Gay Community Research Articles

Crip Encounters in the Corporate Hashtag: Complicating #BellLetsTalk

This article investigages the annual #BellLetsTalk mental health awareness campaign through the lens of critical disability studies. Created by the telecommunications company Bell Canada, the campaign encourages social media users to share, promote, and like posts about Bell, mental health, and hyperindividualist narratives of overcoming disability and illness. However, delving deeper into the archive uncovers dissenting crip voices that resist Bell's hegemonic narrative of wellness and cure. Focalizing my analysis around a sample of 5000 tweets (including 2093 unique tweets) from the 2018 campaign, I identify distinct disabled networks emerging around the hashtag on Twitter/X: 1) feminine therapeutic networks, 2) masculine sick publics that retain an attachment to capitalism and nationalism, and 3) queer communities that keep company with ghosts. Furthermore, I identify users deliberately disidentifying with the network and occupying the role of the killjoy or "bad" avatar. This article articulates an ethical, hybrid qualitative and quantative method for working with data.

Age and Gender Identity in the Relationship Between Minority Stress and Loneliness: A Global Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

ABSTRACT Loneliness is prevalent among sexual minority adults and is associated with minority stress. Yet there is limited understanding of how loneliness and minority stress vary across key demographic variables. This cross-sectional study explored age and gender differences in a minority stress model linking sexual orientation marginalization to social and emotional loneliness via proximal stress (internalized homonegativity, concealment, and stigma preoccupation) and via social anxiety and inhibition. The study also assessed age and gender differences in the protective influence of LGBTQ community involvement. 7,856 sexual minority adults from 85 countries completed an online survey. They were categorized as emerging adults (18−24, n = 3,056), young adults (25−34, n = 2,193), midlife adults (35−49, n = 1,243), and older adults (50−88, n = 1,364). Gender identity groups were cisgender men (n = 4,073), cisgender women (n = 3,017), and transgender individuals (n = 766). With each successive age group, there was a lower prevalence of sexual orientation marginalization, proximal stress, social anxiety, inhibition, and emotional loneliness, along with more community involvement. Sexual orientation marginalization was more pronounced among cisgender women and, especially, transgender individuals. The latter also exhibited the most social anxiety, inhibition, loneliness, and community involvement. Proximal stress was more prevalent among cisgender men than cisgender women and transgender individuals. Multiple group structural equation modeling supported the applicability of the loneliness model across age and gender groups, with only a few variations; these mainly related to how strongly community involvement was linked to marginalization, internalized homonegativity, and social loneliness.

Manifestations and harms of intragroup marginalization within the male gay community: A qualitative study of gay and bisexual men.

Manifestations and harms of intragroup marginalization within the male gay community: A qualitative study of gay and bisexual men.

Honoring Inágofli’e’ and Alofa: Developing a Culturally Grounded Health Promotion Model for Queer and Transgender Pacific Islanders

(1) Background: Although culturally grounded health interventions (CGHI) have shown efficacy in improving Indigenous health, few CGHI for Queer and Transgender Pacific Islander (QTPI) communities exist to address their health promotion. This study explores QTPI experiences of health for cultural mechanisms to develop CGHI for QTPI health promotion. (2) Methods: Using Indigenist community-engaged research methodologies, we collaborated with the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance of Washington and Guma’ Gela’ to conduct 11 exploratory semi-structured interviews with QTPI community members living in the Puget Sound area of Washington state. These interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. (3) Results: QTPI well-being was greatly influenced by how settler colonialism impacted their connectedness to their families, communities, and cultures. We also found that inágofli’e’ and alofa, relational values in CHamoru and Sāmoan culture, played essential roles in facilitating QTPI health. Many participants fostered these values through chosen family, community care, and Indigenous mobilities. (4) Conclusions: Our findings indicate a need for CGHI that facilitate inágofli’e’ and alofa for QTPI to combat settler colonialism’s impacts on QTPI well-being. Finally, we present a community-centered conceptual model for culturally grounded health promotion in QTPI communities.

Characterizing Intimate Partner Violence-Caused Brain Injury in a Sample of Survivors in the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning Community.

Research in the field of intimate partner violence-caused brain injury (IPV-BI) has predominantly focused on heterosexual women, ignoring the unique needs of the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (2S/LGBTQ) community. The purpose of this exploratory research was to better understand the prevalence of IPV and IPV-BI in 2S/LGBTQ relationships where IPV was defined as physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and/or identity-based abuse from a current of former intimate partner. This study used a cross sectional internet-based survey that ran from September to December of 2022. In addition to descriptive statistics, prevalence rates and their corresponding Wilson Score confidence intervals are reported to estimate the proportion of individuals who experienced IPV and IPV-BI. Finally, for both gender identity and sexual orientation, we tested whether participants with each identity had differing levels of brain injury severity compared to participants who did not hold that identity using Mann-Whitney U tests. In total, 170 2S/LGBTQ+ adults responded to the survey. Among the respondents, 54% identified as Two-Spirit, 24% identified as gay, 17% identified as queer, 14% identified as bisexual, and 8% identified as lesbian or pansexual, respectively. Respondents were predominantly multiracial, post-secondary educated, full-time employed, cisgender women (35%) or cisgender men (19%). The overwhelming majority reported lifetime prevalence of IPV at 98% (n = 166, 95% CI [94.11, 99.08]). Additionally, 68% (n = 115, 95% CI [60.29, 74.22]) of participants reported symptoms consistent with an IPV-BI. These results are consistent with the findings that the 2S/LGBTQ community are at heightened risk of experiencing physical IPV. These findings are the first to our knowledge to report a high rate of symptoms consistent with an IPV-BI in the 2S/LGBTQ population.

Making the Invisible Visible: Experiences of Identity (In)Visibility in Bi + Sexual Individuals in Germany

Bi + sexual individuals are sexually and/or romantically attracted to more than one gender. They encounter various forms of discrimination, such as identity invisibility. Little is known about how bi + invisibility is experienced and what strategies are used to deal with it. Drawing on the minority stress model, this quantitative study explored these processes in a sample of 532 self-identified bi + adults living in Germany. A significant percentage reported generally feeling visible “never” (7.5%), “rarely” (53.2%) or only “sometimes” (33.6%). Invisibility was felt in queer and heterosexual communities. Participants older than age 30 felt less visible than younger participants. A substantial majority (71.3%) desired increased visibility “always” or “often.” To this end, bi + individuals made use of a range of visibility-strategies, primarily (in-)direct communication, but also community engagement, public behavioral or gender-based visual displays. The findings emphasize the importance of supporting bi + visibility, shedding light on the challenges faced by non-monosexual individuals.

“We are openly, proudly Subjective … This history is important to our contemporary survival”: queer embodied knowledge and the curatorial work of ICT-based LGBTQIA+ history content creators

PurposeThis article reports on findings from interviews with ICT-based content creators whose work focuses on documenting and curating queer history and culture. The research specifically examines how as amateur historians, the participant’s embodied knowledge plays a central role in how they engage with discourse about queer historical figures, methods of queer historiography and community accountability.Design/methodology/approachThe research deploys a queer constructivist framework to qualitatively gather and analyzes the semi-structured interviews of 31 North American content creators who curate digital project related to queer history and culture. The interviews were gathered between August 2022 and August 2023.FindingsThe research highlights how the subjectivity of queer embodiment aids, rather than hinders, participants' ability to collaborate with LGBTQIA+ communities while also addressing more significant ethical questions around intersectionality and inclusive historiographic work.Research limitations/implicationsThe content creators’ own positionality and commitments to community accountability and queer inclusivity fostered richer stories and historical documentation, while also helping make visible queer identity as affirming and valuable within queer culture. Additionally, practical implications include highlighting the value of ICT-based content within the distribution of educational and informational resources related to queer history.Originality/valueThis research offers an underexamined intersection of historiography and queer embodiment. While extensive scholarship on institutional and community-based historiography work exist the content creators interviewed within this study exist within the space of both, often using a combination of embodied knowledge and traditional curatorial work to translate between such spaces, inviting, in turn, new ways of thinking about queer archival knowledge.

Determinants of sexual and reproductive health concerns among youngsters in Albania during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all communities, including youngsters. Our aim was to assess the key sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns of young people in Albania during the pandemic as well as the factors associated with the main health concern. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of being concerned about mental health & psychological well-being, urgency for mental health information, and difficulty in getting mental health information with independent variables. In total 340 youngsters aged 14-30 years participated (66% female, 89% Albanian ethnicity, about 20% belonging to the LGBT community). Mental health & psychological well-being were the main SRH topics youngsters were concerned about, reported by 48% of them. About 37% of youngsters had an urgent need for mental health information during the pandemic and 18% experienced difficulty in getting this information. Being part of the LGBT community was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being concerned about mental health (OR=3.15;95%CI:1.36-7.33), being in urgent need of mental health information (OR=3.68;95%, CI:1.63-8.32) and experiencing difficulties in getting mental health information (OR=3.48;95% CI:1.49-8.13). Higher household income levels also increased the likelihood of being concerned about mental health (OR=4.28;95%CI:1.55-11.77) and being in urgent need of mental health information (OR=4.15;95%CI:1.43- 12.01). In conclusion, young people in Albania have been concerned about various SRH topics during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the major concern was mental health & psychological well-being, especially for the LGBT community. The findings should guide future interventions for addressing youth mental health concerns in emergency situation.

"Denial of Equality of Opportunity Is Immoral": The Black Queer Radical Feminism of Ernestine Eckstein

Abstract: This article examines the African American queer radical feminist activist, Ernestine Eckstein, a daughter of the South born in the urban cultural center of Memphis, Tennessee and raised in the Midwest in South Bend, Indiana. This work explores the numerous barriers Eckstein faced due to her multiple intersecting identities. Drawing on oral history, archival records, magazine articles, and newspaper articles, as well as secondary literature, this work contributes to and enhances our understanding of Black and queer histories. I investigate the radical tools of resistance Eckstein employed to challenge systems of oppression constructed by white supremacy including racism, sexism, and misogynoir. Spanning a short historical era, from the mid-to-late 20th century, I explore Eckstein's political awakening and crucial role in the fight against sexual and racial discrimination. Centering Eckstein's life and activism expands ideas and understandings of Black womanhood and highlights discrimination within African American and gay and lesbian communities. In this article I center Eckstein as a fighter for equality in her own narrative rather than at the margins of queer white history and heteronormative Black women's history.

Development of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender cultural competence scale for nurses in South Korea: a methodological study.

This study was conducted to develop a cultural competence scale for nurses regarding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and to test its validity and reliability. The study adhered to the 8-step process outlined by DeVellis, with an initial set of 25 items derived through a literature review and individual interviews. Following an expert validity assessment, 24 items were validated. Subsequently, a preliminary survey was conducted among 23 nurses with experience caring for LGBT patients. Data were then collected from a final sample of 322 nurses using the 24 items. Item analysis, item-total score correlation, examination of construct and convergent validity, and reliability testing were performed. The item-level content validity index exceeded .80, and the explanatory power of the construct validity was 63.63%. The factor loadings varied between 0.57 and 0.80. The scale comprised five factors: cultural skills, with seven items; cultural awareness, with five items; cultural encounters, with three items; cultural pursuit, with three items; and cultural knowledge, with three items; totaling 21 items. Convergent validity demonstrated a high correlation, affirming the scale's validity. Internal consistency analysis yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.97, signifying very high reliability. Each item is scored from 1 to 6 (total score range, 21-126), with higher scores reflecting greater cultural competence in LGBT care. This scale facilitates the measurement of LGBT cultural competence among nurses. Therefore, its use should provide foundational data to support LGBT-focused nursing education programs.

LGBTQI Rights crucified in Indonesia? New Penal Code anti missio Dei?

Literature continues to document the ways in which Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQI) communities continue to grapple with or face unprecedented abuse in many nations of the world. Members of LGBTQI groups are reported to face discrimination and legal obstacles in countries like Indonesia, since its socio-cultural norms acquiescently discourage homosexuality or gender transitioning in any form. Furthermore, recent amendments to Indonesia's Penal Code, which contain provisions that may endanger the lives and safety of LGBTQI communities in unprecedented ways, have shown that such norms, if relentlessly upheld, strongly influences the direction of public policy. In light of such harmful provisions, one could argue that the rights of the LGBTQI community in Indonesia are being slowly but agonizingly crucified, perhaps analogous to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The primary proponents of this symbolic crucifixion, who conceal their intentions behind legislative modifications, seem to be politically motivated Islamic religious conservatives who publicly oppose LGBTQI rights. In light of these occurrences, this paper employs the Missio Politica framework and literature reviews to investigate the new Indonesian Penal Code and assess whether or not it violates the internationally acknowledged rights of the LGBTQI community. Drawing from literary works, it uses the term "crucifixion" in a metaphorical manner to emphasize the radical ways in which Islamic conservatism has violated LGBTQI rights over the years, and how these violations are now being formalized through Indonesia's new penal code. To be clear, this paper's accusations are not directed against Islamic teachings per se, but rather against intolerant Islamic conservatives who view LGBTQI preferences as ‘crucifiable’ sin and advocate for change of state laws to reflect such harmful sentiments. Overall, it is argued that certain sections of the recently enacted Indonesian Penal Code not only offend the LGBTQI community, but also undermine the redemptive goals of missio Dei in that country while having global contagion effects. The scope of this paper requires more research as not as much has been done to assess how certain recently enacted provisions of the Indonesian Penal Code impact LGBTQI rights in the context of fulfilling the redemptive goals of the missio Dei.

Queering the Midwest: Forging LGBTQ Community by Clare Forstie (review)

Queering the Midwest: Forging LGBTQ Community by Clare Forstie (review)

Off the Beats and Track: Finding Historical Lesbian and Queer Women’s Feminist Spaces through Musicians’ Tour Schedules, Concert Flyers, and Correspondence

This article explores historical research methods used to locate lesbians and queer women, especially within American and Canadian contexts from the 1960s onward. It begins by discussing methods such as analyzing women’s and lesbian travel guides, directories, maps, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, websites, oral histories, social media, archival fonds and collections. In particular, this article explores how utilizing lesbian and queer women musicians’ tour schedules, calendars, correspondence, and contracts for shows and appearances can be a valuable historical research method, especially for locating impermanent historical lesbian and queer women’s spaces off the beaten track. The article focuses on the Alix Dobkin Papers as a case study to explore aspects of historical lesbian and queer women’s spaces and demonstrate the utility of this historical research method beyond Dobkin. The papers of Alix Dobkin include business correspondence, fan mail, fliers and programs from concerts, subject files, t-shirts, photographs, and memorabilia. As Dobkin played an important role in the women’s music movement and toured regularly, her papers provide useful insight into historical debates about lesbian anti-racist politics, ethical consumption, community organizing, and transgender inclusion and exclusion.

Exploring the interplay of religiosity, spirituality, and messaging in relation to queer allyship and activism in affirmative contexts

ABSTRACT We conducted hierarchical regression to determine the relationships between religiosity, spirituality, and frequency and impact of affirming and non-affirming religious and/or spiritual (R/S)-oriented messages toward queer communities on allyship and activism. We observed a minimal relationship between religiosity and spirituality and allyship and activism and a significant positive association between the frequency of queer-affirming and non-affirming R/S-oriented messaging and allyship and activism. Our findings inform implications for facilitating allyship and activism within counseling.

"Why Not Just go on PrEP?": A Study to Inform Implementation of an HIV Prevention Intervention Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Northeastern United States.

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biological option for HIV prevention yet persistent disparities in PrEP uptake and retention exist among Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated barriers and facilitators to PrEP care among Hispanic/Latino MSM at risk for and living with HIV. A small urban setting in the Northeastern United States. This was a mixed-methods, exploratory, sequential, qualitative and quantitative pilot study among Latino MSM at-risk and/or living with HIV across (1) semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 15) and (2) cross-sectional survey (N = 98). Participants reported a diverse range of sexual identities, HIV statuses, and PrEP statuses. Qualitative participants described feelings of isolation in both Hispanic/Latino and queer communities that made it challenging to learn about HIV prevention or PrEP from peers. Participants in the survey indicated that they would be more inclined to uptake PrEP if PrEP were offered in primary care settings (n = 61; 62.2%); there were specific LGBTQ+ affirming medical settings (n = 36; 36.7%); and/or they could meet other people who are currently on PrEP and sharing experiences online (n = 46; 46.9%) or in person (n = 38; 38.8%). Findings were organized to reflect determinants and implementation strategies that could be used to improve PrEP uptake among this population. This mixed-methods study identified several challenges and opportunities for increasing the reach of PrEP to Hispanic/Latino MSM. These findings should be used to inform tailored implementation strategies to promote PrEP uptake among this at-risk yet currently underserved population.

Mental Health Programs for the UK-Based LGBTQ Community Through Education and Employment Opportunities

Background: This study explores mental health programs designed for the LGBTQ community, focusing on education and employment opportunities as a way to improve mental wellbeing. Methods: This Systemic Review evaluate existing mental health programs for LGBTQ individuals in the UK. It consider factors such as economic disparities, social inequalities, and communication barriers faced by LGBTQ individuals. They will draw on demographic data and scholarly research to highlight the importance of inclusive education policies and job opportunities. Results: The evaluation plan outlined in this study emphasizes a research design incorporating observational methods and measurement of various factors, such as social behaviour, job satisfaction, and skill enhancement. The researchers will also involve relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs, for the successful implementation of these mental health programs. Conclusions: By prioritizing the needs of the LGBTQ community and collaboration among stakeholders, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of mental health initiatives that promote inclusivity and equity by maintaining equal opportunities.

The absolute truth: Alcohol companies sponsored disproportionately more queer Pride festivals than July Fourth festivals in 2019

Introduction Despite known disparities in alcohol use among queer communities in the United States, little is known about the extent to which alcohol companies sponsor queer Pride festivals each June. This study aimed to (1) examine the nature and extent of alcohol sponsorship of Pride in 2019 and (2) compare the prevalence of alcohol sponsorship for Pride versus Fourth of July festivals. Methods We identified Pride festivals through InterPride’s 2019 Pride Radar Report and Fourth of July festivals by searching Google. Researchers recorded each festival’s name and location, then sorted their sponsors into ten categories. We adjusted for overall population count and same-sex couple count estimates; and only included cities in our sample that hosted both Pride and Fourth of July festivals in 2019. Results Researchers identified 207 Pride and 154 Fourth of July festivals in 45 states and 129 cities, which included 4,643 Pride and 972 Fourth of July festival sponsors. Pride festivals had a significantly higher percentage of alcohol sponsors (9.1% (95% CI: 9.0%, 9.1%)) compared to Fourth of July festivals (2.0% (95% CI: 1.9%, 2.2%)) (p < 0.001). We also found a significant interaction between the prevalence of alcohol sponsors and US region. Conclusions Our findings indicate a greater need to understand the extent to which alcohol marketing at Pride celebrations contributes to alcohol use.

Language and LGBTQ Politics: The Effect of Changing Group Labels on Public Attitudes

The labels used to describe sexual and gender minorities in the U.S. have shifted over time and become increasingly inclusive. Movement organizations have changed from describing the “lesbian, gay, and bisexual” (“LGB”) community to adding transgender (“LGBT”) and then also queer (“LGBTQ”) identities. Do these different labels affect public views of the group and support for their rights? I embedded a question wording experiment in a statewide survey, asking respondents about either LGB, LGBT, or LGBTQ people. The labels had no discernible effect on (1) support for requiring businesses to serve the group; nor (2) views of the group’s political leanings. There is no evidence that ideology and partisanship moderated these null effects: liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, were unaffected by the changing designations. This suggests public attitudes are not contingent on how the LGBTQ community is labelled, a finding with implications both for movement organizations and survey researchers.

Preferences and Travel Motivations of Pink Tourists Among Filipinos

The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences and driving forces behind LGBT, or pink, tourism. LGBT tourism is referred to as "pink tourism." (Greenberg, Peter (2007). This abbreviation, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, is frequently used to refer to the LGBT community. The motivations behind Pink Tourists' travel choices will be examined in this study. The research was split up into four sections: Phase 1 dealt with determining the demographic profile of the correspondents in terms of sexual orientation/gender, age, status, income, travel frequency, travel companion, and accommodation preference. Phase 2 focused on factors in choosing a travel destination among pink tourists, Phase 3 on perceiving the importance of motivation when considering travel, and Phase 4 on identifying the importance of factors when selecting a travel destination. For this study, fifty correspondents were chosen to take part. We used the Research Paradigm as the process of the study to able to get the results of the feedback and get a necessary adjustment.Purposive sampling was employed to select the participating correspondents. The findings indicated that the majority of Pink tourists—who are primarily bisexual—discovered they belong to the LGBTQ community between the ages of 21 and 25. BPO businesses tend to employ members of the LGBTQ community due to their anti-discrimination policies. Many of them made the decision to remain unmarried in order to travel with their buddies. LGBTQ people wish to travel twice a year for leisure, enjoyment, vacation, and to experience life; if they feel safe, accepted, and treated equally, they will remain for less than a week. These days, people plan their trips one to three months in advance by booking their journeys online. They also enjoy traveling for enjoyment and entertainment. When traveling, Pink Tourism prefers to go with friends since it makes them feel more at ease and allows them to express their actual gender identity. Here are our suggestions based on the findings of our investigation: LGBTQ people should be permitted to use restrooms according to their gender identity and comfort level in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. In addition, hotels ought to offer family rooms, which may accommodate a sizable gathering, in the event that a guest house or full house is unavailable at a specific location. Finally, LGBTQ-friendly events and activities should be added to destinations so that people may enjoy their trip, unwind, and meet new people more comfortably.

“We don't show everything”: Queer identity concealment in rural Australia

AbstractRural communities can be perceived as conservative and, therefore, hostile towards queer people who depart from heteronormative renditions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Such perceptions can force rural queer people to conceal their identity, fostering an environment of invisibility and displacement. This study consequently explores why queer people conceal their identity in rural communities. Drawing on a sample of rural queer Australians, this study examines why those who are out (public about their orientation) adopt identity‐concealing strategies. Using semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, the study draws on the experiences of 9 participants from rural towns varying in population size from 50,000 to under 3000. The findings highlight how perceptions of prejudice were based on historical experiences and still emerged through the people, systems and institutions. Such prejudice serves to stigmatise queer identities and motivates the adoption of concealment strategies as a coping mechanism. Four reasons for identity concealment were reported: to avoid exclusion, to avoid accusations of inappropriate behaviour, to avoid confrontation and to enhance perceptions of the queer communities. The findings highlight that there remain beliefs that concealing identity to various extents is necessary within certain rural contexts.