LGB Identities Research Articles

LGB and Religious Identities Integration: A Cluster Analysis Using Well-Being, Openness of Sexual Orientation, and Conflicting Religious Variables

LGB and Religious Identities Integration: A Cluster Analysis Using Well-Being, Openness of Sexual Orientation, and Conflicting Religious Variables

Differences in Tobacco Advertising Receptivity Among Young Adults by Sexual Identity and Sex: Findings From the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

Tobacco use is disproportionately high among sexual minorities (i.e., lesbian/gay and bisexual [LGB] individuals). Receptivity to tobacco advertising is an established risk factor for tobacco use among the general population, yet little research has assessed how receptivity to tobacco advertising differs based on sexual identity and sex. Additionally, studies often fail to distinguish between LGB identities, creating a monolith of sexual identity that ignores different underlying risk factors and behaviors. This study examined differences in receptivity to advertising of five tobacco product categories (any tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco) between straight/heterosexual and lesbian/gay, and bisexual (LGB) young adults by sex. We used data from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Restricted Use File. Analyses were limited to young adults (aged 18–24) with complete data on sexual identity (n= 8,839). Multivariable logistic regressions examined the association between receptivity and sexual identity, controlling for demographics, past 30-day tobacco use, and media use, stratified by sex. In the multivariable models, gay males had higher odds of receptivity to cigar advertising and gay and bisexual males had higher odds of receptivity to e-cigarette advertising, compared with straight/heterosexual males. Compared with straight/heterosexual females, bisexual females had higher odds of receptivity to advertising for all products; lesbian/gay females had higher odds of receptivity to any tobacco advertising. In conclusion, our study identified elevated receptivity to tobacco marketing among sexual minorities—particularly sexual minority women. More research is needed to understand the sources of exposure to tobacco advertising and the reasons for elevated receptivity among LGB individuals.

Conflict between religious/spiritual and LGB identities in Portugal: How is it related to coming out experiences, LGB identity dimensions and well-being?

Conflict between religious/spiritual and LGB identities in Portugal: How is it related to coming out experiences, LGB identity dimensions and well-being?

LGB Counseling Psychologists' Coming Out and Self-Disclosure in Counseling: Working Experiences and Strategies with LGBTQ Clients

<p>本研究目的為探究同志諮商心理師在同志諮商中出櫃及自我揭露的經驗，以及同志諮商心理師如何評估是否運用出櫃及自我揭露作為諮商策略。本研究訪談蒐集三位同志諮商心理師之同志諮商經驗，以敘事研究典範與方法進行資料分析。研究結果綜整同志諮商心理師在晤談中根據同志案主的主訴與狀態評估決定在諮商中是否出櫃及自我揭露，其中讓同志諮商心理師決定出櫃的意圖包含建立安全與平等的諮商關係，以及回應同志案主受污名影響的狀態；而選擇自我揭露的意圖則包含：（1）提供正向楷模經驗，拓展可能性、增加希望感；（2）鬆動案主對同志身分的污名認知及感受；（3）同理、支持及賦能。無論是出櫃還是自我揭露，受訪者皆會評估諮商目標以及助人效益與風險，助人者在自我揭露前也會評估與整理自己的狀態，並且依案主的需求來選擇揭露的內容。研究結果最後並呈現概念統整框架理解同志諮商心理師如何從個人生命經驗挪移到諮商專業經驗中選擇是否使用出櫃與自我揭露策略的三種情形：有出櫃但無自我揭露、有出櫃也有自我揭露，以及沒有出櫃但有自我揭露等。本研究根據結果提 出討論，並對同志諮商心理師及同志諮商實務、諮商專業及專業訓練和未來研究提出建議。</p> <p> </p><p>While coming out is a specific action that reveals one’s sexual-minority-identity, self-disclosure is a counseling technique that counselors expose their personal experiences relevant and beneficial to clients’ ultimate counseling goals. Since LGB Counseling psychologists are both sexual minority and counseling professionals, coming out and self-disclosure may seem to look similar from the outlook. Thus, they may come together, independently, consequently, or be obfuscated as the same. The study aims to investigate LGB counseling psychologists’ experiences working with LGBTQ clients, focusing on their assessment and evaluation of whether or not and how to use coming out and self-disclosure as counseling strategies. It also explored how LGB counseling psychologists’ life experiences as sexual minorities, professional training and theoretical orientations has any influences on their works with LGB clients. Three LGB counseling psychologists, self-identified as one lesbian in same-sex marriage, one gay in same-sex marriage, and one pan/bisexual female in hetero-sex marriage, were interviewed for their counseling experiences with LGBTQ clients and the data was analyzed in narrative research methodology. Results indicated how LGB counseling psychologists decided to come out or not in sessions and their strategies if they choose to come out and/or to self-disclose in counseling based on their evaluation of LGBTQ clients’ presenting issues, identity development stage, and conditions. LGB counseling psychologists reported that their intentions for coming out are to build safe and egalitarian counseling relationships with LGB clients, and to respond to clients’ internalized stigma and/or stigmatized loneliness and isolation. LGB counseling psychologists can use their coming out as examples and resources for clients to explore and clarify their internalized homophobia. They indicated that they would choose self-disclosure if they want to (1) provide a positive role model for and increase hope; (2) to loosen up LGBTQ clients’ perceptions and feelings of stigmatized identity, and (3) to provide empathy, support and empowerment. Participants would evaluate counseling goals, therapeutic effects, and risks when considering coming out or self-disclosure, as well as reflect on their own experiences and intentionally choose what to disclose to best meet clients’ needs. Conceptual frameworks are presented to further understand how LGB counseling psychologists choose to either come out without self-disclosure, to come out and disclose personal experiences, or to self-disclose without coming out. The study also found that counseling psychologist participants’ LGB life experiences, professional training and work experiences intertwined with each other and shaped their perspectives and evaluation of coming out and self-disclosure in working with LGB clients. We recognized that all participants in this study were LGB counseling psychologists with more than 6 years of clinical experiences, as well as having certain level of support from family and professional community. Thus, the results may not be able to apply to those who were less supported by significant others and less established professionally. Based on the findings, the study suggests that future research can investigate how LGB counseling psychologists evaluate and use their coming out and self-disclosure in sessions with heterosexual clients. In addition, we recommend that both LGB and heterosexual counseling psychologists diligently examine how our personal identities and life experiences impact on our clinical judgement, the intersections of personal and professional experiences. Therefore, LGB identities and life experiences can be valuable resources to use, not obstacles or stigmatized secret to hide when counseling psychologists working with LGB clients. By continuing to receive multicultural counseling training and enhancing understanding of our own intersexual identities rooted in the local sociocultural context, we counseling psychologists can better serve clients with diverse identities and experiences.</p> <p> </p>

Cigarette Brand Use and Sexual Orientation: Intersections With Gender and Race or Ethnicity.

IntroductionLesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations have higher cigarette smoking rates than heterosexual populations. The tobacco industry has leveraged LGB, gender, and racial or ethnic identities to establish cigarette brand preference. We examined cigarette brand use among smokers by sexual orientation and the implications of gender and race or ethnicity for brand use.MethodsWe used the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH; 2015–2017) to conduct weighted bivariate analyses in 2019–2020 of the prevalence of 5 commonly used cigarette brands among adult smokers (N = 24,310) by sexual orientation. We conducted weighted regressions to test relationships between sexual orientation and brand use and interactions between sexual orientation, gender (defined in NSDUH as male or female), and race or ethnicity.ResultsLGB smokers were more likely to use Camel (lesbian/gay, OR = 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2–2.3], bisexual, OR = 1.8 [95% CI, 1.5–2.2]) and American Spirit cigarettes (lesbian/gay, OR = 2.8 [95% CI, 1.9–4.1], bisexual, OR = 3.2 [95% CI, 2.5–4.1]) than heterosexual smokers. Lesbian/gay smokers had higher odds of Marlboro cigarette use (OR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.4) than heterosexual smokers. Bisexual smokers were more likely to smoke Newport cigarettes (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4–2.1) than heterosexual smokers. Interactions between LGB and female identities (vs gay or bisexual male) were positively associated with Camel, Marlboro, and Newport use. The interaction between lesbian/gay and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (vs lesbian/gay White) was also positively associated with Newport use.ConclusionLGB smokers may be more likely to smoke some commonly used cigarette brands than heterosexual smokers, and gender and race or ethnicity may have implications for brand preference. Future research could examine specific contributors to brand use among LGB smokers (eg, tobacco marketing).

Mental health, suicidal behavior and sexual orientation in Portugal

IntroductionSexual minority individuals consistently report higher rates of mental disorders and suicidal behavior than heterosexuals. However, much of this research is limited to Anglo-Saxon studies and no information on Portuguese reality is available.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to compare levels of mental functioning and suicidal behavior among heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual individuals in Portugal.MethodsUsing online surveys, 1140 individuals (62.40% women, Mage = 36.83, SDage = 13.39, 76.4% heterosexual, 9.4% bisexual, and 14.2% gay or lesbian) completed the BSI subscales for depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised.ResultsSelf-identified bisexual participants presented higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and higher levels of suicidal ideation and likelihood of suicidal behavior than homosexual and heterosexual participants (who scored the lowest); yet, homosexual participants showed higher levels of suicide attempts. Also, depression and anxiety symptoms were strongly and positively correlated with all dimensions of suicidal behavior. Finally, hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that higher levels of depression and non-heterosexual sexual orientations were significant predictors of suicidal ideation and the likelihood of suicidal behavior.ConclusionsThe present study adds to the evidence that sexual minority individuals are at risk of increased mental health problems and suicidal behavior, compared to heterosexuals, and reiterates the need for local political and legislative efforts to normalize LGB identities, fighting continued institutional heterosexism, interpersonal intolerance. Mental health providers and mental health policymakers need to consider these results if they want to address inequalities in mental health and in suicidality among these minority groups.

How Places Make Us: Novel LGB Identities in Four Small Cities

How Places Make Us: Novel LGB Identities in Four Small Cities

Who Voted for Hillary Clinton? Sexual Identities, Gender, and Family Influences

ABSTRACTSexual identities can influence political attitudes and actions. During political elections, gay men, lesbians, and bisexual individuals (GLB) have historically aligned with Democratic candidates. In the recent presidential election of 2016, this pattern persisted, as the vast majority of GLBs voted with the Democratic candidate for president in the 2016 elections (Hillary Clinton). This study tries to explain why lesbians and gay men overwhelmingly voted for candidate Clinton through Patrick Egan's (2012) theory of political distinctiveness. In using data the American National Election Survey of 2016 (N = 2,691), this analysis determines if the tendency of sexual minorities to vote Democratic was due to three sets of variables: (a) selection, or the characteristics associated with GLB identities are also associated with political liberalism; (b) embeddedness, or increased involvement in the LGB community leads to greater liberalism; and (c) conversion, or public disclosures of LGB identities causes major changes in political outlooks and actions. Special attention is also give to the intersectional concerns of gendered heterosexism, given that voting for Hillary Clinton was the highest among lesbian women and lowest among heterosexual men.

How prior knowledge of LGB identities alters the effects of workplace disclosure

Decisions to reveal one's sexual orientation are assumed to be a volitional choice. Prior research has shown, however, that people often learn about the lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identities of others through indirect means, such as gossip and stereotypical cues (Ambady, Hallahan, & Conner, 1999; Colgan, Creegan, McKearney, & Wright, 2007). We conduct two studies to determine the effects of these forms of prior identity-related knowledge on disclosure outcomes. First, a pre-test of study assumptions demonstrates that recipients of minority sexual orientation disclosures often have prior knowledge of those identities. Second, a survey study examining the target's perspective finds that LGB people often suspect when others have prior knowledge of their identities, and this expected prior knowledge moderates the relationship between identity-management and subsequent experiences of discrimination. Lastly, a lab experiment manipulating the level of prior identity-related knowledge establishes that this information directly influences interpersonal workplace outcomes of disclosures through perceptions of awkwardness but not through liking. Together, these studies demonstrate support for our model of prior identity-related knowledge and highlight the importance of examining both prior identity-related knowledge as well as identity management strategies in predicting LGB workplace experiences.

Applying Intergroup Relations Research to Understanding LGB Health Disparities

AbstractThis article describes how intergroup processes and stigma contribute to pervasive health disparities that exist between LGB and heterosexual individuals. In particular, we focus on how the hierarchical organization of groups and the intergroup dynamics that arise from this structure operate at structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels to impact psychological and physiological processes that negatively influence health among LGB individuals. We focus on how these various manifestations of stigma act as additional stressors with which LGB individuals must contend and how this stress impacts health via stress‐related physiological reactivity, coping strategies, and health care interactions. Throughout we highlight how specific aspects of LGB identities (i.e., concealability and “nontribal” nature) present concerns that diverge from those documented in research on race and gender‐based stigmas. We end by discussing areas for future research and implications for social policy and interventions.

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Supervisees’ Experiences of LGB-Affirmative and Non-Affirmative Supervision in COAMFTE-Accredited Training Programs

This expanded replication study used consensual qualitative research to examine 12 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) supervisees’ experiences with LGB-affirmative and non-affirmative supervision in Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)-accredited programs, and the impact of these experiences on their personal/professional development, supervisory relationship, and work with clients. LGB-affirmative supervision was characterized by a context of safety, inclusion, affirmation, and knowledge about LGB identities, which positively affected their development, supervisory relationship, and client work. Non-affirmative supervision was characterized by a context of bias, lack of respect, and marginalization, which negatively affected these areas. Implications for theory, research, and supervision are discussed.

Predictors of Identity Management

This study examined workplace interactions in which lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) workers faced decisions related to revealing or concealing their LGB identities at work (i.e., identity management situations). Participants were 61 LGB adults who completed a baseline survey about their organization and, over 3 weeks, responded to event-based surveys immediately after identity management situations. Results suggested that LGB workers manage their stigmatized identity strategically according to situational characteristics. Indeed, much of the variance in use of revealing and concealing strategies was due to differences within people from situation to situation. Use of identity management strategies was predicted by interaction partner cues of acceptance or rejection as well as perception of LGB-related organizational climate and policies. Results at the within-person and between-person levels diverged in noteworthy ways.

Lifetime Prevalence of Suicide Attempts Among Sexual Minority Adults by Study Sampling Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous reviews have demonstrated a higher risk of suicide attempts for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons (sexual minorities), compared with heterosexual groups, but these were restricted to general population studies, thereby excluding individuals sampled through LGB community venues. Each sampling strategy, however, has particular methodological strengths and limitations. For instance, general population probability studies have defined sampling frames but are prone to information bias associated with underreporting of LGB identities. By contrast, LGB community surveys may support disclosure of sexuality but overrepresent individuals with strong LGB community attachment. To reassess the burden of suicide-related behavior among LGB adults, directly comparing estimates derived from population- versus LGB community-based samples. In 2014, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Scopus databases for articles addressing suicide-related behavior (ideation, attempts) among sexual minorities. We selected quantitative studies of sexual minority adults conducted in nonclinical settings in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression assessed for a difference in prevalence of suicide-related behavior by sample type, adjusted for study or sample-level variables, including context (year, country), methods (medium, response rate), and subgroup characteristics (age, gender, sexual minority construct). We examined residual heterogeneity by using τ(2). We pooled 30 cross-sectional studies, including 21,201 sexual minority adults, generating the following lifetime prevalence estimates of suicide attempts: 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3%, 5%) for heterosexual respondents to population surveys, 11% (95% CI = 8%, 15%) for LGB respondents to population surveys, and 20% (95% CI = 18%, 22%) for LGB respondents to community surveys (Figure 1). The difference in LGB estimates by sample type persisted after we accounted for covariates with meta-regression. Sample type explained 33% of the between-study variability. Regardless of sample type examined, sexual minorities had a higher lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts than heterosexual persons; however, the magnitude of this disparity was contingent upon sample type. Community-based surveys of LGB people suggest that 20% of sexual minority adults have attempted suicide. Accurate estimates of sexual minority health disparities are necessary for public health monitoring and research. Most data describing these disparities are derived from 2 sample types, which yield different estimates of the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts. Additional studies should explore the differential effects of selection and information biases on the 2 predominant sampling approaches used to understand sexual minority health.

Lifetime Prevalence of Suicide Attempts Among Sexual Minority Adults by Study Sampling Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Previous reviews have demonstrated a higher risk of suicide attempts for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons (sexual minorities), compared with heterosexual groups, but these were restricted to general population studies, thereby excluding individuals sampled through LGB community venues. Each sampling strategy, however, has particular methodological strengths and limitations. For instance, general population probability studies have defined sampling frames but are prone to information bias associated with underreporting of LGB identities. By contrast, LGB community surveys may support disclosure of sexuality but overrepresent individuals with strong LGB community attachment. Objectives. To reassess the burden of suicide-related behavior among LGB adults, directly comparing estimates derived from population- versus LGB community–based samples. Search methods. In 2014, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Scopus databases for articles addressing suicide-related behavior (ideation, attempts) among sexual minorities. Selection criteria. We selected quantitative studies of sexual minority adults conducted in nonclinical settings in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Data collection and analysis. Random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression assessed for a difference in prevalence of suicide-related behavior by sample type, adjusted for study or sample-level variables, including context (year, country), methods (medium, response rate), and subgroup characteristics (age, gender, sexual minority construct). We examined residual heterogeneity by using τ2. Main results. We pooled 30 cross-sectional studies, including 21 201 sexual minority adults, generating the following lifetime prevalence estimates of suicide attempts: 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3%, 5%) for heterosexual respondents to population surveys, 11% (95% CI = 8%, 15%) for LGB respondents to population surveys, and 20% (95% CI = 18%, 22%) for LGB respondents to community surveys ( Figure 1 ). The difference in LGB estimates by sample type persisted after we accounted for covariates with meta-regression. Sample type explained 33% of the between-study variability. Author’s conclusions. Regardless of sample type examined, sexual minorities had a higher lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts than heterosexual persons; however, the magnitude of this disparity was contingent upon sample type. Community-based surveys of LGB people suggest that 20% of sexual minority adults have attempted suicide. Public health implications. Accurate estimates of sexual minority health disparities are necessary for public health monitoring and research. Most data describing these disparities are derived from 2 sample types, which yield different estimates of the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts. Additional studies should explore the differential effects of selection and information biases on the 2 predominant sampling approaches used to understand sexual minority health.

Authenticating Sexual Diversity in School: Examining Sociolinguistic Constructions of Young People’s Sexual Identities

ABSTRACTRecent research into sexuality and education shows that homophobia is particularly prevalent and problematic in schools. However, little of this work has drawn on linguistic frameworks. This article uses the tactics of intersubjectivity framework to examine how a group of LGB-identified young people understand their sexuality identities in relation to the secondary school context. The application of this framework offers deeper insights into sexual orientation and education than can be gained from thematic analysis alone and can contribute towards developing understandings of sexual diversity issues in schools. The framework is applied to interview data in which young LGB people talk about their school experiences. Findings show that in the schools attended by the young LGB people, they have experienced a state of pervasive illegitimation surrounding LGB identities. The participants express a desire for this perceived institutional illegitimation to be replaced by authorisation using a range of authentication strategies.

Reconciling LGB and Christian Identities in the Rural South

Drawing on in-depth interviews with rural Christians living in the South who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB), this study analyzes how they negotiate their religious, geographic, and sexual identities. We find that most interviewees employed two strategies to reconcile their Christian and gay identities: emphasizing a personal connection to an accepting God and finding a local church in their rural community in which they felt accepted. We argue that rural contexts influenced interviewees’ reliance on these strategies and show how individuals can construct multiple interpretations about themselves, which do not always align with existing cultural assumptions. In addition, we argue that gender differences exist with regard to participants’ residential choices and the importance they place on “community”. We find that, in general, women value the privacy and freedom afforded to them in rural areas, a sentiment that is echoed in their religious choices while many of the men value the close knit community they find in their small towns.

Sexual Minority Identities: Outness and Well-Being Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults

Research suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with highly developed positive identities tend to score higher on measures of outness and well-being than those with less positively developed LGB identities. These relationships appear to be nonlinear and a number of mediators have been proposed. To complement extant research, the present investigation posed four hypotheses: (1) negative identity would predict outness; (2) negative identity would predict well-being; (3) negative identity would mediate the relationship between outness and well-being; and (4) individuals who self-identify with intersectional identities will score lower on well-being than those who identify only as LGB.

Who Forgot Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Police Officers? Findings from a National Survey

This article highlights the intersection of sexualities with contemporary police diversity debates. It showcases the findings of a national survey of LGB police officers in England and Wales, representing one of the largest datasets of its kind (n = 836). Presenting the main findings from the survey, the article identifies that the workplace experiences of these once stigmatized and rejected officers have been transformed post-Macpherson, but that some resistances and anxieties persist. Throughout, the complexity of managing LGB identities in professional policing contexts’ are demonstrated. The article calls on police constabularies not to see diversity reform as complete, but rather to further invest and address issues raised in this research by LGB officers themselves so that their career experiences can be further improved and contributions maximized.

The State of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Training: A Survey of Faculty from Accredited Couple and Family Therapy Programs.

This study explored the state of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative training in the couple and family therapy field. LGB affirmative refers to holding positive views of LGB identities and relationships. A total of 117 faculty members completed the online survey for this study. Participants were asked to respond to items on the following topics: LGB affirmative stances, LGB affirmative program environment, LGB affirmative course content, self-of-the-therapist work, and professional opportunities to work with LGB topics and clients. The findings of this study were encouraging as participants reported holding positive beliefs about LGB individuals, that their training programs had fairly affirmative program environments, and that LGB affirmative course content was included in their program curriculum.

"It's just a way of fitting in:" Tobacco use and the lived experience of lesbian, gay, and bisexual appalachians.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are affected by multiple health disparities and risk factors, including tobacco use. Few studies to date have examined tobacco use specifically in rural LGB populations, and none has investigated the intersections of identity, rural LGB culture, and tobacco. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspective of Appalachian LGB people regarding tobacco use. . Nineteen LGB-identified Appalachian residents participated in audiotaped, semi-structured interviews. Two authors analyzed and coded transcripts through constant comparison, and determined themes through consensus. Five themes emerged: the convergence of Appalachian and LGB identities, tacit awareness of LGB identity by others, culture and tobacco use, perceived associations with tobacco use, and health beliefs and health care. LGB Appalachians connect stress and culture to tobacco, but seem less aware that partial concealment of their identity might be a source of the stress that could influence their smoking.