Non-heterosexual Women Research Articles

The Impact of Body Odors on Sexual Attraction and Partner Selection: A Review of Cisgender Homosexual Men and Women.

This study examined the role of odors in sexual attraction and partner selection among non-heterosexual individuals. We searched using MESH terms in databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Clinical Trials. We focused on experimental or quasi-experimental studies where olfactory cues were used in partner selection. The studies had to identify participants' sexual orientation and include heterosexuals for comparison. Seven studies, published between 2005 and 2014, involving 345 participants (Mean age, 27.09years), met the criteria. Results suggest that sexual orientation affects both preference for and production of human body odors and that human body odors appear to provide cues about the sex and sexual orientation of potential partners. Most participants were male, limiting conclusions about the role of pheromones in attraction among non-heterosexual women.

Sex and gender correlates of sexually polymorphic cognition

BackgroundSexually polymorphic cognition (SPC) results from the interaction between biological (birth-assigned sex (BAS), sex hormones) and socio-cultural (gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation) factors. The literature remains quite mixed regarding the magnitude of the effects of these variables. This project used a battery of classic cognitive tests designed to assess the influence of sex hormones on cognitive performance. At the same time, we aimed to assess the inter-related and respective effects that BAS, sex hormones, and gender-related factors have on SPC.MethodsWe recruited 222 adults who completed eight cognitive tasks that assessed a variety of cognitive domains during a 150-min session. Subgroups were separated based on gender identity and sexual orientation and recruited as follows: cisgender heterosexual men (n = 46), cisgender non-heterosexual men (n = 36), cisgender heterosexual women (n = 36), cisgender non-heterosexual women (n = 38), gender diverse (n = 66). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the test to assess testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Psychosocial variables were derived from self-report questionnaires.ResultsCognitive performance reflects sex and gender differences that are partially consistent with the literature. Interestingly, biological factors seem to better explain differences in male-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., spatial), while psychosocial factors seem to better explain differences in female-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., verbal).ConclusionOur results establish a better comprehension of SPC over and above the effects of BAS as a binary variable. We highlight the importance of treating sex as a biological factor and gender as a socio-cultural factor together since they collectively influence SPC.

Queer kinship: Experiences of double-motherhood in Brazil

A survey was conducted with nine Brazilian cisgender, non-heterosexual women who are mothers, with the aim of understanding the challenges faced by double-motherhood in Brazil. Nine interviews and one focus group were conducted online and asynchronously through WhatsApp. The data was transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed four categories: IC as a form of resistance; violence and LGBTphobia against queer motherhood; the invisibility of queer motherhood in relation to the state; and queer subjectivity. This research concludes that double-motherhood can be seen as a form of resistance, as the mothers use technologies, such as home insemination.

Perceptions of candidate strength in job recruitment: Does candidate race moderate the attractiveness bias in White women?

AbstractThe attractiveness bias suggests that people who are more attractive will be positively favored across life outcomes. This study sought to test whether candidate attractiveness, sex, and race, affect perceptions of candidate strength in a job recruitment task. In total, 338 White women (Mage = 20.94 ± 5.65) were asked to make judgements of a potential candidate for an administrative job (resume with candidate photograph). The vignettes differed in terms of candidate ability (strong/weak), sex (male/female), race (Black/White), and attractiveness (attractive/less attractive). Participants rated perceived candidate strength and likelihood to invite for interview. Results showed no significant main effects for attractiveness. However, there was a significant interaction for target attractiveness and race, such that attractive/White candidates were more likely to be invited for interview than less attractive/White candidates. There was also a significant main effect for race such that Black candidates were rated as stronger and more likely to be interviewed. Sensitivity analyses (with nonheterosexual women removed from the sample) also showed a main effect for target sex such that female candidates were favored over male candidates. Overall, these findings provide evidence that attractiveness, sex, and race have important, albeit complex, effects on hiring decisions in the workplace.

Distinct groups of firearm owners with differential risk for suicide in the United States: A latent class analysis

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality and firearm suicide accounts for the majority of fatalities. Firearm owners are a diverse population and firearm-specific suicide prevention programs should be tailored to distinct at-risk firearm-owning groups. This study set out to identify groups of firearm owners with differential suicide risk having unique characteristics that could be used to customize suicide prevention efforts. We conducted a nationally-representative survey of 2646 firearm owners to assess individual suicide risk, suicide risk factors, and demographic characteristics. A Latent Class Analysis identified unique segments of firearm owners at increased risk of suicide with similar underlying suicide risk factors and demographic characteristics. We found almost one in ten (9.6%) of firearm owners were at increased risk of suicide with 25% reporting suicide ideation, 6.6% reporting suicide planning, and 1.8% reporting previous suicide attempts. We identified three unique groups of firearm owners with higher than average suicide risk. Relative to other groups of firearm owners, one at-risk group were more affluent with a history of adverse experiences and mental health challenges, a second group had more male veterans with high levels of alcohol consumption, and third group had more non-heterosexual women who experienced trauma. We conclude that there are three unique groups of firearm owners with higher than average suicide risk with very different characteristics. In addition to broad suicide prevention efforts, customized firearm suicide prevention programs should be developed individually for these different firearm-owning populations, taking into consideration the unique suicide risk factors and demographics of each group.

Understanding Differences in Problematic Pornography Use: Considerations for Gender and Sexual Orientation

While preliminary research suggests non-heterosexual men and women view more pornography than their heterosexual counterparts, few studies have examined how problematic use differs across sexual and gender identity groups. We sought to test measurement invariance across popular measures of problematic pornography use (PPU) and examine mean PPU differences across heterosexual men, non-heterosexual men, heterosexual women, and non-heterosexual women. We used 3 large archival datasets to examine psychometrics/group differences on the Brief Pornography Screen (BPS; N=1,439), Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS; N=5,859), and Cyber Pornography Use Inventory-4 (CPUI-4; N=893). Most PPU scales/subscales demonstrated acceptable fit, and non-heterosexual men and women tended to report more PPU than heterosexual men and women (though exceptions were evident). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed good fit across each group and instrument, with exception to sexual minority women on the CPUI-4. Each instrument demonstrated at least metric invariance between groups, with exception to one item between heterosexual and sexual minority men on the CPUI-4. Mean differences suggested that sexual minority men and women tend to report more PPU than heterosexual men and women, though several exceptions were evident depending on the PPU dimension. Men tended to report more PPU than women, though exceptions were also evident. Effect sizes ranged from large-to-non-significant depending on PPU dimension. Researchers and clinicians should consider sexual orientation, gender, and PPU dimension when addressing PPU concerns. A primary strength of this study is the use of multiple large samples, meaning our results are likely highly generalizable. However, this study is limited in that it only examined sexual orientation groups broadly and did not account for non-cisgender identities. The BPS, PPUS, and CPUI-4 are all appropriate tools to measure PPU depending on researcher and clinician needs. Borgogna NC, Griffin KR, Grubbs JB, and Kraus SW. Understanding Differences in Problematic Pornography Use: Considerations for Gender and Sexual Orientation. J Sex Med 2022;19:1290-1302.

Gender, sexuality and home: young non-heterosexual women and their experiences in domestic space rooms in a medium-sized city in Catalonia

Feminist critique has challenged the traditional conception of the home by emphasizing it as a politicized space, such that its meanings and how it is experienced are linked to complex social processes and relations. A focus on the home thus enables us to understand some important social practices and politics. Home, and in particular specific areas within it, have however not received as much academic attention as they merit. Here we examine how ten young Catalan women with dissident sexualities experience different rooms of their family home, with the aim of analysing how they manage their gender and sexual orientation. We thus contribute to the development of geographies of home by focusing on both the restrictions and the resistances that configure and contest the gendered processes of heteronormalization and adultification of the home space, shedding light on the material and symbolic dimensions of home, as well as on its relations with public space, power and identity.

Discrimination experiences, resilience, and cardiovascular disease risk factors among sexual minority women.

Resilience, or the process of adapting to adversity, may protect against the harmful effects of minority-related stressors on the cardiovascular health of sexual minority women (SMW). An online survey was conducted in a sample of cisgender, non-heterosexual women to evaluate resilience as a moderator of the association between discrimination experiences and key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors: stress, tobacco-smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, poor diet quality, physical inactivity, and sedentary behaviors. Overall, 191 women (mean age = 29.34, SD = 6.92; 84.5% White) completed the survey and met eligibility to be included in the data analysis. White race (b = - 6.71, SE = 2.49) and education (b = - 3.36, SE = 0.56) were each independently associated with fewer discrimination experiences. Latinx ethnicity was associated with more discrimination experiences (b = 9.34, SE = 2.61). Education was associated with greater resilience (b = 4.57, SE = 0.83). Multivariable regression models were adjusted for race, ethnicity, and education. Discrimination was associated with a higher likelihood of smoking in the past month (b = 0.04, SE = 0.02) and drinking at hazardous levels (b = 0.09, SE = 0.02). Resilience was associated with less stress (b = - 0.15, SE = 0.02), a lower likelihood of hazardous alcohol consumption (b = - 0.02, SE = 0.01) and less time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors (b = - 0.02, SE = 0.01). One moderation emerged, such that discrimination was negatively associated with stress for those low in resilience (b = - 1.75, SE = 0.58), and not associated with stress for those high in resilience. These findings may inform the development of CVD-risk reduction interventions for SMW, which could include both strategies to mitigate the effects of discrimination on substance use and coping skills to promote resilience.

Discordance between perceived risk and actual risky sexual behaviors among undergraduate university students in mainland China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services might be hampered by inaccurate risk assessment. This study aimed to investigate the extent of and factors associated with the discordance between perceived risk and actual risky sexual behaviors among undergraduates in mainland China, guided by the Anderson's behavioral model.MethodsThis study involved a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected during the fall semester of 2018–2019 academic year. The present analysis was restricted to 8808 undergraduates with low risk perception. Those who had low perceived risk but actually engaged in risky sexual behaviors were categorized as risk discordance (RD). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with RD.ResultsOverall, the discordance rate between perceived and actual risk was 8.5% (95% CI: 7.9%-9.1%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that non-heterosexual women (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI:0.27–0.60), heterosexual men (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI:0.33–0.61) and women (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI:0.19–0.35) were less likely to exhibit RD, when compared with non- heterosexual men. Furthermore, non-freshmen (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI:1.30–1.90), early initiators of sexual intercourse (AOR = 5.82, 95% CI:4.10–8.26), and those who had lower levels of HIV knowledge (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.08–1.51), displayed higher levels of stigma against PLHIV (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.26–1.77) and had ever been tested for HIV (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.04–1.77) were more prone to reporting RD. Those with more enabling resources [i.e., displaying high levels of condom use self-efficacy (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI:0.59–0.84) and being knowledge of local testing center (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI:0.60–0.83)] were less likely to report RD. However, spending more than 2000 Yuan a month on basic needs (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI:2.07–3.14), residing in urban areas (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.15–1.59) and being knowledgeable of the national AIDS policy (AOR = 1.40,95% CI:1.18–1.66) increased the chance of exhibiting RD.ConclusionsComprehensive interventions, including targeting students with high-risk characteristics, improving the acceptability of PrEP and PEP, conducting health education, enhancing self-efficacy for using condoms and making opt-out HIV testing routine in college campus, should be taken to reduce the discordance between perceived and actual HIV risk and finally to reach the goal of Zero AIDS.

Inequities in the utilization of HIV counseling and testing services among undergraduates in mainland China

BackgroundHIV counseling and testing (HCT) is provided free of charge on college campuses, but very few studies have examined whether HCT uptake is equitably distributed. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the relative importance of various determinants of HCT uptake among undergraduates in mainland China so as to assess and subsequently to suggest ways to eliminate inequities in its use, guided by the Andersen’s behavioral model.MethodsA total of 10,665 eligible undergraduates were conveniently selected to complete an online survey. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with HCT utilization.ResultsOnly 7.7% of undergraduates had utilized HCT services. HCT uptake was inequitably distributed, since it was mainly determined by predisposing and enabling factors rather than by need factors. Further analysis indicated that HCT uptake was significantly related to two need factors, one enabling factor and six predisposing factors. Those with a higher need [i.e., perceiving themselves to be at higher risk of acquiring HIV infection (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI:2.02–3.78) and engaging in condomless sex (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.00–1.67)] and those with more resources [i.e., being knowledgeable of local AIDS service organization (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI:1.37–1.85)] were more likely to utilize HCT services. Compared to non-heterosexual men, non-heterosexual women (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI:0.37–0.72), heterosexual men (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI:0.33–0.57) and women (AOR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.24–0.41) were less likely to utilize HCT service. Furthermore, those with more knowledge (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI:0.69–0.94) and taking a positive attitude towards HCT services [i.e, expressing their willingness to utilize HCT services (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI:0.56–0.81) and having recognized the necessity to provide HTC services in the local university (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI:0.36–0.57)] were less likely to utilize HCT services. However, medical students (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.15–1.56) and non-freshmen (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03–1.45) were more likely to utilize HCT services.ConclusionsTo increase HCT uptake and simultaneously reduce the remaining inequities, a comprehensive intervention should be continued to target non-heterosexual men and non- freshmen and those with a higher need for HCT services, conduct health education, improve the availability and accessibility of HIV testing services.

Fan Reflections on Sexuality in Women's Football in the United Kingdom

This article presents the responses of 1,432 male association football fans, collected via an online survey from March 2020 to April 2020, regarding their views on sexuality in women's football in the United Kingdom. The analysis focuses on two broad themes that emerged from the data: (1) the association of women footballers with masculinity and how they subsequently transgress the traditional characteristics of femininity; and (2) a reduced stigma surrounding sexuality in women's football given its lower profile in terms of coverage and the smaller number of fans in comparison to men's football. The article concludes by outlining how there is less homonegativity concerning sexuality in women's football in the United Kingdom, primarily because the heteromasculine position of male fans is not challenged, but fans also reaffirm the stereotypes and myths of nonheterosexual women playing a sport like football.

Nonvoluntary or Forced Sex Among Women, by Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Behavior — National Survey of Family Growth, United States, 2011–2017

Nonheterosexual (sexual minority) women report experiencing more sexual violence than heterosexual (sexual majority) women (1,2). Sexual minority women are often categorized as a collective whole, which fails to capture the nuances in sexual violence among subgroups of sexual minority women, such as bisexual and lesbian women (3). To estimate the prevalence of lifetime forced vaginal intercourse (forced sex) and of nonvoluntary first vaginal intercourse among women aged 18-44 years in the United States, CDC analyzed data from female respondents who were interviewed during 2011-2017 for the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG); respondents were stratified by self-reported sexual identity, attraction, and behavior. Log-binomial regressions and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to compare experiences across each dimension of sexual orientation, controlling for demographic characteristics. Compared with sexual majority women,* prevalence of any male-perpetrated nonvoluntary first vaginal intercourse or forced sex (nonvoluntary or forced sex) was higher among women who identified as bisexual (36.1% versus 17.5%), reported attraction to the opposite and same sex (30.3% versus 15.8%), and reported sexual behavior with the opposite and same sex (35.7% versus 15.9%). These sexual minority women reported that their earliest experience of nonvoluntary or forced sex occurred at younger ages than did that of sexual majority women. Among women who were unsure of their sexual attraction, the prevalence of nonvoluntary first vaginal intercourse was also higher than among sexual majority women. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive prevention approaches tailored for sexual minority women and prevention of child sexual abuse, given the average ages at earliest nonvoluntary or forced sex experience among sexual minority women (range = 12.5-16.3 years). Additional research is needed into the circumstances of and norms or attitudes that influence perpetration of nonvoluntary or forced sex and broader sexual violence against sexual minority women. Prevention of nonvoluntary or forced sex victimization among sexual minority women will require comprehensive approaches to prevent sexual violence and child sexual abuse. Engaging sexual minority women in the development of sexual violence prevention efforts and research would help ensure that the experiences of sexual minority women across the spectrum are represented.

Early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility preferences in the United States: an exploratory study

ObjectiveTo explore early disparate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility preferencesDesignCross-sectional studySettingOnline survey questionnairePatient(s)A total of 440 female participants who were trying to conceive (TTC) in the past year or currently are TTC.Intervention(s)No interventions administered.Main Outcome Measure(s)Change in fertility preferenceResult(s)Approximately 1 in 3 participants reported changing their fertility preferences because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those that reported changing their fertility preferences, 23.9% reported TTC earlier and 61.6% reported TTC later. Preliminary findings show the odds of changing fertility preferences in black or African American women were 5.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50–19.90) times that of white women and in nonheterosexual women were 2.76 (95% CI, 1.41–5.42) times that of heterosexual women. Furthermore, every 1 unit increase in state anxiety and depressive symptoms was associated with a 26% (95% CI, 3%–54%) or 17% (95% CI, 5%–31%) increase in odds of pushing back TTC, respectively.Conclusion(s)This exploratory study highlights how the fertility preferences of racial and ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, and those experiencing mental health issues may be disparately influenced by the pandemic. Research is needed to examine further the disparate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility preferences.

Associations of Intimacy, Partner Responsiveness, and Attachment-Related Emotional Needs With Sexual Desire.

In this online cross-sectional survey study in a large community sample we investigated the associations between attachment-related relational needs, partner responsiveness, intimacy, and sexual desire, using structural equation modeling. Participants were heterosexual and non-heterosexual women and men. Intimacy and partner responsiveness correlated positively with sexual desire in all subsamples. Anxious attachment-related relational needs correlated positively with sexual desire. Avoidant attachment-related relational needs correlated negatively with sexual desire. Anxious and avoidant attachment-related needs, however, did not moderate the association between intimacy and sexual desire. Individuals with problems of low sexual desire may benefit from an emphasis in sex therapy on ways to increase (perceptions of) intimacy.

My body. My politics. An exploration of body image and health in Barbadian sexual minority women

There is a dearth of research on how pervasive Western stereotypes of the ideal body affect non-heterosexual women, and this body of research shrinks even further when considering sexual minority women in the Caribbean. This study aimed to uncover how negotiations between identity, desire, and body politics are being navigated and experienced by sexual minority women in Barbados, along with examining concerns about body image, the impact of societal expectations, and the consequences of these expectations on physical and mental health. Using a qualitative methodology that employed a semi-structured guide, thirteen women were interviewed over the course of a year. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes that centered around the interconnectivity of desire and presentation as it related to body image; distancing from Western influences and grappling with local body ideals; and the ways in which layered events and identities have resulted in complicated relationships with food. A selection of identified community needs is also offered in conclusion.

Disabled Women, Care Regimes, and Institutionalised Homophobia: a Case Study From Poland

IntroductionThe intersection of non-heterosexuality, gender and disability became a prolific field of research among both queer, crip and disability studies scholars, though focusing mainly on Western regions. The article discusses how women narrate their everyday intimate and care-related experiences situated in ableist and heteronormative regimes of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The aim of this article is to scrutinise the care regimes as experienced, navigated and reported by non-heterosexual women with disabilities in Poland, a country characterized by institutionalisation, lack of individualised disability support, and state homophobia.MethodsThe study is based on qualitative methods, namely semi-structured, in-depth interviews. We conducted interviews with 11 non-heterosexual disabled women living in Poland. The sampling was based on three criteria: gender, self-identification as a disabled person, and experience with being in a same-sex relationship (8 out of 11 participants were in a homosexual relationship during the time of the interview). All eleven participants identified as non-heterosexual women (most as lesbians, one as bisexual and one as pansexual) and had a congenital physical disability (including cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy). None of the interviewees had an intellectual disability.ResultsBy tackling care regimes, our analysis explores women’s experiences in the context of discursive confusions resulting from being at the intersection of often-contradictory local narrations on gender, disability, and sexuality. We identified three intertwined processes to understand and explore how care regimes work in Poland: (1) the separateness between queer and disabled policies and discourses, (2) the co-opting/obscuring of homosexual relations between women by category of care, (3) familiarisation of care and its consequences for non-heterosexuality.Policy ImplicationWe suggest that social support systems must better address the needs of non-heterosexual women with disabilities which are profoundly impacted by structural, political and cultural constraints and possibilities.

Psychosocial and Behavioral Aspects of Women’s Sexual Pleasure: A Scoping Review

Objectives To clarify the psychosocial and behavioral factors related to women’s sexual pleasure. Methods A search was conducted on EBSCO and Web of Science databases using the key terms “female sexual pleasure” and “women sexual pleasure” and following PRISMA guidelines. Results 76 articles were identified, referring to sexual practices, individual factors, interpersonal factors, societal factors, and ways of enhancing sexual pleasure. Conclusions Age, sexual experience, arousability, body-esteem, sexual autonomy, and sexual assertiveness seem to benefit women’s sexual pleasure, while sexual compliance and a gender power imbalance seem to compromise it. Additional research regarding non-western and non-heterosexual women is still required.

Personality traits and sociosexual orientation are related to sexual inhibition and sexual excitation scales: Evidence from the Czech Republic

Numerous studies show that personality traits are linked to various aspects of sexuality and sexual health. A limited number of studies investigated associations between the Big Five personality traits and individual propensity to sexual excitation and inhibition, i.e. factors explaining individual variability in sexual responsiveness. We used Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) and NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to test these associations in a large Czech sample (N = 951), while focusing on sex and sexual orientation of participants. We confirmed that the SIS/SES is connected to several personality traits, with several specific associations related to sex and sexual orientation. SES positively correlates with Openness in heterosexual men and women and with Extraversion in heterosexual and non-heterosexual women but not in men. SIS scales negatively correlated with Extraversion and positively with Neuroticism across all groups except non-heterosexual men. In heterosexual women, SIS 1 was associated with Conscientiousness. A surprising finding is lack of associations between personality factors and SIS/SES in the group of non-heterosexual men.

Concordance of Paraphilic Interests and Behaviors

ABSTRACT We examined the concordance of paraphilic interests and behaviors across 13 themes in an online sample of 1,036 men and women. Paraphilic interests were significantly and positively correlated with behaviors across all 13 themes. Associations were strongest for masochism and sadism, and weakest for pedohebephilia and frotteurism. Paraphilic interest and behavior were significantly and positively correlated after accounting for gender and sexual orientation. Moderated moderation analysis was significant for five themes. Gender was a moderator for eroticized gender, but only among heterosexual participants, where concordance was higher for heterosexual men than for heterosexual women. For both exhibitionism and frotteurism, gender was a significant moderator, but only for nonheterosexual participants, where concordance was stronger for nonheterosexual men than for nonheterosexual women. For pedohebephilia, interest was significantly associated with behavior for heterosexual men, heterosexual women, and nonheterosexual men, but not for nonheterosexual women. For zoophilia, there was a significant association between interest and behavior for heterosexual men, nonheterosexual men, and nonheterosexual women, but not heterosexual women. Additional analyses found sex drive moderated the positive associations of 7 of 13 paraphilic themes, with 5 of these 7 showing the expected effect of higher concordance of interests and behaviors at higher levels of sex drive.

Online sexual activities in Hispanic women: A chance for non-heterosexual women

Sexuality is still modulated by social determinants that promote a passive role for women. In the recent decades, some findings have supported the influence of the Internet on sexuality. However, the relevance of online sexual activities for some groups such as Hispanic young women is still unknown. In this context, this study examines online sexual experience among 310 Hispanic women from Argentina, Mexico and Spain; as well as the role of their offline sexuality and country in this sexual pattern. As a result, Hispanic women report a variety of online sexual activities that ranges from searching information to masturbation. In particular, the Internet use for sexual purposes is more common for homosexual and bisexual women. Therefore, the Internet may be a new context to explore sexuality for Hispanic women, particularly for those who self-identified as lesbians and bisexuals. Keywords: Online sexual activities; Hispanic culture; young people; women; sexual orientation.Actividades sexuales online en mujeres hispanas: ¿una oportunidad para mujeres no heterosexuales?Resumen: La sexualidad todavía está modulada por determinantes sociales que favorecen un rol pasivo entre las mujeres. Desde hace algunas décadas, algunos hallazgos han apoyado la influencia de internet en la sexualidad. Sin embargo, la importancia de las actividades sexuales online para algunos grupos como las mujeres jóvenes hispanas todavía es desconocida. En este contexto, este estudio examina la experiencia sexual online entre 310 mujeres hispanas de Argentina, México y España, así como el rol de la sexualidad offline y su procedencia en este patrón de conducta. Como resultado, las mujeres hispanas reportan variedad de conductas sexuales online que abarcan desde la búsqueda de información hasta la masturbación. En particular, el uso de internet con propósitos sexuales es más común entre las mujeres homosexuales y bisexuales. Así pues, internet podría suponer un nuevo contexto para explorar la sexualidad entre las mujeres hispanas, en particular, para aquellas que se identifican con la homosexualidad y la bisexualidad. Palabras clave: Actividades sexuales online; cultura hispana; juventud; mujeres; orientación sexual.