The roles of non-heterosexuality outside of identity and gender non-conformity in Allostatic Load among young adults

Abstract

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study contrasted levels of Allostatic Load at the baseline and change observed between the age 20s and 30s, among self-identified Lesbians/Gays/Bisexuals and heterosexuals with non-heterosexual attraction/behavior (discordant heterosexuals), against heterosexuals without (concordant heterosexuals). In addition, the study tested if Allostatic Load differs for each of the sexual orientation group differs jointly or independently of gender non-conformity. The study found no Allostatic Load elevation for self-identified non-heterosexual men and women. For women only, a significantly greater elevation of Allostatic Load is observed among discordant heterosexuals. Independently, Allostatic Load is found higher for females appearing more androgynous. The findings suggest expanding the current scope of sexual minority research to consider the relevance of minority stress to those without a LGB identity, who may be exposed to stress from disparate sources related to their gender identity.