this study were recruited nationally from across the United States and had a mean age of 34 years. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that sexual orientation disclosure to church members was significantly associated with exposure to homonegative religious messages, even when controlling for geographic region of residence and denominational affiliation. Black SM men who had higher levels of disclosure were exposed to fewer homonegative religious messages. The implications of these findings for health research and clinical work with Black SM men are discussed in detail.

scholarly journals The role of country-level structural stigma on sexual orientation disclosure and discrimination in health care settings among lesbian, gay, and bisexuals across Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bränström ◽  
J E Pachankis
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Settings ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Disclosure Of Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Orientation Disclosure

Abstract Background The national climate surrounding sexual minorities (i.e., those self-identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual [LGB]) varies greatly worldwide. Recent Cross-European studies have shown that country-level structural stigma is a strong determinant of sexual minority individuals health risk behaviors and mental health. The consequences of the significant country-level variation in structural stigma on sexual minorities’ experiences of health care discrimination and disclosure of sexual orientation to health care providers have not been previously investigated. Methods In 2012, 86 000 sexual minority individuals (aged 18 years and older) from all 28 European Union countries responded to questions concerning discrimination in health care settings and sexual orientation disclosure to health care providers (EU LGBT survey). Structural stigma was assessed using a combination of national laws and policies affecting sexual minorities and a measure of sexual minority acceptance among citizens of each country. Results Disclosure of sexual orientation to health care providers were much more common in low stigma coutries (e.g., the Netherlands, Sweden, UK) compared to high stigma coutries (e.g., Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia). Experiences of discrimination in health care settings were more common among LGB indiviudals who were open about their sexual orientaiton and increased by degree of country-level structural stigma. Conclusions Disclosure of sexual orientation and experiences of discrimination in health care settings varies greatly among LGB individuals in Europe largely due to structural stigma surrounding sexual minorities. Main messages These findings highlight the importance of eliminating legislation, policies, and national attitudes that promote the unequal treatment of sexual minorities in currently unsupportive European countries.

scholarly journals Potential COVID-19 Vulnerabilities in Employment and Healthcare Access by Sexual Orientation

2021 ◽  
pp. LGBTQ-2020-0052
Author(s):  
Gilbert Gonzales ◽  
Emilio Loret de Mola
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Individual

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to more than 235,000 deaths and 9 million reported positive cases in the United States. Most of the country implemented stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has led to job losses and more than 40 million claims for unemployment insurance. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential impact of COVID-19-related closures in employment and healthcare access by sexual orientation. We used data from the 2015 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey and employment industry codes to describe the working adult population who may be vulnerable to COVID-19 job losses by sexual orientation. Multivariable logistic regression models identified the risk factors for working in a COVID-19-sensitive industry and differences in healthcare access by sexual orientation. We estimate that there may be approximately 1.7 million sexual minorities and 36.6 million heterosexual adults employed in industries that make them vulnerable to unemployment, uninsurance, and limited access to care. Nearly two-thirds of working adults—regardless of sexual orientation—are at risk of severe illness should they become infected with COVID-19. Almost half of the sexual minority and heterosexual adults in industries sensitive to COVID-19 may remain or become uninsured during the pandemic. Approximately 60% of sexual minorities and 40% of heterosexual adults in COVID-19-sensitive industries are renting their home or apartment (rather than owning their home). Because sexual minority adults vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic are renting or within family income ranges for premium tax credits in the individual insurance marketplaces, policymakers should consider expanding protections for renters and broadening special enrollment periods for people seeking coverage in the federal and state-based marketplaces.

Hierarchical Analysis of Disparities in Suicidal Outcomes With Intersection of Sexual Minority and Gender Among U.S. Youth, 2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110459
Author(s):  
Dylan Scoggins ◽  
Ali S. Khan ◽  
Hongying Dai
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
The United States ◽  
Minority Youth ◽  
Sexual Minority Youth ◽  
Suicidal Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Orientation Identity

Sexual minority youth have a higher risk of suicidal behaviors than their straight peers. Despite this alarming trend, there is limited information on how health-risk factors are systematically associated with suicidal outcomes in relation to the intersection of sex and sexual orientation identity. Data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Grades 9–12, N = 14,108) were analyzed to examine three distinct suicidal outcomes (i.e., suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt). Separate hierarchical logistic regression models were performed to gradually adjust for influencing factors in examining the association between suicidal outcomes and sexual orientation identity (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and unsure), stratified by self-reported sex. There exist significant differences in youth suicidal behaviors based on sexual orientation identity and sex: lesbians (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.7, 95% CI [1.5, 5.0]), bisexual girls (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3, 2.6]) and bisexual boys (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI [1.3, 5.2]) had higher odds of suicide attempts than their straight peers. Unsure boys and girls also reported higher risks of suicidal ideation and suicide plan as compared with their straight peers. Having a very short sleep duration, reporting ever use of illicit drugs, being bullied, and feeling sad/hopeless were associated with elevated risks of suicidality across males and females. This study identified potential disparities in suicidal outcomes by sexual orientation identity as well as factors that attenuate or strengthen this relationship in a representative sample of adolescents across the United States. An improved understanding of the differences in suicidal outcomes will serve as an opportunity to ameliorate any potential inequalities and improve sexual minority youth’ health outcomes.

Predictors of Disclosing Sexual Orientation to Parents, Classmates, and School Adults among Latinx Sexual Minority High School and College Youth

2021 ◽  
pp. 0044118X2110214
Author(s):  
Zhenqiang Zhao ◽  
Russell B. Toomey ◽  
Karla Anhalt
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Social Attitudes ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Minority Communities ◽  
Romantic Attraction ◽  
Sexual Orientation Identity ◽  
Identity Centrality ◽  
Sexual Orientation Disclosure

The current study examined predictors associated with the degree of sexual orientation disclosure across social contexts (parents, classmates, and school adults) and educational context (high school and college) among Latinx sexual minority youth (SMY; N = 238). Results revealed that perceptions of more supportive social attitudes to sexual minority communities were associated with higher levels of sexual orientation disclosure across social contexts, including parents, classmates, and school adults. Compared to monosexual Latinx SMY, plurisexual Latinx SMY reported lower levels of sexual orientation disclosure to parents and school adults but not to classmates. Sexual orientation identity centrality was only associated with sexual orientation disclosure to parents but not to classmates or school adults. Degree of romantic attraction to the same gender was not associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Findings provide preliminary support for critical nuances in sexual orientation disclosure across social and educational contexts among Latinx SMY.

Toward a Culturally Specific Spirituality for Black Sexual Minority Men

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 482-513
Author(s):  
Jonathan Mathias Lassiter ◽  
Russell Brewer ◽  
Leo Wilton
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Culturally Specific ◽  
Sexual Minority Men ◽  
Minority Men

Spirituality is a culturally relevant phenomenon that has been found to significantly affect Black sexual minority (SM) men’s health in the United States. However, many studies that have investigated spirituality among Black SM men have often used conceptualizations of spirituality that were not defined by this group. This research investigation used qualitative methods to determine how Black SM men defined spirituality for themselves. Ten Black SM men from across the United States were individually interviewed via Zoom videoconferencing. Grounded theory analyses revealed four themes that described Black SM men’s culturally specific spirituality: (a) spiritual definition, (b) specificity of Black SM men’s spirituality, (c) physical manifestations of spirituality, and (d) images of the sacred. The implications of these findings for future research and clinical work with Black SM men, within a Black psychological framework, are discussed.

Chained Multimediator Model of Sexual Orientation Disclosure, Sexual Minority Stigma, Sexual Minority Identity, Social Support, and Resilience among YMSMs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumin Tan ◽  
Ping Cen ◽  
Ting Fang ◽  
Xing Yang ◽  
Yun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Minority Identity ◽  
Sexual Minority Identity ◽  
Sexual Orientation Disclosure

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to investigate sexual orientation disclosure and mental health among young men who have sex with men (YMSMs). To this end, we constructed a chained multimediator model of sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience, with the moderator of sexual orientation disclosure. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 345 YMSMs in Nanning, China. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Sexual minority stigma was used to predict identity, with social support as the step 1 mediator and resilience as the step 2 mediator. Sexual minority identity was analyzed using a chained moderated mediation model; sexual orientation disclosure was included as a moderator in all models to control its confounding effect. Results: The average age of YMSMs was 20.0 ± 1.3 years. Univariate analysis indicated that YMSMs who disclosed sexual orientation may have experienced less stigma (15.49 ± 3.02 vs 16.21 ± 2.74), obtained more social support (65.98 ± 11.18 vs 63.19 ± 11.13), had strong psychological resilience (37.40 ± 8.57 vs 35.39 ± 7.73), and had a more positive self-identity (104.12 ± 21.10 vs 95.35 ± 16.67); differences between subgroups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Sexual minority stigma, perceived stigma, and enacted stigma were significantly associated with social support and resilience. The association between sexual minority stigma and sexual minority identity was significantly mediated by social support (indirect effect [95% CI] = −3.307 [−4.782, −1.907]). Resilience significantly mediated the same association for identity (−2.544 [−4.052, −1.114]). The chained relationship from sexual minority stigma to social support, resilience, and identity was also significant, with an indirect effect of −0.404 [−0.621, −0.249]. Conclusion: Among YMSMs in China, sexual minority stigma affects sexual minority identity through social support and resilience. Given the psychological effects of stigma, social support and resilience must be considered to better promote positive self-identity and mental health among YMSMs.

scholarly journals Alcohol use among sexual minority women: Methods used and lessons learned in the 20-Year Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonda Hughes ◽  
Sharon Wilsnack ◽  
Kelly Martin ◽  
Alicia Matthews ◽  
Timothy Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Minority Women ◽  
Sexual Minority Women ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Background: Two decades ago, there was almost no research on alcohol use among sexual minority women (SMW, e.g., lesbian, bisexual). Since then, a growing body of scientific literature documents substantial sexual orientation-related disparities in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Research has identified multiple risk factors associated with high-risk/hazardous drinking among SMW. However, this research has almost exclusively used cross-sectional designs, limiting the ability to draw conclusions about processes through which sexual minority status affects alcohol use. Longitudinal designs, although very rare in research on alcohol use among SMW, are important for testing mediational mechanisms and necessary to understanding how changes in social determinants impact alcohol use. Aim: To describe the processes and lessons learned in conducting a 20-year longitudinal study focused on alcohol use among SMW. Methods: The Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study includes five waves of data collection (2000–present) with an age and racially/ethnically diverse sample of 815 SMW (ages 18–83) originally recruited in the Chicago Metropolitan Area in Illinois, a midwestern state in the United States (U.S.). Measures and focus have evolved over the course of the study. Results: The CHLEW study is the longest-running and most comprehensive study of SMW’s drinking in the U.S. or elsewhere. Findings reported in more than 50 published manuscripts have contributed to understanding variations in SMW’s risk for hazardous/harmful drinking based on sexual identity, age, race/ethnicity, sex/gender of partner, and many other factors. Conclusions: By describing the process used in conducting this long-term study, its major findings, and the lessons learned, we hope to encourage and support other researchers in conducting longitudinal research focused on SMW’s health. Such research is critically important in understanding and ultimately eliminating sexual orientation-related health disparities.

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