Lesbian Research Articles

Perceptions and Cultural Practices of Vaping Among Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women in Australia

Abstract Background The rising prevalence of vaping poses new challenges and opportunities for health policy and public health interventions. Given that, historically, smoking has been more prevalent among lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women than other women, this study explores LBQ women’s perceptions and experiences of vaping. Methods Sixty LBQ women and some non-binary people (aged 18–72) participated in in-depth qualitative interviews between May and July 2023, providing insights into the emerging prevalence and nature of vaping within LBQ women’s communities. Thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify key themes, including (1) risk perceptions and social stigma, (2) gendered perceptions of vaping, and (3) experiences of vaping-related harms. Results Results highlight gendered perceptions of vaping among LBQ women, with participants describing vaping as a feminine practice, influenced by flavour choices and the visual aesthetics of vape devices. Despite perceiving vaping as more socially acceptable than smoking, some participants expressed a sense of embarrassment about vaping, while others reported substantial challenges and health concerns. Conclusion Concerns about vaping-related harms, addiction, and the evolving social dynamics of vaping contribute to LBQ women’s engagement with this emerging practice. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted harm reduction strategies and support services tailored to LBQ women’s unique needs in the evolving landscape of vaping. Policy Implications Health and social policy may require specific responses to address higher rates of vaping among LGBTQ populations, including LBQ women.

Mind the Gap! LGBTQ + Population’s Perceptions of Discrimination and of Legal Innovation

Abstract Introduction Homosexuality was decriminalized in Portugal in 1982, and several legislative changes have emerged since the beginning of the twenty-first century. However, 2010 marked the beginning of the approval of fundamental laws for the life of LGBTQ + people, such as same-sex marriage, access to parenthood and the right to self-determination of gender identity. Despite these advances, discrimination is still present in Portuguese society. Methods The aim of this investigation is to study the processes and experiences of discrimination of LGBTQ + people in their daily lives, analyzing the perception of the discrepancy between legislation and the experiences of participants. Its aim is also to analyze the strategies suggested by the participants to reduce this discrepancy. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 LGBTQ + participants, of various sexual orientations (six gay men, three lesbian women, six bisexual persons, five pansexual individuals, and one who identified as “other”) and gender identities (six transgender participants, including two trans men, two non-binary persons, one trans woman, and one genderqueer participant). Results Content analysis of these interviews resulted in 828 units of analysis coded in 30 categories. The participants reported that they have gone through multiple experiences of discrimination in different contexts and that they recognize forces of resistance to legal innovation. Conclusion There is a gap between legal advances and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Portugal, who still report discrimination experiences in many domains of daily life. Policy Implications Implications for research and public policies are presented, particularly considering the need to inform and provide training to both strategic audiences and stakeholders and to inform the larger population to promote social change.

The Role of Shame in Associations with PTSD and Depression Symptoms and Hazardous Drinking Among Bisexual Women Who Experienced Sexual Violence

ABSTRACT Bisexual (i.e. those with attraction to multiple genders) women experience disparities in sexual violence and mental health outcomes, including PTSD, depression, and hazardous drinking, compared to lesbian and heterosexual women. Unique stigma due to bisexual identity (antibisexual stigma), negative reactions to sexual violence (SV) disclosure (e.g. victim blaming), and prior child sexual abuse (CSA) may all contribute to shame. We tested whether shame explained the associations of antibisexual stigma, negative reactions to SV disclosure, and CSA severity with PTSD symptoms, depression, and hazardous drinking among young bisexual women. Participants who self-identified as bisexual women, between the ages of 18–35, residing in the US were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and completed online questionnaires. Women who reported SV since age 18 that they disclosed to someone were included in the current study, yielding a sample of 156 bisexual women (Mage = 25.7; 98.1% cisgender, 86.5% White). Path analysis with bias-corrected bootstrapping was conducted. There were significant direct effects of negative reactions on hazardous drinking and CSA on PTSD, and direct effects of shame on PTSD and depression symptoms. Shame explained the associations of antibisexual stigma, negative reactions, and CSA with PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and hazardous drinking. Shame may explain why stigmatizing experiences related to bisexual identity, sexual violence, and CSA history relate to distress among bisexual women. Shame is an important treatment target among bisexual survivors of SV.

Natural menopause timing and menopause symptoms among lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women in the Nurses' Health Study II

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine sexual orientation differences in natural menopause timing and symptoms between lesbian and bisexual women compared with heterosexual women. Methods We used longitudinal questionnaire data (1989-2015) from 92,314 women (858 lesbian, 375 bisexual) in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort. Women were 24-44 yr old at baseline and biennially reported their menopause status, including reasons for cessation of menstrual periods. In 2009 and 2013, women reported on their experience of hot flashes and night sweats. Covariates included age, age at menarche, body mass index, smoking, and parity. Sexual orientation was reported in 1995 and 2009. Results Age-adjusted Cox models and logistic regression models suggest that there were no statistically significant differences in menopause timing between lesbian or bisexual women when compared with heterosexual women. When examining menopause symptoms, lesbian women consistently had a statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher odds of experiencing hot flashes or night sweats (odds ratio range: 1.17 to 1.72) and moderate/severe symptoms (OR range: 1.26 to 1.77) than heterosexual women, even after adjusting for covariates such as smoking and obesity. There were no statistically significant differences in menopause symptoms between bisexual and heterosexual women. Conclusions Our findings suggest no meaningful difference in menopause timing between sexual minority and heterosexual women. Additionally, menopause symptoms were more likely among lesbian women and warrants additional study.

Positivity as a moderator of the association between enacted stigma and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.

In this study, we investigated the association between enacted stigma and adverse mental health outcomes in Israeli lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Additionally, we explored the moderating effect of positivity, namely the inclination to perceive oneself, one's life, and one's future in a generally positive outlook, in this association. For this purpose, we surveyed 520 cisgender LGB Israelis (Mage = 33.20, SD = 8.68; 30.8% self-reported as lesbian women, 48.8% self-reported as gay men, 20.4% self-reported as bisexual individuals), and assessed enacted stigma, depressive symptoms, anxiety, negative affect, and positivity. The results of the hierarchical regressions and simple slope analyses indicated that enacted stigma was associated with higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, and negative affect. As hypothesized, positivity played a moderating role in the association between enacted stigma and adverse mental health indicators, whereby the association was weaker among participants with higher positivity scores and stronger among those with lower positivity scores. The findings contribute novel insights to the sexual minority literature within the field of mental health by unfolding the role played by positivity in mitigating the detrimental effects of enacted stigma. The results underscore that practitioners should not only be knowledgeable about the negative repercussions of enacted stigma, but they should also monitor positivity and integrate interventions aimed at enhancing positivity into their clinical work with sexual minority individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Queer tourism geographies and placemaking: beyond homonormativity

Queer spaces emerge as a response to the restrictive nature of homonormativity, which compels queer individuals to conform to dominant cis-heteronormativities. This underscores the need for in-depth knowledge about queer spaces, particularly those that extend beyond the experiences of gay men. This study explores how lesbian and queer women as mobile transnationals create space for themselves in Copenhagen, a city recognised as the world’s most gay-friendly place. It employs an interpretivist research paradigm utilizing a critical feminist and queer geography lens. Findings from observations and interviews reveal the absence of a specific lesbian space in Copenhagen; instead, numerous queer spaces are characterised by fluidity, safety, community and their welcoming approach towards LGBTQIA+ travellers. Lesbian and queer women do not become visible through physical spaces but through the strong networks they have created for themselves. A queer space offers a sense of safety within a public setting for the community that gathers there. Additionally, lesbian and queer women actively reshape and conquer existing cis-heteronormative spaces through material and immaterial practices such as exclusive online community spaces or through hosting queer events in spaces such as churches. The study addresses the absence of feminist and queer perspectives in a discourse on sustainable tourism geographies. It provides policymakers with insights and recommendations for creating inclusive, queer-friendly spaces.

Lesbian Feminist Music and Meaningful Community Work

ABSTRACT Through an examination of the lesbian feminist women’s music community, I examine how activists take on the often low- or no-pay work of supporting and creating community music. To explain their labor, I draw on the concept of meaningful work that sustains the core ideologies of the community, as well as addressing the identities of individuals. In doing so, I expand understandings of music within politicized communities and how the work of doing music supports the collective and empowers the individual.

Evolutionary Role of the Female Orgasm: Insights into Mate Choice and Beyond.

The female orgasm remains a subject of extensive debate within evolutionary sciences, primarily due to the absence of a consensus regarding its adaptive function. Some hypotheses propose that it could function as a mechanism for mate selection, possibly linked to reproductive strategies. Studies have observed that lesbian women tend to experience orgasms more frequently than straight women, suggesting a potential link to advantageous partner characteristics. We explored the connection between the female orgasm and mate selection, aiming to ascertain its role as an adaptive tool for mate choice. A total of 939 sexually active Brazilian women (Mage = 28.3years) engaged in committed relationships participated by completing the Marital Empathy Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and evaluations of their partners' attributes. Analysis using structural equation models revealed that higher orgasm scores were positively associated with perceptions of partner kindness, intelligence, good health, physical attractiveness, and empathy. However, the small effect sizes of these associations warrant caution in their interpretation, and no significant association was found for relationship duration, financial prospects, dominance, and masculinity/femininity. Additionally, no differences were found between women in same-sex and other-sex relationships regarding orgasm frequency and its association with partner traits. The findings partially support the mate-choice theory, encompassing both sire-choice and pair-bond hypotheses, suggesting that female orgasm is positively associated with some partner attributes related to genetic quality and the capability for emotional connection and resource investment. Therefore, female orgasm may offer information about the partner that might not be primarily accessed and contribute to relationship maintenance.

Mental health disparities across sexual orientations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal analysis of a UK nationally representative cohort

ObjectivesDuring COVID-19, sexual minority groups may have experienced heightened mental health challenges, amplified by unique stressors and the effects of pandemic-related restrictions. This study investigates the differential impact of the pandemic on mental health across sexual orientations, leveraging population-representative data to explore these disparities. Study designProspective cohort design. MethodsData from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (waves 8–12) was used. Monthly COVID-19 incidence rates at the regional level were used to indicate pandemic severity. Mental health outcomes were evaluated using the Mental Component Score of the Short Form-12 (MCS-12) survey. To examine whether COVID-19 led to differential impacts across sexual orientation, fixed-effect longitudinal models were employed, controlling for individual and time-variant covariates. ResultsLesbian women experienced a significant mental health decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 3.10 MCS-12 score decrease (95 % confidence interval (CI): -5.77 to -0.43) and an 11.0 % higher likelihood of depression (95%CI: -0.3 % to 22.3 %, p = 0.057) compared to heterosexual women. Conversely, the impact on the mental health of heterosexual women was negative but not significant (-0.22; 95%CI: -0.47 to -0.04). Bisexual individuals and other women showed non-significant mental health declines. For men, COVID-19's effect on heterosexuals was similarly non-significant (-0.21; 95%CI: -0.48 to 0.1), with no significant differences observed in gay, bisexual, and other men. ConclusionsSexual minority individuals, especially lesbian women, faced heightened mental health challenges during COVID-19, emphasizing the urgency for targeted interventions.

‘All the dykes I know drink beer’: Sexuality and gender performance through alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer women in Australia

This article explores the relationship between gender, sexuality and alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women in Australia. On average, LBQ women consume alcohol at a higher rate than heterosexual women, yet the use of alcohol and its gendered meanings in this population remain under-explored. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 cisgender women, 10 transgender women, and 8 non-binary people who identify as lesbian, bisexual, and/or queer. Participants were aged 18–72. Interviews explored participants' experiences with alcohol, gender, and sexuality. Interviews were thematically analysed, informed by a critical alcohol and other drug scholarship lens. While ‘minority stress’ is often cited as a key factor in explaining LBQ women's high rates of alcohol consumption, our findings suggest a more complex relationship between drinking, gender and sexuality. Drinking is gendered for LBQ women, enabling both performance of and resistance to gendered norms. Additionally, alcohol emerged as a tool for navigating gendered vulnerability in public spaces, with some participants shaping their alcohol intake to their environment. Our findings highlight the need for approaches to LBQ women's health that recognise alcohol as a social tool that can facilitate confidence, pleasure, and community connection. Rather than focusing solely on risk and vulnerability, policies and health promotion efforts should consider the diverse ways in which LBQ women use alcohol to navigate their identities and social environments.

Abstract A113: National trends in cervical cancer screening by sexual orientation and race/ethnicity in cisgender women

Abstract Background: Lesbian, gay, and/or bisexual (LGB) women have decreased rates of cervical cancer screening compared to heterosexual women which may be due to barriers accessing care. This difficulty accessing care is magnified in racial/ethnic minority LGB women. Objective: To estimate changes in guideline-concordant cervical cancer screening (CCS) over time by sexual orientation and race/ethnicity using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2021(full cohort). Methods: This retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional analysis included cisgender (denotes gender identity corresponding with sex assigned at birth) women aged 21-65 without history of hysterectomy. Respondents who self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual or an identity other than straight, lesbian, or bisexual were coded as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Respondents who self-identified as straight were coded as heterosexual. Up to date (UTD) CCS was determined based on NHIS questions “When did you have your most recent Pap test?” and “Did you have a human papillomavirus (HPV) test with your most recent Pap test?”. If most recent screening test was within the intervals defined by the US Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines for respective ages and modalities, they were considered UTD. We performed joinpoint analysis to characterize piecewise log-linear time calendar trends in the proportion of UTD CCS and calculated Annual Percent Change (APC) from 2013 to 2021. Results: Overall, there were 40,818 participants in the full cohort, of which 4.32% identified as LGB. 70.64% of the LGB participants reported UTD CCS in contrast to 78.92% of the heterosexual participants. In 2013, 80.87% of the heterosexual participants were UTD for CCS in comparison to 70.59% of LGB participants. In 2021, UTD screening rates fell to 75.4% for heterosexual participants and 68.86% in LGB participants. In trend analysis only heterosexual participants had a significant APC in screening of -0.97% (p=.002) from 2013- 2021, and there was no significant trend for LGB individuals. When evaluating screening rates by sexual orientation and race, we found that heterosexual Hispanic and non-Hispanic (NH) White women had decreased in UTD CCS (APC of -1.52, p=0.008 and -0.63, p=0.02, respectively). Additionally, LGB NH Black women had a significant decrease in UTD screening over the study period (APC of -2.67, p<0.005) falling from 85.22% in 2013 to 67.91% in 2019. Conclusions: In 2021 there were approximately 19.72 million cisgender women aged 21-65 who were potentially not UTD with CCS. Of these, 1.76 million LGB women were not UTD for CCS, and a greater proportion of these women identified as NH Black. Future efforts need to improve screening in cisgender populations regardless of sexual orientation, and specific attention should be aimed at LGB and Black identifying cisgender women. Citation Format: Kelley Baumann, Caryn E Peterson, Stacie Geller, Saria Awadalla, Hunter K Holt. National trends in cervical cancer screening by sexual orientation and race/ethnicity in cisgender women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A113.

Identity Centrality and Leisure Behavior among Chinese Queer Individuals in the U.S

Research has suggested that various leisure contexts can shape lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals’ identities differently. The multiplicity of identities for Chinese LGBTQ+ individuals who migrate from China to the U.S. may be more salient and complicated given the potential changes in the cultural environment, acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, and leisure experiences. The purpose of the study was to explore the leisure experiences of Chinese queer individuals living in the U.S. and the associated meanings they attribute to identity development. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with eleven Chinese LGT individuals, including seven gay men, two trans men, and two lesbian women. Through the theoretical lens of Identity Centrality, results revealed that participants engaged in various leisure activities to reinforce their sexual, gender, and leisure identities. The findings contributed to understanding the intersections of (im)migration, culture, and leisure in shaping the identity expression of Chinese queer immigrants.

Bisexual minority stress as a risk factor for sexual violence-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among bisexual+ women: A multilevel analysis.

Bisexual+ (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer) women experience higher rates of sexual violence (SV) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than heterosexual and lesbian women, as well as unique identity-related minority stress. We examined between- and within-person associations between bisexual minority stress and PTSD symptoms related to SV in a sample of young bisexual+ women (N = 133) who reported adult SV (Mage = 22.0 years, range: 18-25 years; 85.0% White; 99.3% cisgender). We analyzed data from four waves of data collection (baseline to 3-month follow-up) using multilevel models. Controlling for SV severity, there was a significant within-person effect of antibisexual stigma from lesbian/gay people on PTSD, β =.17, p =.010, suggesting that at waves when women experienced more stigma, they also reported higher PTSD symptom levels. At the between-person level, women who reported higher levels of antibisexual stigma from heterosexual people, β =.26, p =.043, and anticipated binegativity, β =.29, p =.005, on average across study waves also reported higher average levels of PTSD. Additionally, anticipated binegativity explained the association between average antibisexual stigma and PTSD, β =.15, p =.014, 95% CI [0.45, 4.61]. Bisexual minority stress may be associated with higher PTSD symptom severity following SV among young bisexual+ women, and the anticipation of binegativity may be a target mechanism in this association. Study findings highlight the importance of examining the joint contributions of SV and minority stress to identify novel targets for future research and practice to address PTSD symptoms.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Cannabis by Sexual Identity, Race, Ethnicity, and Gender: A Nationwide Analysis Using the 2016 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Sexual minority populations experience higher rates of substance use and related problems, but little is known about their specific involvement in driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol (DUIA) and cannabis (DUIC) incidents. Using data from the 2016 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we used logistic regression models to estimate the interactive effects of sexual identity, race/ethnicity, and gender on past-year DUIA among adults who used alcohol and DUIC among adults who used cannabis, accounting for covariates. Using model estimates and linear combinations, we calculated the predicted probabilities of each outcome and compared sexual identity differences within and across race/ethnicity and gender. With few exceptions, the predicted probabilities of DUIA and DUIC were significantly higher among sexual minority women than heterosexual women of similar race/ethnicity. The results were more variable among men with the probabilities of DUIA and DUIC being significantly higher for some groups of sexual minority men and some groups having probabilities equal to or lower than similar heterosexual men. Some of the largest sexual minority gaps in DUIA and DUIC were observed among Hispanic and Other lesbian women and Black gay men. Sexual minority individuals are more likely to report DUI than their heterosexual counterparts; however, the risk of DUI among sexual minority populations varies by racial/ethnic and gender subgroup. Our findings indicate the importance of applying an intersectional framework when addressing substance-use-related disparities and when designing effective DUI prevention interventions for sexual minority populations.

Resilience and Vulnerability: Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Women Managing LGBTphobia in Rural Israel

Neoliberal discourses associate resilience with active stances and independence. Conceptualizing the relationship between vulnerability and resilience, this paper discusses lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) women’s experiences of LGBTphobia in Israeli rural space. Addressing the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) challenge to describe intersectional issues, this paper reveals alternative negotiations of LBT women’s vulnerabilities. Using a theory of vulnerability, we claim that LBT women express resilience even in situations of marginalization and vulnerability. The paper shows how resilience, embedded within vulnerability, is constructed through the management of LGBTphobia via three strategies: construction of alternative spaces, advocacy, and direct resistance to acts of violence.

Lesbian and Heterosexual Women's Implicit Responses to Gender Figures.

This study explored how heterosexual and lesbian women differ in their implicit sexual responses. Previous research indicates that heterosexual women have physiological and implicit responses to both genders, whereas lesbian women show stronger responses to their preferred gender. This study used two implicit measures: the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST), both of which were novel in this context. We recruited 33 heterosexual and 25 lesbian women. Both IRAP and FAST were successful in differentiating the two sexual orientations as a group. The results confirmed that heterosexual women exhibit positive responses to both genders, while lesbian women show stronger, category-specific responses to their preferred gender. These findings align with previous research and provide further insight into the nuanced differences in sexual orientation responses among women.

Using feminist critical management studies to examine LGBTQ+ women’s experiences of inclusion and exclusion in rugby

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, gay, takatāpui, queer, and allies (LGBTQ+) women in rugby in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Using Feminist Critical Management Studies (FCMS) the research shows the potential of these experiences to inform the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sports organisations. FCMS places feminism at the centre of organizational research and seeks to disrupt hegemonic masculinity. This means that DEI policy and practice generation, and implementation, are informed by the knowledge experiences of a marginalized group, in this case, LGBTQ+ women. Mixed methods were used, comprising an online Qualtrics survey, which enabled the collection of descriptive quantitative data about 143 respondents’ demographics and experiences. The quantitative data revealed that women’s rugby is generally inclusive for LGBTQ+ community members. Of the 143 respondents, 69 also provided open text qualitative responses. The qualitative results were thematically analysed, revealing further details, such as inclusion as personal support; and inclusion as rugby culture. Constraints to inclusion were identified, as well as exclusion through traditional club environments. The respondents provided thoughts on future inclusion through the development of education and awareness. The research contributes to DEI in sport management by asking questions about how DEI knowledge is created in sport organisations, who are the guardians of that knowledge, and whether and how might sport managers adapt their practices to respectfully ensure that marginalized peoples’ views inform DEI.

Cancer in people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or gender-nonconforming.

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or gender-nonconforming (LGBTQ+) experience discrimination and minority stress that may lead to elevated cancer risk. In the absence of population-based cancer occurrence information for this population, this article comprehensively examines contemporary, age-adjusted cancer risk factor and screening prevalence using data from the National Health Interview Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and National Youth Tobacco Survey, and provides a literature review of cancer incidence and barriers to care. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual adults (16% compared to 12% in 2021-2022), with the largest disparity among bisexual women. For example, 34% of bisexual women aged 40-49 years and 24% of those 50 and older smoke compared to 12% and 11%, respectively, of heterosexual women. Smoking is also elevated among youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (4%) or transgender (5%) compared to heterosexual or cisgender (1%). Excess body weight is elevated among lesbian and bisexual women (68% vs. 61% among heterosexual women), largely due to higher obesity prevalence among bisexual women (43% vs. 38% among lesbian women and 33% among heterosexual women). Bisexual women also have a higher prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity (35% vs. 28% among heterosexual women), as do transgender individuals (30%-31% vs. 21%-25% among cisgender individuals). Heavier alcohol intake among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is confined to bisexual women, with 14% consuming more than 7 drinks/week versus 6% of heterosexual women. Incontrast, prevalence of cancer screening and risk reducing vaccinations in LGBTQ+ individuals is similar to or higher than their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts except for lower cervical and colorectal cancer screening among transgender men. People within the LGBTQ+ population have a higher prevalence of smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption compared to heterosexual and cisgender people, suggesting a higher cancer burden. Health systems have an opportunity to help inform these disparities through the routine collection of information on sexual orientation and gender identity to facilitate cancer surveillance and to mitigate them through education to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ health needs.

Sexual dissidence and women’s citizenship: the cases of early twentieth-century Spain and Greece

ABSTRACT This essay examines depictions of modernity in two novels from the peripheral European nations of Spain and Greece through the lens of lesbian sociability. I am interested in the social anxieties that stem from positioning the figure of the homosexual woman in the frame of historical and ideological unrest. I showcase the novels Zezé (Ángeles Vicente, 1909) and Η ϵρωμένη της (The Two Lovers, Dora Rosetti, 1929). In the context of major debacles (Spain,1898; Greece, 1922), the protagonists of the novels make apparent the changes dissident sexuality triggers in the social realm, from culture to economy and the constitution of the labor force, from family to political participation. Using sapphic desire as her vantage point, Vicente examines women's presence in entertainment and traveling, while Rosetti accounts for the academic advancement and professionalization of lesbians in the sciences and the industrial sector. The texts challenge common assumptions of belonging, for their protagonists physically separate from the national body to test and taste the full extension of their freedom. Both Vicente and Rosetti defy social institutions such as marriage and reproduction, and obliquely reveal the deep connections between intimacy among lesbians and the history of modernization in leisure, traveling, and immigration.

Internalized Sexual Stigma, Sexual Orientation Disclosure, and Patient Experience Among Gay Men and Lesbian Women in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: Previous research has found that stigma, discrimination, and depression are associated with the sexual minority population's medical experiences. However, there is still a lack of relevant research results in Taiwan. This study investigated the health-seeking experiences and influencing factors of gay men and lesbian women in Taiwan. Methods: We recruited gay men and lesbian women through lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-friendly websites and associations between November 2019 and June 2020. Surveys included the demographics, medical visiting experiences, Measure of Internalized Stigma, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire. Results: There were 270 participants, including 188 gay men and 82 lesbian women. Most respondents refused to disclose their sexual orientation to health care providers; some feared seeking medical care and preferred seeking LGBT-friendly health care services. Compared with lesbian women, gay men had higher levels of internalized sexual stigma, victimization, concealing sexual orientation, and experiences of medical staff denying services. Discrimination, depressive severity, and internalized sexual stigma affected the medical visit experience. Conclusion: In Taiwan, the health care experiences of gay men and lesbian women are affected by discrimination, internalized sexual stigma, and severe depression, while facing challenges of fear of seeking medical care or reluctance to disclose their sexual orientation.