LGBT Psychology Research Articles

Assessment Survey and evaluation of LGBT-Psychology in Nigeria: current state and recommendations

There is no gainsaying that individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are faced with serious socio-legal, and medical discrimination following the enactment of anti-homosexuality law in Nigeria. However, not much is known of the effort of an organized body of psychology in the country to ensure adequate knowledge and competence among Nigerian psychologists. This article, therefore, appraises the stance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) psychology in Nigeria in relation to the cardinal quadrants: Advocacy, Education, Research, and Practice. A multi-method design was adopted to sort for both primary and secondary data. Purposive sampling was adopted to involve 124 practicing psychologists. Findings revealed that the Nigerian psychology curriculum limits its scope to sexual and gender disorders (sexual dysfunction, gender dysphoria, and paraphilic disorders) while missing out on sexual and gender diversity content. Furthermore, the outcome shows that not much is documented on the contribution of the field of psychology to the knowledge of LGBT. Many of the participants had a history (and still) working with LGBT clients and did not have formal LGBT-affirmative training. The study concluded that the integration of LGBT psychology is essential for significant achievement in the space of advocacy, education, research, and professional practices.

Diversity and equity in Ibero‐American universities: An ecological analysis and proposals for action‐research from psychology

AbstractDespite the numerous advances towards the recognition of LGBT rights worldwide, real equity has not yet been achieved. It is therefore necessary to take into consideration not only the socio‐political context but also the concrete practices that have been developed in specific settings. The university represents an important scene, which generates knowledge and development in societies. This study, from a Liberating Community Psychology approach, analysed five good practices related to LGBT issues and psychology placed in four countries with different socio‐cultural backgrounds: Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Spain. The results from an ecological SWOT analysis—based on interviews and questionnaires with diverse stakeholders and experts—showed the internal weaknesses (e.g., lack of resources) and strengths (e.g., high promoters' commitment, students acceptance) of the good practices, as well as their external opportunities and threats in the academic (e.g., social status of the university, curricula gaps), but also in the socio‐political context (e.g., protecting policies, attacks from conservative sectors). Additionally, action‐research proposals to improve equity in/from universities were suggested by stakeholders and prioritized by experts through a Delphi panel. The main theoretical and practical contributions are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

The challenges and promises of transnational LGBTQ psychology: Somewhere over and under the rainbow.

This article explores the influence of psychology developed in WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) contexts and its relationship to transnational lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) concerns. It covers several points associated with an LGBTQ movement forward fallacy, including the limitations of identitarian methods of analysis; presumption of visibility as a necessary aspect of LGBTQ emancipation; the centering of oppression narratives in LGBTQ international scholarship; the assumption of the relevance and desirability of WEIRD concepts; and the difficulties in applying human rights discourses to achieve LGBTQ emancipation. A transnational LGBTQ psychology that honors the authentic lives of LGBTQ people and decolonizes and dismantles context-specific homophobia/transphobia-related stigma is discussed. Finally, the promising directions of transnational LGBTQ psychology through research directions, networking, and advocacy are described. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Emergence of a transnational LGBTI psychology: Commonalities and challenges in advocacy and activism.

This contribution explores the historical developments of transnational lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) psychology in Colombia, the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa in relationship to U.S. LGBT psychology. LGBTI psychology in these diverse contexts share commonalities but also have important variations in their development and focus within LGBTI concerns. The International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues (IPsyNet) provides a model for international professional psychology collaboration and linkage on behalf of advocacy for LGBTI rights and sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression concerns. Although there is the risk of transnational LGBTI psychology(ies) reproducing European-North American (Euro-N.A.) "homonationalism" and contributing to neo-colonization, these case examples illustrate the dynamic potential of transnational LGBTI psychology, including the possibilities of psychology to develop LGBTI psychologies drawing from indigenous as well as international structures and platforms, influencing Euro-N.A. models in the process. Finally, this article describes the promise and the limitations of transnational LGBTI psychology, including the role of human rights frameworks, as well as advocacy within professional psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Cross-cultural perspectives of LGBTQ psychology from five different countries: current state and recommendations

ABSTRACTLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer psychology (LGBTQ psychology) is a branch of psychology that promotes inclusiveness in theory and practice across the science of psychology, affirming the lives of people with different sexual orientations and forms of gender expression in a non-heterosexist and non-cisgenderist perspective. This article highlights the historical development of LGBTQ psychology in the context of different realities for LGBTQ people in five different countries (Russia, Greece, Colombia, South Africa and the province of Quebec, Canada). Key experts on LGBTQ concerns report distinctive challenges they have faced when promoting LGBTQ rights and developing LGBTQ psychology (e.g. the pathologization and criminalisation of sexual diversity, neglect on the part of authorities, and rejection from religious groups). Human and mental health sciences have played an important role in the blossoming of LGBTQ psychology. Cross-cultural narratives show that the recognition of lesbian and gay rights comes before the recognition of the rights of bi, trans, queer and questioning people. Various forms of homonegativity and transphobia still coexist even in countries that have established protections and rights recognition for LGBTQ people. We provide 15 strategies to help psychological organisations and psychologists around the world promote the development of LGBTQ psychology.

A Recent History of Lesbian and Gay Psychology: From Homophobia to LGBT

This ground-breaking text explores the contemporary history of how psychological research, practice, and theory has engaged with gay and lesbian movements in the United States and beyond, over the last 50 years. Peter Hegarty examines the main strands of research in lesbian and gay psychology that have emerged since the de-pathologizing of homosexuality in the 1970s that followed from the recognition of homophobia and societal prejudice. The author details the expansion of ‘lesbian and gay psychology’ to ‘LGB’ to ‘LGBT psychology’ via its paradigm shifts, legal activism, shifts in policy makers’ and mental health professionals’ goals in regard to sexual and gender minorities. For the first time, the origins of the concepts, debates, and major research programs that have made up the field of LGBT psychology have been drawn together in a single historical narrative, making this a unique resource. A case is made that psychology has only very lately come to consider the needs and issues of transgender and intersex people, and that LGB paradigms need to be critically interrogated to understand how they can be best brokered to bring about social change for such groups. A Recent History of Lesbian and Gay Psychology will serve as an advanced historical introduction to this field’s recent history and current concerns, and will inform both those who have been a part of this history and students who are new to the field.

Improving the Field of LGBTQ Psychology: Strategies for Amplifying Bisexuality Research.

Bisexuality has been critically understudied despite decades of research demonstrating pronounced disparities among bisexual populations. To better understand the state of bisexual research in the field of LGBTQ psychology, we conducted a content analysis of abstracts published in the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (PSOGD). Of 223 articles published in PSOGD, less than 1% were focused on bisexual populations. Many studies used "bisexuality" in their titles or as a keyword even when they contained little to no focus on bisexuality. Results from the content analysis are consistent with content analyses on medical and sexualities literatures. We highlight important strategies for improving the quantity and quality of bisexual research in LGBTQ psychology, including but limited to careful attention to bisexuality from study development to dissemination.

The BPS Psychology of Sexualities Section Annual Conference 2017

The British Psychological Society’s Psychology of Sexualities Section held its 2017 Annual Conference on 8 December 2017 at the BPS London Offce, with the theme ‘Innovations in Psychology of Sexualities’. The programme featured six oral presentations, fve posters, four Pecha Kucha style presentations, and one keynote address. As a relative newcomer to the UK context with a background in LGBT psychology from a different country context (i.e. the Philippines; Manalastas & Torre, 2016), I participated in the conference for the first time with a mix of curiosity, excitement, and the standpoint of a ‘friendly outsider’ (Greenwood & Levin, 2007). As such, I aim to not just offer a summary of the conference but to ‘refect back’ (Greenwood & Levin, 2007, p.125) on the event as a whole.

Toward a queer psychology of affect: restarting from shameful places

The affective turn that has emerged in academia problematizes the previous dichotomous conceptualization of essentialism and social constructionism. It also points toward a new direction for the study of human—and beyond human—experience. Situating this paradigm shift within broader social scientific inquiry, this paper engages with psychologist Silvan Tomkins’s and queer theorist Eve Sedgwick’s theories of affect. In doing so, it employs shame as a critical concept for queer psychology that is distinct from the sexual minority framework dominating North American LGBTQ psychology. The author proposes moving toward a concept of shame that identifies it as a curious engagement beyond disciplinary boundaries and movement that circulates through different sexualized and racialized bodies. In moving toward this concept and away from one of shame as a problem and an undesirable object to be rid of, we can work toward a queer psychology of affect that breaks open the binarism of pride and shame.

Guest Author: An introduction to the field of LGBTQ Psychology and the BPS Psychology of Sexualities Section

Guest Author: An introduction to the field of LGBTQ Psychology and the BPS Psychology of Sexualities Section

Positive Identity Experiences of Young Bisexual and Other Nonmonosexual People: A Qualitative Inquiry

ABSTRACTThe majority of LGBTQ psychological research focuses on dysfunction. The exclusion of strengths-based perspectives in LGBTQ psychology limits the understanding of LGBTQ mental health. In this article we report experiences that young bisexual and other nonmonosexual people perceive as affirming of their sexual identity. A 28-day, daily diary study was used to investigate whether bisexual-identified participants encountered positive experiences related to their sexual identity, and which type of experiences they perceived to be positive. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, participants’ experiences were organized according to a social ecological model. Experiences were reported at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional levels, but most positive sexual identity experiences occurred at the interpersonal level. Implications for positive health outcome research and the integration of positive psychology with LGBTQ psychology are discussed, as well as study limitations.

LGBT psychology in the Philippines

This paper presents an account of the initial developments towards an LGBT psychology in the Philippines. We situate this on critical events leading to: (1) an official policy by the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) against anti-LGBT discrimination in 2011, the first in south-east Asia; and (2) the institutionalisation in 2014 of the PAP’s LGBT Psychology Special Interest Group. Organising efforts have focused in four areas: research, education, advocacy, and practice. National conferences have served as naturally occurring moments for mainstreaming and visibility within the profession. Research progress is evidenced by the publication in 2013 of a special LGBT issue of the Philippine Journal of Psychology. Education efforts have involved teaching an undergraduate elective on LGBT psychology, training of psychology teachers to integrate sexual and gender diversity, and conduct of ‘LGBT Psych 101’ seminars. Advocacy has focused on ‘giving away’ LGBT psychology through engagement with the activist community, media, and support for anti-discrimination legislation. Finally, initial work in professional practice has been around raising awareness of LGBT issues in counselling. We reflect on these initial successes and present lessons learned as well as next steps for the development of an LGBT-inclusive psychology in south-east Asia.

Editorial: LGBTQ Psychology in a Globalised World: Taking a stand against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia internationally

Editorial: LGBTQ Psychology in a Globalised World: Taking a stand against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia internationally

The formation of an LGBTQ network for psychologists in Sweden: A work in progress

The mobilisation of psychologists in Sweden working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer (LGBTQ) wellbeing and rights has so far not succeeded in creating continuity despite several attempts to establish some kind of organisation since the mid 1990s. A new attempt was made in 2013 when the Swedish LGBTQ network for psychologists was formed following a formal decision at the congress of the Swedish Psychological Association. Even though the establishment of the network is still a work in progress, the network consists of approximately 100 members and seems to be growing. This paper describes some historical highlights from Swedish LGBTQ psychology, as well as how the network came about, underpinning perspectives and what the network aims to achieve.

Possibilities of Critical Psychology in Japan: Theoretical Psychology, LGBT Psychology, Psychology of Ethnic Minorities, and Peace Psychology

Possibilities of Critical Psychology in Japan: Theoretical Psychology, LGBT Psychology, Psychology of Ethnic Minorities, and Peace Psychology

History of LGBT issues and psychology in Colombia

This article presents the development of the rights movement for the LGBT population in Colombia within the international context. As part of the Latin-American tradition and Spanish heritage, the behaviour and attitude towards sexuality in general and towards homosexuality in particular, were very conservative in the country. The beginning of the gay liberation movement in Colombia is presented, along with its historical, psychological and legal aspects, the ideas of homosexuality as a sin, as a criminal offence, as a mental disease, or as an alternative lifestyle. Described are the developments of what is referred to as sexual rights, as human rights, marriage equality, the adoption of children by same-sex couples, homo-parental families, the topics of health, identity, the psychological health of LGBT people, and the attitudes of the Colombian society in relation to these aspects. The roles of psychology as a discipline and the professional psychology associations are shown in a historical perspective.

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Psychology: Past, current and future agendas

In this article we provide an overview of international lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) psychology. We first highlight some international milestones of LGBT issues, followed by a discussion of the impact of LGBT psychology globally, including topics of the nature of sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual and gender identity development, depathologisation and decriminalisation of LGBT persons, discrimination and oppression, work discrimination and career issues, military service, HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention, same-sex relationships and marriages, parenting rights, LGBT children and youth, cultural diversity and intersectionality of identities, media representation issues, training of mental health service providers, conversion therapy, and policy statements and social justice advocacy of professional organisations. We conclude the article with a proposed future agenda for education and training, research, practise, and advocacy.

Introduction

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Additional informationNotes on contributorsTodd G. MorrisonTodd G. Morrison is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan. His research interests focus on gay and lesbian psychology; human sexuality; and psychometrics. He is the editor/co-editor of five books, and has published in a number of journals including The Journal of Homosexuality, Sex Roles, International Journal of Sexual Health, Body Image, Psychology of Men & Masculinity, Journal of Men’s Studies, Pain and the Journal of Social Psychology.CJ BishopCJ Bishop is a third year PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan. His research interests include human sexuality (specifically, pornography); gay and lesbian psychology; and stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination (specifically, homonegativity). His research has been published in the Journal of Homosexuality and Psychology & Sexuality. He is the recipient of a doctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.Mark KissMark Kiss is a fourth year psychology undergraduate candidate. His research interests include human sexuality, LGBT psychology, aging, death and male body image. His research has been included in the Journal of Homosexuality, Psychology & Sexuality, and Sexuality & Culture. Previously, Mark worked extensively in the music industry in a marketing and project management capacity.

LGBT strengths: Incorporating positive psychology into theory, research, training, and practice.

This article serves as the first in a series of 4 articles providing a theoretically and empirically informed approach to understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and communities from the perspective of positive psychology. Termed LGBT strengths, this perspective aims to complement existing perspectives in LGBT psychology focused on distress and pathology to provide a more balanced and representative understanding of LGBT lives. In the present article we provide an introduction to the 3 pillar model of positive psychology and its relevance to the unique experiences of LGBT individuals. Drawing connections between positive psychology and related strengths-based concepts within the existing literature in LGBT psychology, we provide evidence for LGBT strengths across the 3 pillars and within diverse populations of sexual and gender minorities. Discussing the role and importance of fostering a psychological science of these strengths informed by an understanding of the diversity and complexity of LGBT lives, we conclude with an overview of the goals of this series and introduce the subsequent articles in the series which will address implications of LGBT strengths for theory, research, training, and practice.

Roundtables

Roundtables from the 1st international conference "LGBT Psychology and Related Fields. Coming-out of LGBT Psychology in the current international scenario", Lisabon, Portugal, 20-22 June 2013