LGBTQ Individuals Research Articles

Economic Vulnerability of Sexual Minorities: Evidence from the US Household Pulse Survey.

Despite improvements in the legal and social environment, economic outcomes for LGBTQ individuals suggest a high degree of vulnerability. We use data on over 500,000 individuals collected from July 21, 2021 to May 9, 2022 as part of US Census Bureau's Household Pulse survey which is the Bureau's first survey to collect self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity. We use linear probability models to answer several questions related to the economic experience of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals during this time period. We find that lesbian women, bisexual women, and bisexual men were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be in a household that experienced pandemic related job loss. Bisexual men were more likely than heterosexual men to have difficulty paying their expenses, experience food insufficiency and experience housing insecurity in the last week. Lesbian and bisexual women were more likely than heterosexual women to report expense difficulty and food insufficiency. The vulnerability we observe may have been exacerbated by the pandemic but appears to be largely due to pre-existing-and likely continuing-inequalities.

The experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Many scholars have explored the participation of LGBTQ individuals in sports. However, these studies have either categorized homosexuality and bisexuality together or focused only on lesbian, gay, or transgender individuals. There is a lack of research in the literature on bisexual individuals' sports participation and an even more significant lack of Asia perspectives. Therefore, this qualitative study is aimed to explore the experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China. Semi-structured interviews with four female bisexual student-athletes were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three themes and eight sub-themes were identified. Theme 1. what bisexual identity means, and sub-themes: a struggling journey, emotional attraction, and gender role for female bisexual student-athletes; Theme 2. invalid identity, and sub-themes: lesbian mask, unrecognized identity; Theme 3. perceptions of sports context, and sub-themes: the influence of the sports context on sexual fluidity, relative inclusion, and perceived rejection. This study provides new insights into understanding the experience of female bisexual student-athlete. In addition, the results highlight the importance of the need to study bisexuality as a distinct identity.

Rainbow in The Convent: LGBTQ+ Community and Religious Vocation Inclusivity

This study sought to determine the acceptability of the LGBTQ+ community and religious vocation inclusivity among the select residents in the City of San Pablo, Laguna in the Philippines. Transcendental phenomenology was employed using twenty respondents and were interviewed via Google Meet. Results showed that the respondents were generally accepting the LGBTQ+ community towards religious vocation inclusivity. Majority of them were generally accepting the LGBTQ+ members based on three thematic areas identified such as religious vocation as a call for everyone, LGBTQ+ expressions of religiosity and LGBTQ+ members as church leaders. However, the study also presented areas of development the LGBTQ+ community and religious institutions could dialogue towards improved welfare of the LGBTQ+ community in the realm of religious vocation inclusivity. Hence, this paper suggests further representation of LGBTQ individuals in various religious activities, and educational drive and discussions with religious organizations. The results imply a starting element for further research and education for both the LGBTQ+ and religious communities.

Holding hands: LGBTQ people’s experiences of public displays of affection with their partner(s)

ABSTRACT Many LGBTQ individuals grow up with a sense of being ‘other’ in a heteronormative society. This is not just an internal psychological experience, as many LGBTQ individuals report being recipients of hostility, victimisation and harassment. Interpersonally, homophobia and transphobia (both actual and fear of) may play out between partners and inhibit partners from commonplace displays of affection (e.g. holding hands in public). Holding hands in public, a taken-for-granted act of interpersonal affection for many heterosexual couples, may carry particular anxieties and/or significance for LGBTQ partners. This article reports on findings from a research project that explored 27 participants’ personal experiences of holding hands with their partner(s) in public, utilising a participatory, creative research approach. The analysis of data identified themes of vigilance, daily inhibitions, partner negotiations, inside/outside boundaries, and community dilemmas.

Anticipatory Economic Stressors: Perceived and Potential Sources of Economic Disadvantage for LGBTQ Adults

This article examines anticipatory economic stress—or the stress of future economic crises or events that may negatively impact material well‐being—for LGBTQ adults. Using qualitative interview data from 76 LGBTQ adults, three main sources of anticipatory economic stress emerged: the family, the workplace, and health care. Following an intersectionality framework, these anticipatory economic stressors are experienced differently across gender and racial lines, heightening anticipatory economic stress for LGBTQ people of color and transgender respondents. This article has significant implications for understanding the role of future economic stress in the present and provides important insight into what specific forms of anticipatory economic stress that shape the lives of LGBTQ individuals.

Mental healthcare for young and adolescent LGBTQ+ individuals in the Indian subcontinent.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant change in the way healthcare is dispensed. During the pandemic, healthcare inequities were experienced by various sections of society, based on gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The LGBTQ individuals were also affected by this inequity. There is a lack of information on this topic especially in the developing countries. Hence this issue requires further exploration and understanding. Previous literature briefly explored the mental, physical, and emotional turmoil faced by the LGBTQ community on a regular basis. They feared rejection by family and friends, bullying, physical assault, and religious biases. These issues prevented them from publicly speaking about their sexual orientation thereby making it difficult to collect reliable data. Although they require medical and psychological treatment, they are afraid to ask for help and access healthcare and mental health services. Being mindful of these difficulties, this article explores the various underlying causes of the mental health problems faced by LGBTQ individuals, especially, in the Indian subcontinent. The article also examines the status of healthcare services available to Indian sexual minorities and provides recommendations about possible remedial measures to ensure the well-being of LGBTQ individuals.

The Efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Treating PTSD among LGBTQ Individuals in Selected Support Groups in Kenya

The Efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Treating PTSD among LGBTQ Individuals in Selected Support Groups in Kenya

Speaking Out, Speaking Up: Co-cultural Communication through an LGBTQ Discussion Panel

ABSTRACT This study engaged in ethnographic observation and qualitative interviewing research practices to examine an educational program involving self-identified LGBTQ individuals who participate on classroom panel discussions and question/answer sessions about their coming out experiences. By observing ten LGBTQ discussion panels and conducting 35 interviews with panelists and student audience members, we explored the classroom as a space capable of allowing for nuanced understanding of gender and sexual minoritized experiences. Our observations sensitized us to the LGBTQ panelists’ stories and student audience members’ insights. Thematic analysis of fieldnotes and interview transcripts led to the emergence of three themes: creating conditions for engagement, establishing accountability, and witnessing stories of difference. Implications for future research are also offered.

PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: EMBRACING OUR DIVERSITY IN GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION: PERSPECTIVES ON STRATEGIES AND LEARNERS

Abstract Our populations are not only becoming older, but also becoming more diverse on several fronts. Our new social structures call for new strategies for embracing our diversity in how we design and deliver education about aging in and beyond the classroom. In this AGHE Presidential Symposium, educators will discuss innovative and needed ways we can integrate diversity in gerontological pedagogical practices. To begin, Rona Karasik (St. Cloud State University) will discuss the call for integrating anti-racist strategies in classroom practices, and offer examples of several such strategies. Next, Brian Carpenter (Washington University in St. Louis) will discuss shrinking geropsychology pipelines, especially for students from racial and ethnic groups, and will share recommendations for expanding these pipelines. Aaron Guest (Arizona State University) will then discuss the need to extend diversity and education efforts to include LGBTQ individuals and issues. Karen Lincoln (University of Southern California) will discuss the need to move educational efforts beyond our classrooms to diverse learners in our communities. To this end, she will describe a dynamic academic−community partnership that provides aging-focused education to African-American older adults. Dana Burr-Bradley (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) will give the final presentation with a discussion about the need for an international lens that appreciates the global diversity of the aging experience. Tamara Baker (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) will serve as the discussant and offer her perspective on how the need to embrace our diversity in gerontology education cuts across all GSA units and connects them with AGHE’s educational mission.

Integrating SMART Recovery and Mental Health Services to Meet the Needs and Goals of LGBTQ Individuals Experiencing Substance Use–Related Problems

LGBTQ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) individuals experience increased risk for substance use disorders. Many LGBTQ individuals experience barriers to benefiting from substance use programs. A recent study suggests that SMART Recovery, a cognitive-behavioral mutual help group for addictive behaviors, may be a valuable resource for LGBTQ individuals experiencing substance use–related problems. Mental health service providers can play a valuable role in supporting LGBTQ clients in participating in SMART Recovery by introducing them to the program, supporting them in overcoming barriers to successful engagement, and helping clients to apply SMART Recovery tools to salient situations to promote recall and utilization, and teaching additional cognitive-behavioral tools to promote effective emotion regulation and coping with minority stressors.

Implications of Dobbs for the (Re)Criminalization of Intimacy Among LGBTQ Individuals

This Viewpoint outlines how the revival of now defunct state-level antisodomy laws would harm the health care of LGBTQ individuals should the US Supreme Court reverse itself and urges medical professionals and their societies to advocate for the immediate abolition of antisodomy laws.

Gender, Racial, and Socioeconomic Determinants of Choosing a Surgical Career

• Surgical specialties continue to struggle with achieving proportionate representation of minorities. • Those from racial/ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic status backgrounds are more likely to choose non-surgical careers. • Multiple potential solutions exist, including more loan relief programs for surgical specialties, increasing exposure in pre-clinical education, funded research programs, and improving accessibility to mentorship. Surgical specialties continues to struggle with achieving proportionate representation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ individuals at all levels of training and academic positions. This study aimed to analyze how socioeconomic determinants and demographic variables including gender and race/ethnicity affect choice of specialty. A 25-question survey was distributed via Qualtrics to residents at a single institution between September 2021 and February 2022. This study was performed at a single-institution, at an academic university center. All resident physicians at the institution, ranging from post-graduate year 1 to post-graduate year 9, were invited to participate in the survey. All specialties were invited to participate. A total of 294 responses (86 in surgical fields, 204 in medical fields) were collected, with an overall response rate of 47%. The average amount of reported student debt was USD 183,000. Underrepresented in medicine (UIM) students chose significantly shorter residencies (p=0.046), had significantly lower average household incomes and grew up in poorer communities (p<0.001), were more likely to have an urban upbringing (p<0.001), and were more likely to have parents without graduate education (p=0.016). Average household income growing up was higher for those from surgical specialties than those from medical specialties (USD 167,000, 144,000, p=0.051). In a multiple logistic regression , race (p=0.041) and ethnicity (p=0.046) were the most significant unique predictors of choosing a medical residency over a surgical residency. Female gender (p=0.014), being the sole source of income (p=0.018), and lower parent/guardian educational status were factors predictive of not pursuing a top 10 paying residency. Understanding the socioeconomic influences in specialty choice provides important insight to guide future programs and policies focused on alleviating barriers that dissuade qualified and diverse applicants from pursuing surgical careers.

Preservation and Place: Historic Preservation by and of LGBTQ Communities in the United States

Preservation and Place: Historic Preservation by and of LGBTQ Communities in the United States

LGBTQ individuals’ lived experiences of hypervigilance.

LGBTQ individuals’ lived experiences of hypervigilance.

Understanding the Complex Relationships Between Homophobic Bullying and Depression

Although homophobic bullying has been shown to play an important role in poor mental health outcomes, especially depression, little is known about the mediating and moderating role underlying this mechanism. Thus, as a part of this study, we try to understand whether gender-based bullying mediates the relationship between homophobic bullying and depression and whether the self-concept moderates this mediating process. A sample of 431 respondents, 18 years and above were surveyed through online mode to understand homophobic bullying and its implications on the mental health of the people who identify as LGBTQ. The results indicated that homophobic bullying was significantly and positively associated with depression. This relationship was mediated by gender-based bullying. Moderated-mediation analysis further revealed that self-concept moderates the relationship between gender-based bullying and depression. This relationship is stronger for LGBTQ individuals with higher levels of self-concept. Hence, there is a need to develop (a) strong supportive LGBTQ ally groups in educational and professional spaces to ensure safety and support for the bullied; and (b) create inclusive policies in academic and professional settings to ensure lower levels of bullying.

Training in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial across LGBTQ community centers.

This randomized controlled trial examined whether an 11-week synchronous (i.e., real-time) online training in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual or gender diverse (LGBTQ)-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could lead to increased uptake of this practice at LGBTQ community centers across 20 U.S. states and internationally. A total of 121 mental health providers (Mage = 37.74; 78.5% LGBTQ; 60.3% non-Hispanic/Latinx White) were randomized to receive the 11-week training either immediately (n = 61) or after a 4-month wait (n = 60). At baseline and 4 and 8 months after baseline, participants self-reported their LGBTQ-affirmative competency, cultural humility, and knowledge of the minority stress theory and practice skills underlying LGBTQ-affirmative CBT. To objectively assess uptake of LGBTQ-affirmative CBT, participants demonstrated, through simulated practice, how they would respond to two video-based clinical vignettes. Compared to wait-list, participants in the immediate training condition reported greater improvements in self-reported cultural competence (d = 1.24), minority stress knowledge (d = 0.78), LGBTQ-affirmative CBT knowledge (d = 0.78), and LGBTQ-affirmative CBT skills familiarity (d = 0.91) and use (d = 0.96); effects persisted 8 months postbaseline. Cultural humility showed no significant difference by condition (d = 0.07). In objectively coded assessments of simulated practice, participants in the training condition demonstrated greater uptake of LGBTQ-affirmative practice skills (d = 0.82). Findings preliminarily suggest that mental health providers can be trained to deliver LGBTQ-affirmative CBT using the low-cost, efficient reach of online training. This training can help disseminate evidence-based mental health care to LGBTQ individuals and support its implementation across practice settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Broadcasting Yourself: Perspectives of LGBTQ YouTube Microcelebrities

YouTube serves as a safe haven for LGBTQ individuals, wherein LGBTQ creators and content are more prevalent than in mainstream media. Scholarship has primarily focused on YouTube content and LGBTQ audiences. The current study moves the needle forward by investigating the performance and self-branding of LGBTQ content creators. Interviews with 13 creators revealed that self-disclosure, authenticity, and similarity are content-based strategies employed to create connections with audiences. Building community through online and offline interactions and policing negativity were also common themes. YouTubers also discussed the perceived effects of their channel on themselves and their audiences.

LGBTQ Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research in Counseling Psychology: A Content Analysis

Given that qualitative and mixed methods have been used to address social justice issues, counseling psychologists have been drawn to these research designs to advance knowledge in the field. However, qualitative and mixed methods are rarely used in counseling psychology to examine the experiences of LGBTQ individuals. This content analysis reviewed all qualitative and mixed methods studies conducted with LGBTQ individuals between 2009 and 2019 in three leading counseling psychology journals. Results from 24 studies revealed: (a) an increase in LGBTQ-related topics; (b) an overreliance in grounded theory as a research design, diverse analytical approaches, overreliance on semi-structure interviews, and increased disclosure of reflexivity and trustworthiness; and (c) an overwhelming representation of White, cisgender, gay and lesbian, middle class, college educated, English-speaking, Christian, mainland United States residents. We pose a call to action for the next decade of qualitative and mixed methods research with LGBTQ individuals in counseling psychology.

Lighting, signing, showing: The circulability of Pink Dot's counterpublic discourse in Singapore

AbstractPink Dot, a homegrown LGBTQ activist group based in Singapore, has been treated as a social movement since its inauguration in 2009, and they organise an annual event to advocate for LGBTQ individuals. In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the twelfth edition of the event (PD12) took place online as a livestream on YouTube. The highlight of PD12 was the unveiling of a ‘digital pink dot’ via a virtual map of Singapore, where the permeability of its discourse in virtual and physical spaces became much more apparent in comparison with previous physical iterations of the event. Approaching the data with counterpublic and citizenship theory, I outline the circulability of discourse as the key feature of a counterpublic, and argue that PD12 achieves this in two ways: (i) the semiotic fragmentation of its physical signs and online discourse; and (ii) the deployment of intertextual elements in a drag performance.

Sources of Stress and Challenges for Gay and Bisexual International Students: Experiences of Social Stigma and Sociocultural and Psychological Racism

Internationalism and globalisation bring university students to different parts of the world. However, international students may face stress, discrimination, bias, and challenges from the hosted environment due to cultural and social differences. Based on the social stigma and sociocultural and psychological racism theory, the current study aims to understand and explore the sources of stress and challenges of gay and bisexual international university students in South Korea. 40 gay and bisexual international university students currently enrolled at one of the South Korean universities were invited to share their stories. The finding indicated that othering, boycotting from school personnel, and ineffective psychological counselling services in the university health centres and university hospital health facilities played significant roles in their sources of stress, challenges, and sense-making processes. This study filled the research and practical gaps in the areas of stress and challenges of gay and bisexual international university students in South Korea. Also, university leaders, government officials, non-profit organisational administrators, and public health professionals may use this study as their reference to reform and polish the current policies and regulations for LGBTQ individuals and groups, particularly for gay and bisexual international university students.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 8 March 2022 / Accepted: 13 April 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022