Same-sex Couples Research Articles

Investigating Microbial Dynamics and Bacterial Vaginosis Susceptibility in Women who have Sex with Women

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) remains a prevalent gynecologic health concern, with emerging research indicating a potential association between women who have sex with women (WSW) and an increased susceptibility to BV infections. Recent studies have explored the microbial dynamics within the vaginal microbiota of WSW, revealing distinct patterns that may contribute to a higher incidence of BV in this population. The etiological factors underlying this susceptibility include disruptions in the balance of Lactobacillus species, crucial for maintaining vaginal health. However, the existing literature presents a complex interplay of socio-behavioral and biological factors influencing BV risk among WSW, necessitating further investigation. Future research should strive to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific mechanisms influencing microbial communities in the context of same-sex sexual activity among women, exploring potential preventive strategies and tailored interventions to mitigate BV risks in this population. Our review highlights the need for a refined and multidisciplinary approach to address the intricacies of BV susceptibility in women engaging in same-sex relationships.

Unraveling Heteronormativity inside Colombian Family Law: Juridical Perspectives on the Economic Differences between Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Couple Relationships

This research paper analyzes the sufficiency of the economic implications of couples’ relationships regulation for same-sex couples after both marriage and unmarried cohabitation laws were judicially extended on these family forms in Colombia. I start describing the existing regimes for these marital relationships in Colombian law and how heterosexuality and economic dependence are embedded inside the regulations’ origins and current developments. Then, I identify the categories that show slight differences between same-sex and opposite-sex couples like the likelihood of having children and its impact on caregiving distribution, the domestic tasks allocation and the existing gender differences in access to the labor market and the income disparity. Based on these differing features and a theoretical framework that warns about sameness discourses that obscure the differences between gay, lesbian, and straight families, I critically analyze some empirical studies conducted in Colombia that reveal existing differences between heterosexual and homosexual households. This analysis invites future research to gather the absent data in Colombia concerning same-sex families to bring proposals of legal interpretation and law reform that are better equipped for all family forms.

A Brief Online Motivational Tool to Promote Early Help-Seeking in Men Using Abuse and Violence in Relationships: A Feasibility Trial.

Men's use of domestic violence is a major public health issue globally. However, the potential for technology to address this issue has been limited within research and practice. This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online healthy relationship tool (BETTER MAN) for men who have used domestic violence to encourage help-seeking. A pre- and postsurvey with a 3-month follow-up was used. One hundred and forty men enrolled, with retention rates of 79% (111) immediately after BETTER MAN and 62% (86) at 3 months. Participants were diverse men (mean age of 32 years, 33% born outside Australia, 19% in same-sex relationships, and 2% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander). The majority (70%, 58) of men reported behaviors classified as moderate risk (e.g., checked partner's phone, picked on partner, and controlled money) and 24% (20) as high-risk behaviors (e.g., scared partner, physical force, and unwanted sexual activities). Post BETTER MAN, there was a significant increase in mean intention to contact counseling service (baseline 5.8, immediately 6.7, and 3-month follow-up 7.2) and mean confidence in the ability to seek help (baseline 3.7, immediately 5.1, and 3-month follow-up 7.2). Men's readiness to make changes in behavior median score significantly moved from baseline (5.9-I am not ready to take action), immediately (6.7-I am ready to make some changes), and 3-month follow-up (7.2-I have begun to change my behavior). At 3-month follow-up, 55% (47/86) of men reported accessing counseling services compared with 34% (46/140) of men at baseline. Findings suggest that it is feasible that BETTER MAN might work to engage men to seek help and is acceptable to men using domestic violence. However, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the effectiveness of BETTER MAN on help-seeking behaviors for men's use of domestic violence.

Same-Sex Relationships and Criminal Behavior: A Total Population Study in The Netherlands

Sexual minority groups experience elevated risk across a range of adverse outcomes. Previous studies from the USA showed that these risks include contact with the criminal justice system for sexual minority females but not for males. This study examined whether this relationship between sexual minority status and criminal behavior was also found in a more secular country like the Netherlands with more progressive attitudes toward sexual minorities. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine whether this relationship applied to various types of crime and could be explained by unmeasured familial factors. Longitudinal data from the Dutch national population, including 75,362 individuals in a same-sex relationship and 3,464,906 individuals in opposite-sex relationships, were used to compare the risk of crime among males and females in same-sex and opposite-sex unions. Discordant sibling models were included to increase control over possible sources of confounding from shared familial factors. Analyses were repeated for six types of crime, including property offenses, violence, vandalism, and public order offenses, traffic offenses, drugs offenses, and other offenses. The results showed that the direction of the associations between same-sex relationships and offending differed for men and women. In general, men in same-sex relationships were less likely to be a suspect of crime compared to those in opposite-sex relationships [odds ratio (OR) = 0.685; p < .001]. Women in same-sex relationships exhibited higher risk than those in opposite-sex unions (OR = 1.560; p < .001). Similar patterns emerged for most crime types and the discordant sibling models yielded conclusions that were substantively similar to those among the total population.

A scoping review of policing and coercive control in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus intimate relationships

AbstractCoercive control is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV) that encompasses non‐physical behaviors used to constrain and entrap a partner. Coercive control is especially relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus (LGBTQ+) relationships when abusers target the gender and sexual identity of their partners. Victim‐survivors, community members, and service providers often struggle to identify and intervene with this form of abuse. The role of police responding to coercive control is poorly understood, despite laws and calls to criminalize coercive control. Police responses to physical abuse in LGBTQ + relationships have caused harm, and it is important to extend this knowledge to police responses to coercive control. We conducted a systematic scoping review of international academic and gray literature sources published from 2014 through 2022 on the topic of policing coercive control within LGBTQ+ intimate relationships. We identified four interrelated policing themes across 35 sources: (1) reluctance to seek help from the police, (2) low rates of reporting abuse to police, (3) police actions following reports of IPV and coercive control, and (4) police harassment and violence increasing the experience of coercive control. Our review confirms that more research is needed on LGBTQ+ survivors of coercive control and their help‐seeking, as laws and calls to criminalize coercive control may not benefit LGBTQ+ communities.

Wealth, gender and sexual orientation—evidence from siblings

Abstract Using Swedish administrative data, this study investigates the link between wealth and sexual orientation across genders, focusing on nearly 4400 individuals who have ever been in a same-sex legal union and their siblings who had been exclusively in different-sex relationships. Employing unconditional quantile regressions and sibling fixed effects, we show that the wealth gap by gender and sexual orientation varies across the wealth distribution. Men in same-sex couples (SSCs) experience a wealth penalty below the 70th percentile but a premium above it. For women, the wealth penalty persists until the 95th percentile. Similar patterns hold for the wealth subcomponents, with men in SSCs holding more financial resources, real estate and debt at the top of the distributions, while women in SSCs hold more financial resources but less real estate and total debt. Additional analysis highlights the positive marginal effects of urban residency and years of schooling on these patterns.

The Holy See’s Charter of Rights of the Family and the Family Law of Contemporary European States

After presenting the main provisions of the Charter of the Rights of the Family, announced by the Holy See on 22 October 1983, the paper discusses the key directions of changes taking place in almost all modern European states in the last three decades. Solutions concerning so-called same-sex marriages or partnerships, adoption of children by homosexual couples, and surrogacy are included. The manner in which the solutions in individual European countries are implemented is examined to illustrate the corresponding changes chronologically. The paper also touches on the following: the evolution of the ECtHR jurisprudence in cases concerning relationships between homosexual persons, hate speech by reason of sexual orientation and gender identity, and the age of legal sexual intercourse. The ECtHR jurisprudence is illustrated with representative examples of judgements, and the latter two issues are highlighted on the basis of the adopted statutory solutions. Finally, the responses of the Polish legislator to the described changes are discussed, followed by conclusions.

Persepsi Mahasiswa Terhadap Maraknya Normalisasi Hubungan Sesama Jenis Dalam Pandangan Islam

The topic of LGBT and homosexuality seems to be endlessly discussed. This is due to several scientific fields such as health, psychology, Islamic law, and other related fields that can significantly influence the decision-making process related to these issues. The problems include positioning LGBT or homosexual relationships as nature or nurture, innate or socially constructed, genetic or deviant, normal or abnormal, and so on. This abnormal behavior creates misunderstandings about sex in this group. This shows that people who maintain LGBT or homosexual relationships are unable to reconcile their desires and principles of life. Therefore, this article aims to identify the perceptions and efforts of Islamic religious education students towards the increasing normalization of LGBT in Indonesia. It also aims to educate the public about the understanding, meaning, and law of LGBT in Islam. The research method used is qualitative and is an approach or survey to examine and understand the main symptoms. To understand the main symptoms, researchers conducted interviews with respondents, asking several more general questions. After conducting interviews, the researchers initially obtained conflicting results. Students' perceptions of LGBT were contradictory. Second, PAI students do not agree that LGBT is normalized in Indonesia, either officially (legalized by the government) or unofficially (considered normal by society). The third effort of PAI students in minimizing LGBT in Indonesia is by providing education to the community directly or indirectly.

Timing of a First Romantic Union Among Sexual Minority Young Adults

Cohabitation and marriage are critical milestones during the transition to adulthood; however, there is limited research on the timing of young adults’ first same-sex unions. There is some evidence that same-sex unions may be delayed, particularly for men. Further, formation of both same- and different-sex dating relationships, common among sexual minority young adults, may also extend to cohabitation and marriage. We used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to predict the timing of a first romantic union, defined as a cohabitation or marriage, among sexual minority young adults. We then distinguished between women and men and the timing of a different-sex versus a same-sex union. Compared with heterosexual young adults, lesbian and gay young adults entered a union at later ages (driven by men), whereas bisexual young adults entered a union at younger ages (driven by women). Lesbian and gay young adults who entered a first union with a same-sex partner did so at later ages than those who entered a first union with a different-sex partner. Results suggest that patterns of sexual minority dating relationship formation might extend to unions.

Validation of the multidimensional model of the subjective orgasm experience in the context of same-sex relationships

Background/objectiveThe Multidimensional Model of the Subjective Orgasm Experience (MMSOE) has been validated in the context of heterosexual relationships, with no evidence in the context of same-sex relationships. This study aims to examine the association of its dimensions (Affective, Intimacy, Sensory, and Rewards) with the propensity for sexual excitation, rating of sexual arousal, rating of genital sensations, and genital response. MethodSixty-eight young adults (34 males and 34 females) who were sexually active with people of the same sex participated in a laboratory task in which they viewed content-neutral and sexually explicit gay films. Regression models were conducted to explain the dimensions of MMSOE from measures of sexual arousal. ResultsIn males, the rating of sexual arousal explained the Sensory dimension, while the genital response explained the Affective dimension, with sexual arousal as a state gaining more prominence. In females, however, the propensity for sexual excitation explained the Sensory dimension, with more salience of sexual arousal as a trait. ConclusionsThe MMSOE is shown to be a valid theoretical framework for the study of orgasmic experience in the context of same-sex relationships, with clear implications for clinical practice.

Hawa Nafsu Tidak Wajar Laki Laki dan Perempuan

The Apostle Paul's writings in Romans 1:26-27 explain unnatural sexual relations between men and women. This text is generally translated as the practice of same-sex (homosexual) relations. But long before the writings of the Apostle Paul there was a letter from the famous Stoic, Seneca, which discussed the background to the practice of same-sex relationships among the Romans. The text in Seneca's letter does not directly refer to Homosexual practices as traditionally understood in Paul's writings in Romans 1:26-27. This research aims to compare Seneca's letter 95 with Paul's writing in Romans 1:26-27. It aims to provide a different perspective on homosexuals and can provide historical background in Roman culture to Paul's writings in Romans 1:26-27. The research method in this research is hermeneutics and literature review. According to Romans 1:26-27, homosexual practices are a sin that incurs God's wrath. Meanwhile, for Seneca in letter 95, engaging in same-sex relations in Roman culture was motivated by a loss of wisdom, lack of self-control and the destruction of the morals of men and women, thus creating unnatural relationships.

The association between parenthood and health: A comparison of people in same-sex and different-sex relationships

Understanding social inequalities in parental health is crucial for family functioning and child development. Theoretically, the double burden of parenting and minority stress may lead to the negative association between parenthood and health outcomes being stronger for people in same-sex relationships. Moreover, drawn from the social control process and the compensation mechanism, the negative association between parenthood and health risk behaviors may become stronger for people in same-sex relationships. Yet, empirical evidence on parental health disparities between parents in same- and different-sex relationships is limited. Using linear and logistic regression models, coarsened exact matching, and entropy balancing on Dutch data between 2008 and 2021 (196 people in same-sex relationships and 6948 people in different-sex relationships), we investigate the relationship between parenthood and three health outcomes (self-rated health, physical health, and mental health) and two health risk behaviors (smoking and heavy episodic drinking). We find that parents on average are less likely to experience heavy episodic drinking than non-parents. The association between parenthood and health does not differ between people in same-sex and different-sex relationships.

Social and Mental Health Factors Associated with Sexual Satisfaction Among Older Gay Men.

The internalization of ageist stereotypes or messages based on the framework of an aging gay man is known as internalized gay ageism. Internalized gay ageism may influence an older gay man's sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between internalized gay ageism and sexual satisfaction and determine if body image was a potential mediator. A cross-sectional online survey collected data on sexual satisfaction and other variables related to sexual health and well-being among older gay men. Inclusion criteria included: aged 50 or older, identified as gay, identified as male, assigned male at birth, and resided in the Midwestern region of the United States. Descriptive, bivariate, and mediation analyses were conducted. A complete mediation effect was found between internalized gay ageism and sexual satisfaction when mediated by body image. Older gay men who were in open relationships were more sexually satisfied than single/widowed older gay men. Future research should continue to explore internalized gay ageism, relationship status, body image, and sexual satisfaction among older gay men.

Measuring intersectional HIV, sexual diversity, and gender non-conformity stigma among healthcare workers in Ghana: scale validation and correlates of stigma

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are at heightened risk for HIV acquisition, yet they may delay or avoid HIV testing due to intersectional stigma experienced at the healthcare facility (HCF). Few validated scales exist to measure intersectional stigma, particularly amongst HCF staff. We developed the Healthcare Facility Staff Intersectional Stigma Scale (HCF-ISS) and assessed factors associated with stigma in Ghana.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from HCF staff involved in a study testing a multi-level intervention to reduce intersectional stigma experienced by MSM. Data are from eight HCFs in Ghana (HCF Staff n = 200). The HCF-ISS assesses attitudes and beliefs towards same-sex relationships, people living with HIV (PLWH) and gender non-conformity. Exploratory factor analysis assessed HCF-ISS construct validity and Cronbach’s alphas assessed the reliability of the scale. Multivariable regression analyses assessed factors associated with intersectional stigma.ResultsFactor analysis suggested an 18-item 3-factor scale including: Comfort with Intersectional Identities in the Workplace (6 items, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71); Beliefs about Gender and Sexuality Norms (7 items, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72); and Beliefs about PLWH (5 items, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.68). Having recent clients who engage in same-gender sex was associated with greater comfort with intersectional identities but more stigmatizing beliefs about PLWH. Greater religiosity was associated with stigmatizing beliefs. Infection control training was associated with less stigma towards PLWH and greater comfort with intersectional identities.ConclusionsAchieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 requires eliminating barriers that undermine access to HIV prevention and treatment for MSM, including HCF intersectional stigma. The HCF-ISS provides a measurement tool to support intersectional stigma-reduction interventions.

Decriminalisation of Section 377,IPC: Reforming Laws on Same-Sex Relationships in India

The presence of Section 377 within the Indian Penal Code has long been a contentious issue, rooted in colonial-era legislation that fails to align with contemporary societal norms and values. Originating from the Victorian Buggery Act of 1533, it was transplanted into the IPC in 1860, reflecting a punitive stance towards acts deemed to contravene the perceived natural order, including consensual homosexual relations. This antiquated provision, while ostensibly aimed at regulating sexual conduct, has instead perpetuated discrimination and marginalization against the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community. Despite progressive legal developments, such as the landmark Naz Foundation vs. Govt. of NCR Delhi case in 2009, which decriminalized same-sex relations, systemic barriers persist. Article 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination, and protection of life and personal liberty, respectively, stand in stark contradiction to the continued enforcement of Section 377. Furthermore, the Supreme Court's ruling in 2018, recognizing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals, underscored the imperative for legislative reform. However, substantive legal changes are essential to address broader issues facing the LGBTQ community, including marriage equality, adoption rights, and inheritance. Despite these challenges, there is growing momentum towards reform, driven by a recognition of the fundamental rights and freedoms that all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are entitled to. Efforts to dismantle discriminatory laws and foster a more inclusive legal framework are not merely matters of legality, but also of human rights and social justice. Therefore, the imperative lies in fostering legislative and societal change that ensures equal treatment and opportunities for all members of society, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

A National Longitudinal Study of Same-Sex Partnership and Self-Rated Health Trajectories

We know little about population-based patterns on same-sex partnership and health from a longitudinal perspective, largely due to data limitations. In this study, we analyzed nationally representative longitudinal data to compare changes in self-rated health trajectories for individuals in same-sex cohabitation, different-sex marriage, and different-sex cohabitation. Data were drawn from the 1996, 2001, 2004, and 2008 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation, with each panel including 2–4 years of follow-up information on self-rated health. The analytic sample included 103,995 respondents who contributed 294,944 person-period records. Results from growth curve models suggest that same-sex cohabitors experienced a slower rate of decline in self-rated health over time than both different-sex married and different-sex cohabiting respondents. Further analyses show that same-sex cohabitation is associated with a slower rate of health decline only for women but not for men. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to the minority stress theory and the gender-as-relational perspective.

Marriage, cohabitation, and institutional context: Household specialization among same‐sex and different‐sex couples

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines how marriage‐cohabitation gaps in household specialization (labor supply and earnings) vary across institutional contexts for same‐sex couples (SSCs) and different‐sex couples (DSCs) in Canada.BackgroundPrior research suggests that marriage‐cohabitation gaps are smaller in contexts where cohabitation is more prevalent, but it has overlooked how legal protections (at the contextual level) and gender composition (at the couple level) moderate this association. As a result, little is known about whether differences in household specialization stem from heightened gendered expectations attached to marriage or stronger legal protections for married couples. This study posits that marriage‐cohabitation gaps will be larger in contexts where legal protections for cohabitors are less marriage‐like.MethodsUsing the 2006 and 2016 Canadian Census and the 2011 National Household Survey, I estimate ordinal and fractional logit models to examine marriage‐cohabitation gaps in specialization among all couples (N = 2,788,055) and couples with young children (N = 826,305).ResultsAmong DSCs, marriage‐cohabitation gaps were larger in Québec than in English Canada vis‐à‐vis earnings but not labor supply. Patterns among SSCs were more heterogeneous: gaps in labor supply were larger in English Canada for female couples but larger in Québec for male couples. Gaps in earnings were generally larger in Québec, with few exceptions. However, DSCs consistently specialized more than SSCs.ConclusionWhile existing research suggests marriage‐cohabitation gaps in household specialization are largely explained by the prevalence of cohabitation, my results indicate that legal protections (at the contextual level) and gender composition (at the couple level) play a more decisive role.

Treatment with dextroamphetamine decreases the reacquisition of cocaine self-administration: Consistency across social contexts

RationaleA return to cocaine use following abstinence frequently occurs in a social context, and the presence of other individuals using cocaine may contribute to the likelihood of use. Previous studies have reported that chronic d-amphetamine treatment decreases cocaine self-administration in laboratory animals and reduces a return to cocaine use following abstinence in humans. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic d-amphetamine treatment on the reacquisition of cocaine use in rats self-administering cocaine in different social contexts. MethodsMale and female rats were implanted with intravenous catheters and trained to self-administer cocaine during daily 6-hr sessions. After 14 days, cocaine self-administration was extinguished by substituting saline for the cocaine stimulus. At this time, rats were randomized to receive chronic treatment with either d-amphetamine or saline. After 9 days of extinction, cocaine was again made available during daily 6-hr sessions. At this time, rats were further randomized into three social conditions: (1) rats continued self-administering cocaine in isolation, (2) rats self-administered cocaine in the presence of a same-sex partner that also self-administered cocaine, or (3) rats self-administered cocaine in the presence of a same-sex partner that did not have access to cocaine. Daily treatment with d-amphetamine or saline continued for the duration of reacquisition testing. ResultsChronic treatment with d-amphetamine decreased cocaine intake during reacquisition, but these effects were not influenced by the social context. No sex differences were observed. ConclusionThese data support previous studies reporting that d-amphetamine decreases cocaine intake and demonstrate its efficacy across social contexts.

Culturalism and Religious fundamentalism: Lexicalisation of counter-ideologies on same-sex sexualities in selected Nigerian newspapers

Against the backdrop of cultural conservatism and legal restrictions on same-sex relationships, this study examines how language use foregrounds cultural and religious ideologies surrounding same-sex sexualities as depicted in selected Nigerian newspapers. Drawing on Fairclough’s approach to critical discourse analysis (CDA), the study explores how language is used to construct, represent, and perpetuate specific ideologies regarding same-sex sexualities within the Nigerian context. A total of 50 opinion articles on same-sex sexualities were randomly sampled from five purposively selected Nigerian newspapers (Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian, Nigerian Tribune and The Sun). The newspapers were selected based on their preponderant coverage of the discourses on same-sex sexualities between 2013 and 2015. Data were subjected to critical discourse analysis. Findings reveal that different lexical strategies, such as lexical relations, repetition, negative evaluative adjectives foreground pro- and anti-culturalist ideologies as well as religious fundamentalism and secularism. The study reveals the conflicting ideologies surrounding same-sex sexualities in the Nigerian context.

Adverse Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes Among Birthing People in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Relationships in Louisiana.

Purpose: We investigated sexual orientation disparities in several obstetric and perinatal outcomes in Louisiana and examined whether these disparities differed among Black, Latine, and White populations. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional vital records data on singleton live births in Louisiana (2016-2022). Same-sex relationships (SSR) vs. different-sex relationships (DSR) were classified based on the sex of the parents listed on the birth certificate. Using modified Poisson regression, we estimated adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals among birthing persons in SSR vs. DSR for preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), spontaneous labor, Cesarean delivery, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes. We examined within and across group disparities in models stratified by sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. Results: In the total birthing population, those in SSR experienced higher risk of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes and were less likely to have spontaneous labor compared with persons in DSR. The risk of PTB and LBW was two-fold higher among Black birthing people in SSR compared with White birthing people in SSR and DSR. Latine birthing people in SSR experienced higher risk of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes compared with their peers in DSR and White people in DSR. Some of these disparities were partially explained by including socioeconomic and health risk factors. Conclusion: Sexual orientation-related disparities exist across and within racial/ethnic groups among birthing people in Louisiana. Adopting an intersectional approach that considers the mutually constituted nature of heterosexism and racism is critical to addressing sexual orientation-related inequities in reproductive and perinatal health.