LGBT Participants Research Articles

Material hardship and use of social safety net programs among LGBT adults and their families

AbstractLesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people experience higher levels of economic insecurity and poverty compared to non‐LGBT people. Social safety net programs may reduce this disparity, but the uptake of these programs among LGBT adults has rarely been assessed. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2018–2020 Well‐Being and Basic Needs Survey to compare differences in material hardship and social safety net program utilization between LGBT and non‐LGBT adults in the United States. LGBT participants were more likely to report lack of an emergency fund, food insecurity, utilities hardship, medical hardship, and multiple material hardships. LGBT adults had higher odds compared to non‐LGBT adults of using SNAP, income‐ or disability‐based insurance, SSI or SSDI, and housing assistance. There were no differences in use of WIC, reduced‐price/free school lunch benefits, or charitable food. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the social safety net programs for reducing material hardship.

Othering and Marginalizing the “Queer” in Rwanda: Findings from Public Perceptions and Lived Experiences of LGBT People

Abstract Introduction The multidimensionality of stigma that LGBT people experience globally necessitates research to explore the processes at work. The study aimed to quantify the level of othering and explore the process of LGBT othering in Rwanda. Methods We conducted a sequential cross-sectional mixed-methods study of LGBT lived experiences in Rwanda. We recruited 499 participants to complete the LGBT-specific survey and 1254 for the non-LGBT survey. We conducted 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with non-LGBT participants. For LGBT participants, we completed six focus groups with 59 participants, six in-depth interviews, and three digital storytelling interviews. For the quantitative surveys, we conducted multivariable linear regressions and reported beta coefficients and 95% confidence interval estimates examining LGBT discrimination (LGBT survey) and attitudes toward LGBT (non-LGBT survey). We used deductive and inductive thematic and narrative analysis to analyze the qualitative data. Results In adjusted analyses of the non-LGBT survey, as compared to those who knew zero LGBT persons, persons who knew more than five had lower negative attitude scores (β = − 1.3, 95% CI − 2.2, − 0.5), while the score was lower for those that knew one to five (− 0.2), it was not significant (95% CI − 0.8, 0.5). In the LGBT survey, adjusted analyses indicated that there was no significant difference found in discrimination between bisexual, gay, or lesbian participants. However, as compared to cisgender participants, transgender participants had discrimination scores that were 2.1 points higher (95% CI 1.1, 3.0), and gender non-confirming individuals had scores that were one point higher (95% CI 0.2, 1.9). The qualitative findings showcased how societal “othering” occurs in the everyday life of LGBT Rwandans, with large ramifications in creating feelings of isolation and hampering one’s capacity to live authentically and with dignity. Conclusion The findings from our study indicate a high level of othering of the LGBT community across multiple domains, including housing, employment, healthcare, education, religion, and family within Rwanda. Policy Implications The findings highlight the importance of social education campaigns about LGBT people, particularly among vital societal role-holders, including healthcare providers and educators. Integrating the rich historical and indigenous culture related to LGBT could be successful in combating anti-West rhetoric.

Customer attributions for LGBT-friendly branding hotels and skepticism

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationships between motives, skepticism and brands evaluations in the LGBT-friendly branding hotels context.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey is created and 278 LGBT participants are recruited through a consumer panels firm. The research model is tested through structural equation modeling.FindingsValues-, stakeholder- and strategic-driven motives are negatively related to skepticism, while egoistic-driven motive is positively related to skepticism. Also, sexual orientation openness moderates the relationship between stakeholder-driven motives and skepticism. Finally, skepticism is negatively related to brands evaluations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are limited to the LGBT-friendly hotels. However, this research contributes to the CSR and LGBT consumer research by examining the relationships between the four motives and skepticism considering LGBT customers’ sexual orientation openness level.Practical implicationsHotels should devote greater efforts to communicating that their LGBT-friendly branding efforts are genuine by acknowledging both the social benefits and the business interests.Social implicationsAs more and more hotels promote themselves as LGBT-friendly brands, a key challenge is reducing skepticism by appropriately conveying their motives. This research sheds light on this critical issue.Originality/valueAlthough existent research on LGBT-friendliness has established its importance; there is a lack of understanding as to how customers perceive LGBT-friendly branding hotels. This research examines the four motives of hotels presenting themselves as being LGBT-friendly and their relationships to skepticism.

PREMATURE MORTALITY IN LGBT VERSUS NON-LGBT VETERANS: THE ROLE OF HEALTH RISK FACTORS AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

Abstract Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) adults experience substantially higher rates of mental health conditions and other health risk factors than non-LGBT adults, but there is limited reseach on how these conditions increase risk for premature mortality. The current study examined this issue among middle-aged and older Veterans ages 40-99 who used Veterans Administration healthcare services from 01OCT2009 to 30SEP2019 (N = 845,122). Earlier age of death by suicide, overdose, or all-causes was hypothesized for LGBT (n = 675,639 ) vs. non-LGBT (n = 675,639) Veterans, and health factors and social determinants of health were predicted as key risk factors of earlier age of mortality. As hypothesized, LGBT Veterans had significantly higher rates of death by suicide, overdose, and all-causes among younger age groups than non-LGBT Veterans. Adjusted risk ratios indicate a significant contribution of mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety/depression), medical comorbidity, pain, smoking history, and military sexual trauma accounting for differential mortality rates by age in LGBT and non-LGBT participants. Social determinants of health, such racial/ethnic minority status and housing instability, were also significant contributors. Findings suggest the need for Whole Health interventions for LGBT Veterans to manage multiple health risk factors contributing to increased mortality risk. Suicide prevention is critical for the many middle-aged and older adults who die from suicide each year, and for LGBT Veterans especially, beginning targeted suicide prevention efforts earlier in middle age may prevent suicide deaths in later life. Lastly, findings implicate subgroups of Veterans who may particularly benefit from outreach and services.

Antecedents and consequences of LGBT individuals' perceptions of straight allyship.

People often self-identify as allies to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This research examined on what basis LGBT individuals perceive others to be allies and documents the consequences of perceived allyship. Studies 1a (n = 40) and 1b (n = 69) collected open-ended descriptions of allyship provided by LGBT participants. Coding of the responses suggested multiple components to being an ally: (a) being nonprejudiced toward the group, (b) taking action against discrimination and inequality, and (c) having humility about one's perspective in discussions about LGBT issues. In Studies 2a (n = 161) and 2b (n = 319, with nationally representative characteristics), an allyship scale was developed and validated for general and specific relational contexts, respectively. Study 2b also showed that LGBT individuals' perceptions of close others' allyship were positively associated with their own well-being and relationship quality with the close other. Study 3, an experiment, demonstrated that nonprejudice and action had an interactive effect on perceived allyship, such that action increased perceived allyship more when prejudice was low (vs. high). Study 4 was a weekly experience study of LGBT participants and an outgroup roommate. Perceiving one's roommate to be a good ally predicted higher self-esteem, greater subjective well-being, and better relationship quality with the roommate, both between and within participants. Furthermore, perceived allyship in 1 week was associated with increases in LGBT individuals' mental health and relationship quality with the roommate the following week. This research advances knowledge about what allyship means to LGBT individuals and identifies intra- and interpersonal benefits of allyship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Border Regimes: Homophobia and LGBT Place Making in Six Ordinary Cities in Europe

European nation states increasingly hail LGBT identities as part of modern values; LGBT recognitions have become a symbol of secular achievements. Discourses around gay rights and sexual diversity are increasingly pitted against presumably homophobic and intolerant ‘others’. An increased intolerant and repressive attitude towards migrants and racialised minorities is justified by their supposed threat to exactly these values. LGBT tolerance is used as a marker for modern values and this positions LGBT people as ‘border patrollers’ who can count as part of the modern liberal nation. This paper analyses 92 interviews with LGBT participants who live in six small and medium sized ordinary cities in Europe. It discusses how their fear of homophobia is evaluated according to perceived sexual norms and attitudes at the neighbourhood level. Neighbourhoods are considered either LGBT friendly or unfriendly according to their socio-demographic characteristics that focus on social class and/or migration and that intersects with race, ethnicity and religion. Based on the findings, neighbourhoods are both a geographical and a cultural terrain that can be understood, organised and contested through a sexuality discourse in the production of border regimes that discipline and produce the confines of the normative, the ‘modern’ and the ‘backward’. Not only are LGBT people positioned as border patrollers but they express their fear of homophobia also through bordering. The neighbourhood can then be understood, organised and contested through a sexuality discourse in the production of border regimes.

Senior Centers and LGBT Participants: Engaging Older Adults Virtually in a Pandemic

Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, recommendations to cease all non-essential in-person social services were mandated across the United States to prevent transmission to non-infected individuals. As a result, approximately 96% of all senior centers in the United States were closed to in-person programming (National Council on Aging, 2020). LGBT older adults in particular were at higher risk of isolation and declines in overall health as they were more likely to live alone, experience loneliness or have less immediate family support systems when compared to non-LGBT older adults (Yang, Chu & Salmon, 2017). The purpose of this presentation is to explore how LGBT older adult participants in senior centers transitioned to virtual programming during the pandemic. Using a risk-resiliency theory framework, the purpose of this presentation is to share the impact of virtual programming on the health and well-being of LGBT community-dwelling older adults. An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online survey to understand their needs, concerns and experiences. Participants reported a relatively easy adaptation to technology, steady participation in programs and services, satisfaction with virtual senior center programming and a consistent sense of engagement with their peers. Higher levels of engagement with senior center programs were associated with greater perceptions of social support. Additionally, stronger perceptions of social support and participation in exercise and fitness programming were associated with higher life satisfaction and lesser symptoms of depression and anxiety. Strategies for outreach, engagement and service provision will be presented.

Assessing the Effects of a Real-Life Contact Intervention on Prejudice Toward LGBT People

Prejudice against sexual and gender minorities (e.g., LGBT people) is quite prevalent and is harmful. We examined an existing—and often-used—contact intervention in pre-existing groups in an educational setting and assessed its effectiveness in reducing different forms of LGBT negativity. We focused particularly on modern LGBT negativity: a relatively subtle form of prejudice, involving ambivalence, denial, and/or the belief that there is too much attention for LGBT prejudice. We used a mixed design in which condition (experimental vs. control group) was the between-participants factor, which was randomized at the group level, and time (pretest vs. posttest vs. follow-up) was the within-participants factor (N = 117). Interventions were video recorded and the behavior of LGBT educators and participants was coded. Participants responded positively to the intervention, especially to the LGBT educator’s “coming-out story.” Exploratory analysis of the video data indicated that the perceived effectiveness of the intervention was higher in groups where participants were more engaged, although caution is necessary in interpreting this finding. The most important measure indicated that modern LGBT negativity decreased in the intervention groups directly after the intervention, but returned to baseline levels one week later. However, in the control condition, modern LGBT negativity had increased over time. Taken together, this suggests that an actual reduction in modern LGBT negativity was short-lived (i.e., the intervention effect disappeared within 7 days).

Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on LGBT people in Chile

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic has led many countries around the world, including Chile, to take various measures, including physical and, social isolation. The effects of these measures, necessary to prevent the virus from spreading, must be studied. In particular, quarantines are known to have an impact on quality of life and well-being (for example, associated symptoms such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other psychosocial consequences). Furthermore, these effects are expected to be more pronounced in previously disadvantaged populations, such as LGBT people. This paper describes the main measures taken by LGBT population during quarantine to avoid COVID-19 and its psychosocial consequences on an individual and social basis.MethodNon-probability sampling was used. An online self-administered survey including 1181 participants was used. These were lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender residents over 18 years old from Chile.ResultsAlmost eight out of ten participants were in a total quarantine situation. From them, 18.2% were in partial isolation and only 4.6% were not in quarantine. COVID-19 has affected almost all the LGBT participants to a certain extent. COVID-19 has emotionally affected the vast majority of the LGBT participants to a certain extent. In other words, the pandemic has affected their lives. This psychosocial impact of COVID has been greater for people who define themselves as *sexual (include queer, asexual, pansexual, demisexual).DiscussionThe measures taken to prevent the virus transmission significantly affect LGBT people's life. In particular, these measures affect *sexual people. *sexual people must manage discrimination and misunderstanding of their identity in many contexts including their family.

“It's Mainly the Fear of Getting Hurt”: Experiences of LGBT Individuals with the Healthcare System in Lebanon

LGBT people face significant discrimination, social pressures, and legal challenges in Lebanon, yet little is known about their experiences with the healthcare system. We conducted a secondary data analysis study using a qualitative descriptive design and data from the parent project, LebGuide (2016–2017). The data consisted of de-identified one-on-one interviews with 13 LGBT individuals and seven community-based organizations (CBOs). Data were analyzed using content analysis. Themes related to LGBT individuals’ healthcare experiences overlapped between the two groups of participants (LGBT participants and CBO participants) and centered around: anticipation of discrimination, experiences with healthcare providers, experiences with healthcare systems, transgender-specific experiences, and role of CBOs. This study highlights the need for LGBT-inclusive curricula in healthcare educational and training programs. Since most positive healthcare experiences reported by participants were at CBOs, it is important for CBOs to partner with healthcare institutions to introduce an LGBT-affirming culture into the healthcare workplace and the institutional culture of healthcare facilities and systems.

La Diversidad Afectivo-Sexual en First Dates (Cuatro: 2016-). Análisis de Contenido del Perfil de los Participantes

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar la diversidad afectivo-sexual en el programa First Dates y el tipo de representación que se muestra de los participantes LGBT. La metodología utilizada fue el análisis de contenido aplicado a 28 programas de la tercera temporada, seleccionando una muestra final de 260 participantes (n = 260). Los resultados arrojan que existe un alto porcentaje de participantes LGBT (en comparación con los datos demográficos), aunque su representación no es uniforme: el lesbianismo, la bisexualidad o la transexualidad escasean y los jóvenes son el segmento poblacional con más individuos LGBT en el programa. Por otro lado, España es el origen geográfico de la mayoría de concursantes, siendo el lugar de residencia del grueso de participantes LGBT las comunidades de Madrid, Cataluña y Andalucía. La ocupación profesional también resultó estar estadísticamente relacionada con la orientación sexual, mientras que la concesión de una segunda cita o el origen geográfico, no.

Mapping out a spectrum of the Chinese public\u2019s discrimination toward the LGBT community: results from a national survey

BackgroundChina has the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population. This study assessed the discrimination experienced by LGBT individuals in China in a comprehensive way, covering discrimination perpetrated by family, media, medical services, religious communities, schools, social services, and in the workplace.MethodsThe current study involved a national survey of 31 provinces and autonomous regions. Discrimination was measured both in terms of heterosexual participants’ attitudes towards LGBT individuals, and LGBT participants’ self-perceived discrimination. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the difference between heterosexual participants’ attitudes towards LGBT individuals and LGBT participants’ self-perceived discrimination. Linear regression was used to investigate the association between gross domestic product per capita and discrimination.ResultsAmong 29,125 participants, 2066 (7.1%) identified as lesbian, 9491 (32.6%) as gay, 3441 (11.8%) as bisexual, 3195 (11.0%) as transgender, and 10,932 (37.5%) as heterosexual. Heterosexual people were generally friendly towards the LGBT community with a mean score of 21.9 (SD = 2.7, total scale score = 100) and the grand averaged score of self-perceived discrimination by LGBT participants was 49.9 (SD = 2.5). Self-perceived discrimination from family and social services is particularly severe. We created a series of provincial level choropleth maps showing heterosexual participants’ acceptance towards the LGBT community, and self-perceived discrimination reported by members of the LGBT community. We found that a higher level of economic development in provinces was associated with a decrease in discrimination, and we identified that every 100 thousand RMB increase in per capita GDP lead to a 6.4% decrease in discriminatory events perpetrated by heterosexuals.ConclusionsChinese LGBT groups consistently experience discrimination in various aspects of their daily lives. The prevalence of this discrimination is associated with the economic development of the province in which it occurs. In order to reduce discrimination, it is important for future studies to discover the underlying reasons for discrimination against LGBT individuals in China.

Predicting suicidal behavior among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth receiving psychiatric emergency services

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are at elevated risk for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). However, few studies have comprehensively examined SITBs and their longitudinal course in LGBT youth at high risk for suicide. The aims of the present study were to characterize histories of SITBs among high-risk LGBT youth and to examine prospective associations with suicidal behavior. Participants were 285 youth (41.8% LGBT) ages 13–25 years receiving psychiatric emergency department (ED) services. Post-discharge suicidal behavior was assessed via 4-month phone interviews and 12 month chart reviews. The sample was 42.1% male, 57.9% female, 2.5% gender minority, 41.8% sexual minority. LGBT participants were more likely to have prior psychiatric ED visits and hospitalizations, more frequent past week suicide ideation, and more severe nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). We conducted stratified survival analyses to identify predictors of time to suicidal behavior post discharge. The final model for LGBT youth included past week suicide ideation and past month NSSI episodes. Among non-LGBT youth, the final model included number of lifetime NSSI methods and use of a highly lethal suicide attempt method. Within this sample of youth receiving psychiatric emergency services, LGBT youth were overrepresented and had more severe histories of SITBs. Results suggest the importance of assessing both lifetime and recent factors (i.e., past week and month), particularly for LGBT youth. Future research should replicate these findings in larger samples to explore whether there are unique risk factors that can aid in predicting and preventing suicide among LGBT youth.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE FIRST INTERVENTION STUDY ADDRESSING DEMENTIA IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

The cognitive health needs of LGBT older adults have not been adequately addressed in mainstream clinical trials. Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action), is an intervention designed to improve physical functioning and quality of life of LGBT adults with dementia and caregivers. We evaluate the processes and effectiveness of culturally-responsive recruitment approaches implemented in this study. A strong research-community partnership was necessary for the development and implementation of the intervention. LGBT participants with dementia made the first contact to research team as often as caregivers did and showed a higher rate of living alone and having a friend-based care network. The most common reason for ineligibility was not having a caregiver. Participants learned about the study via multiple venues including community events, newsletters, and social media. This study illustrates important new ways to sustain collaborations with disadvantaged communities and conduct a clinical trial with hard-to-reach participants.

END-OF-LIFE EXPERIENCES AND CARE NEEDS IN THE LIVES OF OLDER LGBT PEOPLE

The socio-cultural and legal position of LGBT citizens varies across nations. However, even in the most liberal countries, an historical legacy of stigma impacts on older LGBT people’s access to care. This paper draws upon the qualitative strand of a two-year UK project exploring the end of life experiences and care needs of older LGBT people. (N = 60 in-depth interviews with LGBT participants aged 60+). Findings highlight that the majority of respondents reported ways in which they manage their personal networks to minimize any vulnerability to discrimination. In planning or needing end-of-life-care, respondents identify new ‘layers’ of decisions about disclosing or hiding their sexual or gender orientation; informed by past experiences and fears about discrimination or exclusion from service providers. In conclusion, older LGBT people’s histories and a legacy of stigma have ongoing profound influences on the means of support available to them at the end of life.

INTERSECTIONALITY, COGNITION, DISCLOSURE AND BLACK LGBT VIEWS ON CIVIL RIGHTS AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY

AbstractIntersectionality has contributed to the ongoing deconstruction of dichotomous and essentializing categories of identity and oppression. As some scholars have noted, however, intersectionality has debunked a sociobiological, single-node paradigm and unintentionally codified a deterministic form of social cognition. I suggest one mechanism for understanding how to untangle this intersectional dilemma: disclosure practices. Disclosure of stigmatized statuses can illuminate how macro level inequalities manifest in individual thought processes. This study adds to emerging research by showing how social actors rely on intersectional experiences to understand, think about, and frame complex social problems. I examine this topic via 197 interviews with 102 Black participants who identify as LGBT about their views on same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue before and after same-sex marriage was nationally legalized. Specifically, I argue that the Black LGBT participants’ experience with intersectional discrimination and their levels of sexual and gender identity disclosure account for their personal views on same-sex marriage and Black civil rights. Further, the majority of Black participants across disclosure practices viewed marriage equality as primarily benefitting the property interests of White gays and lesbians. Last, I discuss the implications of my findings for LGBT politics and the connections between self-interest and political perspectives.

Perceptions of the Police by LGBT Communities

The purpose of this study is to explore how lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities perceive the police. Historically, relationships between LGBT communities and the police have been strained due to a legacy of discriminatory actions, although some police agencies have more recently taken steps to build relationships with LGBT communities. A survey was administered to a sample of LGBT and heterosexual respondents (n = 787) to measure perceptions regarding police fairness, policing qualities, policing outcomes, and police interactions with LGBT communities. Across a number of measures and scales, the perceptions of LGBT participants were significantly more negative than those of other participants, including when the variables of race, income, location type (e.g., rural, small town, suburban, urban), prior service as a police officer, and quality of prior interactions with the police, are controlled in multivariate modeling. Implications for police training and policy are discussed, as well as theoretical contexts that frame the results.

Validation of Bengali perceived stress scale among LGBT population

BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population encounter more stressful life circumstances compared to general population. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) can be a useful tool for measuring their stress. However, psychometric properties of PSS have never been tested on LGBT population.MethodsThis cross sectional study employed a two-stage sampling strategy to collect data from 296 LGBT participants from six divisional districts of Bangladesh. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were carried out on PSS 10 along with analysis of reliability and validity.ResultsEFA revealed a two-factor structure of PSS for LGBT population explaining 43.55% - 51.45% of total variance. This measurement model was supported by multiple fit indices during CFA. Acceptable Cronbach’s alpha indicated internal consistency reliability and high correlations with Self Reporting Questionnaire 20 demonstrated construct validity of PSS 10 for LGBT population.ConclusionThis study provided evidence of satisfactory psychometric properties of Bengali PSS 10 in terms of factor structure, internal consistency and validity among LGBT population.

LGBT Novel Drug Use as Contextualized Through Control, Strain, and Learning Theories*

ObjectiveWe examine novel drug use in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the context of social learning, self‐control, and strain theories.MethodsBased on a sample of 2,349 college students, we examine novel drug use rates of LGBT participants. We then perform a series of logistic regression models to examine factors correlated with LGBT novel drug use.ResultsWe find LGBT individuals have higher rates of use for novel drugs. We find that social learning constructs partially mediate the relationship between sexual orientation and novel drug use. The data did not support the hypotheses that strain or self‐control mediated or acted as a moderator in this relationship.ConclusionWe hypothesize higher LGBT novel drug use may be related to unique cultural definitions surrounding LGBT drug use and LGBT individuals being less likely to stigmatize substance use. This finding may have implications for LGBT substance use messaging and education programs.

Virtual Warfare

The popularity of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) has elicited concern that this is a context for cyberbullying. We used an online survey to examine the prevalence and types of cyberbullying in MMOG play and group differences in bullying behavior. Since most MMOGs are violent and research indicates that electronic mediums have high rates of bullying, we predicted that cyberbullying would be common in MMOG play. The participants ( N = 151)—a sample of self-selected MMOG players—frequently reported being cyber-victimized (52%) and engaging in cyberbullying (35%) during MMOG play. Rank was the most common motive for cyberbullying. We found that (a) males perpetrate more cyberbullying in MMOGs than females do; (b) heterosexuals perpetrate bullying at higher rates than lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) participants do; (c) female and LGBT participants experienced significantly higher rates of sexually related cyber-victimization; and (d) opponents are bullied more than teammates. Rates of victimization and perpetration overlapped substantially.