Bisexual Individuals Research Articles

Parasocial contact reduces anti-LGBTI+ prejudice via enhanced perspective-taking and lowered symbolic threat

ABSTRACT Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and plus (LGBTI+) individuals experience a disproportionate amount of prejudice and discrimination. One way to tackle this is parasocial contact, a type of indirect contact which is based on media exposure to an outgroup member(s). The current study aimed to test the effects of parasocial contact on prejudice reduction towards LGBTI+ individuals in a context defined by traditional gender norms and anti-LGBTI+ bias, Turkey and north Cyprus. It was hypothesised that exposure to parasocial contact would be effective in reducing prejudice against LGBTI+ individuals compared to a control condition, via greater perspective taking and reduced threat perception. A sample of 344 cisgender, heterosexual Turkish-speaking university students (234 female and 110 male) were randomly assigned to different forms of parasocial contact with an LGBTI+ character or a control condition. Subsequently, they received a battery of scales. The findings showed that while controlling for contact with LGBTI+ individuals, gender, religiosity and social dominance orientation, parasocial contact improved positive outgroup attitudes and increased support for LGBTI+ rights via enhanced perspective-taking, and decreased symbolic threat perceptions compared to the control group. Practical implications of the study are discussed.

Sexual orientation is associated with 2D:4D finger length ratios in both sexes: an updated and expanded meta-analysis.

The ratio of the lengths of the 2nd and 4th fingers (2D:4D) is a putative marker for prenatal gonadal hormone signaling and has been linked to human sexual orientation. Although 2D:4D is consistently found to be lower in males than females, the association with sexual orientation is variable across studies, with one meta-analysis finding lower (more masculine) digit ratios in lesbians than heterosexual females, but no overall association in males. However, this previous meta-analysis considered neither unpublished datasets nor bisexual individuals separately from homosexual and heterosexual individuals. Moreover, 17 datasets examining relationships between 2D:4D and sexual orientation have been published since that time, and we located an additional 11 unpublished datasets. We therefore conducted an updated and expanded meta-analysis comprising 51 studies, including 44 male and 34 female datasets, totaling 227,648 participants. This meta-analysis also explored whether 2D:4D differed between heterosexual and bisexual and/or non-exclusive individuals in both sexes. Results indicate lower (more male-typical) digit ratios in homosexual women (right hand g = 0.26, left hand g = 0.16; both adjusted following trim-and-fill), and higher (more female-typical) ratios in homosexual men (right hand g = -0.17, left hand g = -0.20; both adjusted) compared to heterosexual same-sex counterparts. Moderator analyses do not support publication bias for females. For males, positive findings were more likely to be published, but robustness tests, including trim-and-fill and leave-one-out, support the findings' robustness. No significant differences were observed in 2D:4D between male or female bisexual and heterosexual individuals. These findings are consistent with evidence that prenatal androgens increase attraction to females and/or that prenatal estrogens increase attraction to males.

The Influence of Opportunity, Information, and Time on Queer and Trans Student Postsecondary Enrollment

ABSTRACT The purpose of our study is to examine how experiences in high school influence queer and trans student postsecondary enrollment. We used Iloh’s model of college-going decisions and trajectories as our theoretical framework and data came from the U.S. Department of Education’s High School Longitudinal Study of 2009. We utilized path analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships for college enrollment, focusing on three interrelated topics concerning queer and trans students: sense of belonging, relational support, and college finances. Results of the chi-square analysis indicated that a significantly lower percentage of bisexual individuals, trans individuals, and those questioning their sexual identity were enrolled in college compared to other identity groups. Our path analysis revealed that queer and trans high school students who had a greater sense of belonging had higher GPAs, which in turn was positively linked to talking about college and enrolling in college at higher rates. To honor our critical epistemological framing, we provide implications regarding interpersonal, institutional, and societal contexts that relate to queer and trans college-going pursuits.

Mental disorders and sexual orientation in college students across 13 countries of differing levels of LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Mental disorders and sexual orientation in college students across 13 countries of differing levels of LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Higher Prescription Tranquilizer Misuse Among Bisexual Individuals in the United States, 2021–2023

Background Prescription tranquilizer misuse poses negative health outcomes including respiratory distress and overdose. Given the higher prevalence of substance use by sexual minority individuals, assessing the prevalence and motives of prescription tranquilizer misuse in this group is a priority. This study examined prescription tranquilizer misuse by sexual identity using a US nationally representative dataset. Methods We used the adult sample from the 2021–2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (N = 139,524). The outcome was past-month prescription tranquilizer misuse, including benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or any other prescription tranquilizer, and the exposure was sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual/straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual). We conducted a binomial logistic regression model, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, past-month distress level, and other substance use. We calculated reasons for prescription tranquilizer misuse by sexual identity among adults with past-month prescription tranquilizer misuse. Results Among total adult respondents (13.3% aged 18–25 years, 51.3% female, 12.1% non-Hispanic Black, 17.3% Hispanic), 2.6% identified themselves as gay/lesbian, 5.4% as bisexual, and 0.5% misused prescription tranquilizers in 2022 (representing 1,170,818 US adults). The adjusted model showed that bisexual individuals (vs. heterosexual) were more likely to misuse prescription tranquilizers (aPR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.41, 3.42). Bisexual individuals who misused prescription tranquilizers did so “for emotions” (48.2%) at a significantly higher prevalence than heterosexual (23.9%) and gay/lesbian individuals (23.8%). Conclusions We estimated ∼1.1 million US adults misused prescription tranquilizers in 2021–2023 and found that bisexual individuals were more likely to misuse prescription tranquilizers. Bisexual adults frequently reported “for emotions” as a reason for prescription tranquilizer misuse.

Sleep in Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Individuals: The Roles of Minority Stressors and Identity Positivity

ABSTRACT Objectives Although there are increasing reports suggesting that sexual minorities sleep badly, very few empirical studies have used standard sleep measures. Moreover previous studies have not considered the ways in which different identities and identity processes may interact with sleep. Methods We addressed this in an on-line sample of almost 300 self-identified lesbian women (N = 40), gay men (N = 55) and bisexual men (N = 87)and bisexual women (N = 118). We assessed sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, among others; wellbeing using measures of life satisfaction, anxiety and depression, and lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) identification, social support, discrimination, identity resilience and minority stressors. Results All sleep measures suggested that sexual minorities sleep poorly, and experience identity challenges, minority stressors, high levels of anxiety and depression and reduced life satisfaction. The latter wellbeing variables and BMI account for substantial amounts of variance in scores on standard sleep measures, as do identity and minority stressors. These variables mediate each other such that a confident sexual identity is associated with reduced effects of minority stressors on sleep, and enhanced wellbeing and sleep. There were no differences between LGB subgroups in these effects, except for insomnia, which was worse in bisexuals than in lesbian and gay individuals. Conclusions Standard self-report measures of sleep confirm that sexual minorities sleep poorly, and identification with or stresses due to minority status exascerbates this.

Exploring Associations Among Shared Social Identity, Supportive Communication, Language Use, and Physiological Stress During Conversations About LGBTQ+ Individuals’ Hate Speech Experiences

This mixed-methods study examined supportive communication in response to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) individuals’ (N = 44) recalling of an experience of hate speech directed at their sexual orientation, focusing on potential differences in support and stress when receiving support from a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community versus a heterosexual individual. Thematic analysis revealed unique themes in support provision for LGBTQ+ and heterosexual providers. Quantitative findings indicated that LGBTQ+ providers were not perceived by support recipients or observers as more supportive than heterosexual providers, nor did identity impact physiological stress. However, the results indicated that LGBTQ+ support providers used more words when providing support, and longer responses were associated with less physiological stress. Together, these findings have valuable implications for LGBTQ+ people’s health and well-being, as well as chosen family members’ support provision.

97 Neighborhood level stressors, resilience sources, and other characteristics among sexual minority groups

Objectives/Goals: Sexual minority populations (SMPs), including lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups, disproportionately encounter discriminatory experiences due to bi/homonegativity and systemic inequities across various social domains. We aim to understand how the neighborhood-level stressors and resilience sources differed across specific groups in SMPs. Methods/Study Population: Utilizing the NIH All of Us’ cloud-based platform, we selected cohorts self-identifying as gay (n = 9,454), bisexual (n = 15,284), lesbian (n = 5267), or straight (n = 349,748). We explored multiple key measures of neighborhood-level stressors (e.g., neighborhood disorder, neighborhood cohesion, and environment index) and resilience sources (e.g., neighbor cohesion, social support), and other factors (e.g., food insecurity, housing insecurity, and housing instability) by their sexual orientations using analysis of variance or Chi-square analyses. Results/Anticipated Results: Our sample comprised 60.8% females and 37.5% males identifying as non-binary or transgender, with an average age of 55.6 years (SD = 17.1). The racial composition was 56.0% White, 19.4% Black, 18.7% Hispanic, and 5.9% others (e.g., Asian, multiracial). Compared to straight individuals, SMPs reported high neighborhood stressors (e.g., disorder, worse environment) but lower neighborhood-level resilience sources (e.g., social support, cohesion). In addition, bisexual groups reported highest prevalence of housing insecurity (6.7% vs. 2.3%), housing instability (36.0% vs. 19.6%), and food insecurity (26.57% vs. 12.21%). Discussion/Significance of Impact: SMPs, particularly bisexual individuals, face greater neighborhood stressors and fewer resilience sources than their straight counterparts. These findings call for targeted interventions to address these disparities and promote health equity, using large-scale datasets to inform community-based solutions.

96 Disparities in healthcare discrimination among sexual minority groups: Insights from the NIH All of Us Program

Objectives/Goals: Discriminatory experiences within healthcare settings significantly hinder equitable health access for sexual minority groups (SMPs) in the USA. These discriminatory experiences can manifest in various forms (e.g., refusal of care). We aimed to explore different types of discrimination encountered by SMPs in the healthcare settings. Methods/Study Population: This study utilized secondary data from the NIH All of Us Research Program. For this analysis, we selected cohorts self-identifying as gay (n = 9,454), bisexual (n = 15,284), lesbian (n = 5,267), and straight (n = 349,748), enabling robust comparisons across SMPs and straight individuals. We employed analysis of variance and Chi-square analyses to assess group differences in healthcare discrimination, using key indicators from the Discrimination in Medical Settings Scale. These indicators captured experiences such as being treated with less respect or courtesy and feeling ignored by healthcare providers, providing a comprehensive view of discriminatory encounters in healthcare settings for SMPs. Results/Anticipated Results: Our analyses revealed that bisexual individuals reported the highest levels of healthcare discrimination (mean = 3.64, SD = 2.45), followed by lesbians (mean = 3.37, SD = 2.47), other SMPs (mean = 3.36, SD = 2.53), gay (mean = 2.69, SD = 2.47), and straight participants (mean = 2.60, SD = 2.42). Among the seven discrimination indicators, the most reported experience was feeling like a doctor or nurse was not listening, with 76.8% of bisexual participants, 72.3% of lesbians, 68.8% of other SMPs, and 56.9% of gay participants reporting this experience. This was followed by reports of being treated with less respect and being treated with less courtesy in healthcare settings. These findings highlight the pervasive nature of healthcare discrimination among SMPs, particularly bisexual individuals. Discussion/Significance of Impact: SMPs experience higher levels of discrimination in healthcare settings compared to their straight counterparts. Our results underscore the urgent need to foster respectful, inclusive healthcare environments and ensure that healthcare providers are adequately trained to address the unique health needs and experiences of SMPs.

375 Understanding the association between alcohol use and neighborhood-level factors among sexual minority groups

Objectives/Goals: Sexual minority populations report a disproportionately high prevalence of alcohol use, often attributed to coping with bi/homonegativity and systemic inequities across various social domains. This study aims to explore alcohol use patterns and associated neighborhood and individual factors among sexual minority populations (SMPs) using data from the NIH All of US dataset. Methods/Study Population: Alcohol use was assessed using the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption) scale across a sample of 9,454 gay, 15,284 bisexual, 5,267 lesbian, and 349,748 straight participants. The AUDIT-C measured hazardous alcohol use, and logistic regression models were employed to examine its association with neighborhood-level factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, alcohol outlet density) and individual-level factors (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, income, and education) among SMPs. Interaction terms assessed how these relationships varied by sexual orientation. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings, including stratified analyses by gender identity and the exclusion of extreme outliers in alcohol use reporting. Results/Anticipated Results: Our analyses revealed that gay participants had the highest AUDIT-C scores (mean = 3.60, SD = 2.27), followed by bisexual (mean = 3.35, SD = 2.21), other SMPs (mean = 3.18, SD = 2.19), lesbian (mean = 3.04, SD = 2.08), and straight individuals (mean = 3.05, SD = 2.06). Alcohol use was positively associated with neighborhood disorder (β = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.17), housing insecurity (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.25), and male gender (β = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96, 1.00). In contrast, neighborhood density (β = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.15, -0.07), food insecurity (β = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.20, -0.08), being Black, and identifying as bisexual were negatively associated with alcohol use. Sensitivity analyses determined no significant differences among specfic supgroups. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study highlights important differences in alcohol use across SMPs and emphasizes the influence of neighborhood-level stressors (e.g., disorder and housing insecurity). These findings underscore the need for addressing social and environmental determinants of alcohol use in SMPs to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol consumption.

Anticipated stigma and depression in Italian bisexual emerging adults: the mediating role of emotion regulation and resilience

ABSTRACT Bisexual individuals experience societal stigmatisation due to their minoritized identity and are exposed to health disparities contributing to psychological distress. Drawing on the minority stress theory and the psychological mediation framework, the current study investigated the association between a proximal minority stressor (i.e. anticipated binegativity) and a mental health outcome (i.e. depression) through emotion regulation and resilience in 313 Italian bisexual emerging adults aged 18–29 years who responded to a web-based cross-sectional survey in May 2024. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, anticipated binegativity, emotion regulation (i.e. expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal), resilience, and depression were statistically analysed using the structural equation modelling approach. Anticipated binegativity was positively associated with depressive symptoms, and both expressive suppression and resilience mediated the relationship between anticipated binegativity and depressive symptoms, separately. In addition, higher anticipated binegativity increased the level of depressive symptoms through greater expressive suppression (but not cognitive reappraisal), which in turn decreased resilience. The investigation of new psychological paths can inform clinical practice with bisexual emerging adults, who face unique developmental challenges and face increased risk of negative mental health outcomes due to their societal stigmatisation. Interventions should target adaptive emotion regulation strategies and resilience capacities that protect from the risk of depression.

Navigating Digital Geographies and Trauma Contexts: Conceptions of Online Communities and Experiences Among LGBTQ+ People During COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic shaped challenges for marginalized groups. Specifically, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people experienced community-building constraints, notably in predominantly rural regions. People are also navigating digital geographies, or online social environments, in novel ways to develop virtual communities in the face of prejudice, discrimination, and potential trauma. Through a minority coping approach, the present study explored LGBTQ+ people's experiences navigating the dynamics of digital geographies during the pandemic while residing in socially conservative, highly rural physical spaces where they may be exposed to vicarious trauma. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, data were gathered from 43 LGBTQ+ identifying individuals between 19 and 59 years old (M/SD = 27.7/9.2) between October 2020 and January 2021. Nearly 14% identified as transgender, nonbinary, or queer individuals, 35% as bisexual individuals, and 21% as people of color including Hispanic/Latina/o. Thematic analysis of the narratives described participants' exposures to online discrimination and stigmatization of minority groups (racial and/or sexual/gender minority groups) during the COVID-19 pandemic, institutional constraints to identity expression, utilizing social technologies to manage their identities, and negotiating digital strategies to promote social ties. Findings emphasize improving marginalized people's experiences with digital geographies through identity affirmation and community relationship-building to offset potentially traumatic experiences. Furthermore, service providers can utilize the findings to tailor effective virtual LGBTQ+ community programming to support underserved, marginalized populations.

Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults: Findings From the Brazilian Health System.

The primary objective of this research was to describe the prevalence of violence against older adults according to sexual orientation as documented in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) in Brazil. SINAN is a national database that compiles violence-related notifications reported by healthcare services. This ecological study analyzed aggregated data at the population level, focusing on violence notifications involving individuals aged 50 and above from 2017 to 2021. The data underwent descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses, adhering to a significance level of 5%. The completeness percentage of the sexual orientation variable ranged from 70% to 72%. Our analysis detected noteworthy disparities in the distribution of violence notifications based on sexual orientation. Specifically, lesbians had the highest incidence rates of physical violence compared to heterosexual and bisexual women. In a broader context, women demonstrated a higher susceptibility to psychological violence, with bisexual women experiencing a notably elevated prevalence (41.67%). Reports of physical and psychological violence differed based on contextual variables, such as race, education level, and geographic region. We hereby conclude that the disparities found in violence notifications underscore a troubling situation faced by older adults within the LGB community, with a particular emphasis on the challenges encountered by bisexual individuals. Improving cultural competence in health systems is essential to enhancing data collection and understanding the complexities of violence against this population.

Romantic relationship status and internalized homophobia in LGB individuals: a parallel mediation model examining the roles of gender and coming out status

BackgroundTo examine the parallel mediating effects of social networking site use and self-esteem on the internalization of homophobia among LGB individuals, with a focus on variations across gender and coming out status.MethodsA sample of 657 homosexual and bisexual individuals (mean age: 22.81 ± 6.15 years) was recruited through online social media platforms. This study examined romantic relationship status, coming out status, and the use of social networking sites. It also assessed internalized homophobia using the Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS), social network site engagement with the Social Network Site Intensity Scale (SNSIS), and self-esteem using the Self-Esteem Scale (SES). SPSS PROCESS was used to examine the parallel mediation model, while Amos was employed to analyze the moderated mediation model.ResultsThe social networking site use and self-esteem serve as parallel mediators in the relationship between romantic relationship status and the internalized homophobia. The mediating effect accounted for 23.75% and 21.88% of the total effect, respectively. Gender acts as a mediator in the pathways involving social networking site use and self-esteem, while coming out status mediates each component of these pathways. The romantic relationship status of LGB individuals is linked to internalized homophobia. Social networking site use and self-esteem act as parallel mediators in their relationship, while gender and coming out status playing a moderating role.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on the intricate factors influencing internalized homophobia among LGB individuals, emphasizing the mediating roles of social networking site usage and self-esteem, along with the moderating effects of gender and coming out status. The findings underscore the importance of fostering inclusive environments that support self-expression and reduce discrimination against LGB individuals. Furthermore, this study suggests directions for future research, including the use of longitudinal designs, the detailed categorization of romantic relationship statuses, and deeper exploration of psychological and behavioral differences across various LGB identities. By addressing these limitations, future studies can offer a more nuanced understanding of internalized homophobia and contribute to the development of effective intervention and prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.

LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) state policy protections and substance use disparities.

LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals have higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use than the general population. While protective social policies have been found to reduce these disparities, their long-term impact remains largely unknown. In this study, we used data from waves 3 (2001-2002) and 4 (2008-2009) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to assess the impact of exposure to LGB state policy protections during emerging adulthood on substance use in young adulthood. Using multivariable Poisson models, we evaluated whether emerging adulthood was a critical period of exposure and quantified the relative reduction in substance use disparities between LGB and heterosexual individuals living in more protective states. Findings suggest that LGB individuals living in states with more policy protections during emerging adulthood had a significantly lower prevalence of tobacco use and binge drinking in young adulthood compared with those in less protective states. These findings were not observed among heterosexual individuals, indicating that policy effects were specific to LGB individuals. Furthermore, these protections appeared to reduce overall substance use disparities, especially among female participants. It is critical to continue evaluating policy protections to safeguard the health of the LGB community, especially considering the potential erosion of these vital protections.

Factors Associated With Marital Satisfaction of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

ABSTRACTIntroductionThis study investigated the factors associated with the marital satisfaction of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsStudy participants were 268 people (M = 31.63 years of age; SD = 8.33), who self‐reported as lesbian (n = 112; 41.8%), gay (n = 85; 31.7%) or bisexual (n = 71; 26.5%). Of these, 124 (46.3%) reported being cisgender men, and 144 (53.7%) were cisgender women. Participants completed the following online instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internalised Homophobia Scale, the COVID‐19 Family Environment Scale (CHES) the Distress Scale, and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State.ResultsResults demonstrated that experiencing pre‐pandemic contextual and individual vulnerabilities (internalised homophobia, psychological distress, being male, gay, or non‐white), coupled with pandemic‐related external stressors (working from home) and (un)adaptive processes during the pandemic (conflict and cohesion), negatively impacted the marital satisfaction of LGB individuals.Conclusions and Policy ImplicationsThis study provides a broader view of how LGB individuals experienced marital relationships during the pandemic, highlighting aspects that may either exacerbate or mitigate the potential adverse effects of the pandemic crisis on relationships.

Dating App Use and Everyday Discrimination among Bisexual and Heterosexual Individuals

Dating App Use and Everyday Discrimination among Bisexual and Heterosexual Individuals

Minority stress and mental health outcomes among lesbians, gay men, and bisexual men and women in Croatia

The study investigates the association between minority stress and various mental health outcomes of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Croatia. The study also explores the moderating roles of gender and sexual orientation in association between minority stress and mental health outcomes. A total of 1403 cisgender LGB participants (65.9% identifying as women and 57.1% as gay) were surveyed online in May 2022. The questionnaire included the Minority Stress Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Suicidal Ideations and Attempts Questionnaire, The CAGE questionnaire for alcohol and drug abuse, and the Questionnaire of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) for wellbeing. Structural equation modeling results indicated significant associations between minority stress and various mental health outcomes of LGB individuals. Specifically, minority stress was significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideations and attempts. It also predicted lower emotional, social, and psychological well-being. However, no significant association was found between minority stress and substance. Gender did not significantly moderate the relationship between minority stress and mental health outcomes, while sexual orientation did. The association between minority stress and anxiety symptoms was more severe among bisexual individuals compared to gay individuals. The study highlights the importance of addressing minority stress and the development of targeted support interventions aimed at improving the mental health outcomes of the LGB individuals in Croatia.

From Exclusion to Inclusion: Empowering LGBT Integration with Allies, Workplace Strategies and Family Role Models

The workplace encounters challenge due to the absence of inclusive environments, resulting in potential loss of top-tier talent, diminished productivity and diminished business performance. This research endeavours to construct a comprehensive framework for the integration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) individuals, focusing on embedding gender and sexual minorities. This study examines the relationship between diversity-friendly workplace management and LGBT integration through advocacy by allies (ABA) and family role modelling. The research framework is constructed based on the principles of sociometric, signalling and family systems theory and is undertaken within the Indian IT/ITES sector, involving 546 employees across 9 technology parks through a survey methodology. The analysis was carried out utilizing Smart PLS software, employing structural equation modelling and making predictions using partial least squares. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed. Findings demonstrate that effective management of diversity-friendly workplaces has a favourable impact on the integration of LGBT individuals in work environments. Results also suggest that ABA plays a supporting role in this relationship through complementary mediation, while the influence of family role modelling is moderated. This study contributes substantially to both theoretical understanding and managerial practices. A cross-cultural, longitudinal and a qualitative perspective could have added more insights to the study.

Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea

BackgroundDespite the relatively low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Korea, the incidence of HIV is steadily increasing, centering on same-sex sexual contact among men in their 20s and 30s. However, in Korean society, where acceptance of homosexuality is low, LGBTQ + research is lacking and there is little empirical data on HIV transmission. This study explored the context in which anal intercourse occurs among male sexual minorities in Korea.MethodsData were collected by conducting a web survey targeting paid members of Korea’s largest homosexuality portal site (n = 941). The dependent variable was whether anal intercourse was preferred, and the major independent variables were health behavior, health status, and sexual behavioral characteristics.ResultsThose who reported that their gender identity was homosexual tended to prefer anal sex more than those who reported that they were bisexual (Chi-square = 5.165, p <.05). For homosexuals that had more unprotected sex (OR = 1.538, 95% CI = 1.281–1.847), had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.943, 95% CI = 1.345–2.809), and had been diagnosed with an STD (OR = 2.978, 95% CI = 1.592–5.568), there was a high possibility of preferring anal intercourse. Bisexuals were more likely to prefer anal intercourse if they had unprotected sex (OR = 1.715, 95% CI = 1.322–2.225) or had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.927, 95% CI = 1.141–3.257).ConclusionsThis study found that young non-heterosexual men in South Korea are more likely to engage in condomless anal sex while living with HIV/STDs. As a result, primary partners are at higher risk of infection, and bisexual individuals are more likely to transmit HIV/STDs due to similar sexual contexts.