Gay Community Research Articles

Mapping lesbians’ everyday community-making in a small city: (In)visibility, belonging and safety

This paper presents findings from a project exploring how lesbians make community in the ‘ordinary city’ of Southampton on the South coast of England. In the context of trans-exclusionary debates and the supposed demise of lesbian spaces, we sought to discover how self-identified lesbian people in Southampton conceptualised the location and boundaries of their community. The study used collaborative participatory mapping techniques, which resulted in a diffuse and multi-layered understanding of lesbian community in the city. The paper focuses on three key themes: (1) crafting ‘safe’ spaces; (2) terminology: naming ‘lesbians’ and (3) finding and creating places of community. The paper concludes that finding a space to articulate an explicitly lesbian identity can be fraught, but is deeply valued, continually becoming, and carefully negotiated both between peers and within urban space. Collaborative mapping is shown as a valuable tool in delivering more inclusive participatory research that can help foster transformative and emancipatory research into LGBTQ communities and spaces.

Intersectional Microaggressions and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perception in Bisexual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), or heart diseases, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality nationwide. Separate bodies of research indicate that Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) demonstrate high risk for CVD and report greater levels of intersectional microaggressions compared with their Heterosexual White and BIPOC counterparts. Within LGB communities, Bisexual individuals report more discrimination that is associated with more CVD risk factors compared with their Heterosexual and Lesbian and Gay (LG) counterparts. Research has not examined differences in the rates of CVD risk factors between Bisexual and LG BIPOC or the associations between intersectional microaggressions and heart disease risk perception in LGB BIPOC, a relevant construct correlated with health behavior and objective risk. Participants (N= 264) self-identified as LGB BIPOC and filled out measures on their CVD risk factors, CVD risk perception, and experiences of intersectional microaggressions or intersectional minority stress. Results showed that Bisexual and LG BIPOC reported similar odds for CVD risk factors. Intersectional minority stress and CVD risk perception were positively associated with Bisexual participants only. Findings underscore the importance of extending beyond traditional biomedical frameworks of CVD risk and recognizing the unique contribution of intersectional microaggressions for LGB BIPOC, with strong associations of intersectional minority stress for Bisexual BIPOC heart health.

Cruising the Soundscapes of Kurdish Turkey

Abstract This article delves into the life, performances, and sung narratives of a young queer dengbêj (Kurdish bard) to explore how he constitutes and conveys his gendered and national identities within both the queer community and the broader Kurdish society. Grounded in an ethnographic study of Kurdish queer soundscapes, encompassing the production of, and engagement with, various musical genres and traditions, as well as innovative vocal and acoustic expressions, this article portrays queer dengbêji as deeply intimate explorations of alternative futurity that challenges the trenchant heteronormative and homo/nationalist present. As the Kurdish dengbêji culture finds itself at the center of various conflicting political projects, this article examines the molding of queerness and dengbêji, highlighting how queer Kurds find new ways of belonging, desire, and difference through the sonic expressions of sentiments, feelings, fantasies, and dis/attachments.

Opioid, cannabinoid, cocaine, and methamphetamine epidemics: History, risk factors associated with them, and characteristics of drug action

In the last century, mankind has made significant progress in the search and study of new pain-relieving drugs through the targeted synthesis of chemical analogs of natural opioids, cannabinoids, cocaine, and amphetamines. Experience with the medical use of new synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, and amphetamines has shown not only their high analgesic efficacy but also their high danger because of the risks of drug dependence and addiction, which have caused drug epidemics. The paper described the history of relevant drug epidemics, and the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the most dangerous drugs, as well as the risks associated with drug epidemics, were outlined. Specifically, the risk of drug dependence to opioids, cannabinoids, amphetamine, and cocaine was not recognized until too late. Therefore, the drug crisis was initially largely iatrogenic. In recent decades, controls on the prescription of narcotic drugs have tightened; thus, drug addiction as iatrogeny occurs less frequently. However, criminal elements of society have established clandestine production of drugs and their realization in the youth and LGBT community disguising as new, fashionable designer drugs and devices for their use. Moreover, new synthetic drugs differ from natural drugs in their stronger psychostimulant effects, ability to cause addiction after the first use, and high risk of fatal poisoning. Thus far, no drugs were the treatment of opioid, cannabinoid, amphetamine, and cocaine abuse. However, the development of specific vaccines for these drugs has begun in recent years. Active immunization of drug abusers with specially created vaccines is expected to assist doctors in treating drug abusers in the future.

Queer Stigma on Social Media: A Sentiment Analysis of YouTube Video Comments

This paper is based on a sentiment analysis conducted on comments of YouTube videos about the Supreme Court of India’s verdict of October 17, 2023 concerning the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The paper attempts to analyse the prevalence of anti-queer sentiments in online comments and understand them in context of the social stigma surrounding the queer community in India. First, the prevalence of anti-queer sentiments, pro-queer sentiments and neutral sentiments are quantified. Second, the different themes significant to a particular sentiment are identified. Finally, the relevance of anti-queer sentiments in propagation of messages stigmatising the queer community is discussed.

Queers and Right-wing Ideology: Case Study of Serbia

The systematic exclusion of trans people from society vividly demonstrates the oppression faced by marginalised groups. These patterns of discrimination are also seen in instances of hatred towards women or non-heterosexual individuals. Within the queer community, trans people are particularly vulnerable and are often the target of conservative and right-wing movements. It is crucial to acknowledge that the oppression of one group can have a domino effect on the entire LGBTIQ+ community. It is noteworthy that patterns of oppression cannot be observed in isolation, since neoliberal policies tend to fragment solidarity and our common struggles. Despite not being immediately apparent, the entire queer community suffers the consequences of the exclusion of trans people. Similarly, policies of segregation and exclusion based on sexual orientation and gender identity have broader consequences, which may also impact the rights and freedoms of heterosexual cisgender individuals. Right-wing policies and ideology tend to spread, and this can be seen in the example of Serbia, where institutional and non-institutional levels witness increased activity of right-wing groups.

Social Medias Effects on High School and Middle School Students Attitudes Toward the Homosexual Community

Social Medias Effects on High School and Middle School Students Attitudes Toward the Homosexual Community

Exploring Lesbian Identity: Attraction and Repulsion Factors among The Lesbian Community in Selangor, Malaysia

Exploring Lesbian Identity: Attraction and Repulsion Factors among The Lesbian Community in Selangor, Malaysia

Implementing LGBTQ Culturally Appropriate Affirmation Training in the Southern United States: An Evidence-Based Practice Project.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) community is diverse, and members have a shared need for culturally competent health care (CCH). Best practices show that culturally appropriate affirmation training (CAAT) bridges the sociocultural knowledge gap between patient and provider, resulting in increased access to CCH. The pre-/posttest project design used validated tools to measure group changes in knowledge, attitude, and skills before and after delivery of LGBTQ CAAT. The sample included staff interacting with or making decisions on behalf of patients (n = 11) at a nonprofit clinic in the southern United States. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed an increase in health care team scores for knowledge, attitude, and skills (knowledge, p = .006, r = -.59; attitude, p = .123, r = -.33; skills, p = .005, r = -.60). Qualitative analysis (thematic analysis) (a) showed that participants explored sensitive subjects in a nonjudgmental way; (b) connected the dots between minority stress, bias, and patient-provider trust; and (c) showed increased staff confidence in providing care to LGBTQ patients. As staff undergo LGBTQ CAAT, access to CCH will increase, health outcomes will improve, and LGBTQ health disparities will decrease. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(3):121-129.].

Literature as Worldly Action

Abstract This paper aims to demonstrate how the various declinations of public and private dissent represented in a contemporary work of African literature, The Death of Vivek Oji (2020) by Akwaeke Emezi, can be read as an instance of literature’s world-making capacity. As the novel’s title anticipates, The Death of Vivek Oji reconstructs the life of its eponymous protagonist and the events that led to their death (Vivek is a non-binary, transgender person and both male and female pronouns are used to refer to them). Emezi’s novel is set in Nigeria during the late 1990s and the narrative actively engages in a representation of the socio-political situation of the country back then, covering the impact that the sudden death of the head of state, Sani Abacha, had on the population. Throughout the novel, dissent is depicted on two levels: on the one hand, it appears as an expression of democratic desire through the public protests against the country’s politics, as well as acts of violence against and among ethno-religious groups; on the other hand, there is also a parallel representation of private dissent in terms of the affirmation of one’s own identity. Vivek’s decision to not cut their long hair becomes, therefore, a form of personal opposition against society’s pre-imposed gendered constructs. In this sense, if the social stigma attached to members of the LGBT community is personified by the incapacity of Vivek’s parents to accept and understand their non-binary child, Vivek’s friends represent a communal act of resistance against such an oppressive social system. Ultimately, the opposition between public and private dissent finds its climax in Vivek’s death, in its causes and consequences. Building the critical analysis of the novel upon recent conceptualisations of literature as an active force that provokes dissent (Cheah 2016, Burns 2019), this paper demonstrates how Emezi’s narrative uses representations of public and private dissent to contest the current world in order to engage in the construction of a more equal one.

Exploring The Psychosocial Risk and Resilience among The Lesbian Community in Selangor, Malaysia

Exploring The Psychosocial Risk and Resilience among The Lesbian Community in Selangor, Malaysia

Exploring Health Care Access Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations in Orange County, California: A Pilot Cross-sectional Study.

There are approximately 90 000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Orange County, California. LGBT individuals have significant health disparities, particularly if they are from racial or ethnic minority groups and/or have a disability. There are structural and access barriers in the health care system that increase these health disparities. These individuals experience discriminatory situations when accessing health care and mental health services, which may affect their health-seeking behaviors. The purpose of this pilot quantitative cross-sectional study was to gather information about the current health care experiences and needs of this LGBT population including priority health issues, physical and mental health care utilization, and perceived adequacy of LGBT-friendly physical and mental health care providers. These findings will inform organizational strategies for nursing administrators and other health care leaders when tailoring, planning, and redesigning structures that meaningfully address the service needs of this at-risk group. Seventy-five participants were recruited from 2 organizations serving the LGBT community to complete an online survey. Findings include trouble finding an LGBT competent provider, delays or being unable to access care, and worried about losing insurance. Most participants needed to visit multiple different locations to receive care and preferred a 1-stop shop.

Mpox: "the stigma is as dangerous as the virus". Historical, social, ethical issues and future forthcoming.

The authors aim to show the possibility of stigma that hits affected Mpox patients because of the statements of society involving their sexual sphere. 23 July 2022, the Director-General of the WHO, Thedos Ghebreyesus, issued an international public health alert regarding cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox). Although Mpox has been present in an endemic form for years in some Central African countries, the spread of the disease outside Africa has aroused considerable alarm in populations already sorely afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the data, what is striking is that Mpox, like other infectious diseases, seems to have become a problem only when it began to cross the borders of Africa. Some may justify this attitude simply by ascribing it to the fear of an epidemic outside the areas where the virus is endemic. However, in such cases, and especially after the COVID-19 experience, other factors are also involved: lack of information and, even more so, the human capacity to utilise diseases to reinforce arguments against the tendencies, inclinations, orientations and behaviours of some social groups. Such information, albeit basically correct, is nevertheless incomplete. Moreover, it tends to prompt a view of this disease that may give rise to highly dangerous and embarrassing situations, engendering the risk of repeating the error that was made about AIDS. Mpox is the latest in a series of epidemics that have struck humanity in the space of very few years. Setting and partecipants: people and social groups who, due to sexual orientations and behaviours, are considered to be at risk of being infected with Mpox. Main outcomes measures: - outcomes directly related to mental health of Mpox patients: anxiety, fear and depression, emotional difficulties, feelings of loneliness and isolation; - well-being outcomes of people with Mpox; - risk of not being able to reduce the epidemic among those groups don't feel as though they belong to LGBTQ and therefore do not implement any kind of prevention. Limit the contagion from Mpox through specific health and communication campaigns. Remove any stigma related to Mpox disease. In the face of this disease, it is absolutely essential that we do not needlessly isolate groups of people by feeding stigma, prejudice and discrimination, which can have devastating effects not only on individuals but also on society as a whole. As the full inclusion of persons of LGBTQ community is probably still a long way off, we must surely wonder when we will be ready enough to achieve the important objective of equality for all.

Lesbianism: Deconstructing the Christian church and social hierarchies in South Africa

Christianity places a high value on one’s faith in Jesus Christ, and from this belief, one fosters a perception of LGBTQI people. The general patriarchal idea that the only true, biblical sexual orientation is heterosexuality is one of the elements contributing to the religious obstacle the LGBTQI face. Lesbian[1] spouses and their children are frequently subjected to animosity and rejection from members of the local community, where they choose to participate in religious activities. This is because lesbians and/or lesbian families depart from the so-called heterosexual norm. To analyse how the Christian church refers to homosexuality. I will use Michel Foucault’s philosophy on discourse and power as a theoretical underpinning to examine the preconceived concept of a fixed social hierarchy within the Christian church and society. The paper focuses on the biblical discourses that underlie lesbian identity. By highlighting how colonial impressions resulted in a homophobic reception of the bible, I argue for a positive reimagining between churches and the LGBTQI community and provide evidence that the Christian church and social hierarchies impact lesbian identity negatively through the implementation of the Biblical text and patriarchal ontology. [1] The term lesbian will be used to describe lesbian individuals with or without partners and children. Christianity’s emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ can shape perceptions of LGBTQI individuals. The notion that heterosexuality is the only biblically sanctioned sexual orientation, rooted in patriarchal ideals, presents a religiouschallenge for the LGBTQI1 community. Lesbian couples and their children often face hostility and exclusion from local religious communities, due to their departure from heterosexual norms. This article employs Michel Foucault’sdiscourse and power theory to examine how the Christian church and society maintain a fixed social hierarchy. Itfocuses on biblical discourses shaping lesbian identity and highlights how colonial influences have fuelled ahomophobic interpretation of the Bible. The argument advocates for a more positive relationship between churches and the LGBTQI community, asserting that the Christian church and social hierarchies negatively impact on lesbian identity through the use of biblical text and patriarchal views.

Understanding Law and Sustainability in Children’s Literature through the Lens of Queer Studies in Animations and Cartoons from America

Objective: Queer Studies as a literary space explores the lives of non-heterosexual individuals. It developed as a literal theory in the 1990s with Terresa De Lauretis from her work Queer Theory Lesbian and Gay Sexuality. As the study develops, it covers the varied history of social acceptance faced by homosexuality in many cultures through a wide range of theories and concepts. Children’s literature profoundly shapes individuals from a young age and alludes to whose stories matter in a social setting.
 
 Result: Understanding queer studies in children’s literature would provide an extensive picture of representation, equality, and perceptibility, highlighting their difficulties and struggles, coping strategies, and even validation for the queer community.
 
 Method: On the same note, the researcher is aware that discussing queerness among children is sensitive; therefore, the paper will traverse through certain conjectures, such as the history of queer studies, Queer Law, the history of queer studies in children’s literature through cartoons, the political problems of studying queer people, and queer delineation among children in contemporary society.
 
 Conclusion: Through these trajectories, the research aims to understand queer law and sustainable representation as part of human rights amongst queer children in America.

Discourse analysis on same-sex relationship through the lens of religious and social belief systems

Religious beliefs and systems have a profound impact on shaping individuals' attitudes towards same-sex relationships. There is a diverse range of perspectives within religious communities, with some individuals adhering to traditional teachings that condemn homosexuality, while others engage in a process of reinterpretation to support and accept same-sex relationships. This qualitative study aims to analyze the different perspectives about same-sex relationship from the lenses of religious and social belief systems. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants (n=16) who identify themselves as a member of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community (n=5) and religious people (n=11). Findings indicated the complexity of religious influence on social issues and emphasizes the role of individual engagement with faith in either hindering or facilitating acceptance to same-sex relationship. People who are inclined to their religious faith tend to condemn same-sex relationship. Notably, this study observed different interpretations of people about their religion and faith. While others believed it is against God’s will to engage in same-sex relationship, others interpret their belief in more holistic and inclusive way. Nevertheless, this study underscored the importance of understanding the evolving societal attitudes and the role of religion in fostering social discussion, tolerance, and inclusivity within diverse religious communities and society at large.

LGBTQ Rights in India: Analysing the Supreme Court's Verdict

This paper aims to critically examine the evolution of LGBTQ rights in India, with a focus on the landmark judgments delivered by the Supreme Court. The legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ issues has witnessed significant changes, culminating in the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relationships and the recognition of the rights of the LGBTQ community. This paper will explore the judicial journey, analyze the implications of the Supreme Court's verdicts, and assess the current status of LGBTQ rights in India.

PROBLEMATICS OF LGBT ACCORDING TO MAQASID AL-SYARIAH WITH HIFDZ NASHL

This research reviews LGBT issues which are increasingly being discussed because everything seems to be something normal. This is due to the increasing access to globalization, reaching 8,013 cases in Bogor district where LGBT marriages are taking place. Thus this study analyzes the problems related to LGBT marriage to hifdz nashl. This research also uses qualitative methods with literature review, is library research which is literature review research by collecting various sources from both primary and secondary sources and uses library research methodology in analyzing secondary legal materials in the form of reading, analyzing, and collecting data from library research The results of the research are related to Islamic views which include the Qur'an and hadith as well as the consensus of the scholars who say that marriage is an act that is unlawful because of the impact of the LGBT community. In this case, the problems of LGBT marriages can have a major impact on hifdz nashl, as well as discussing how marriage in Islam should be carried out by a man and a woman and perform consent qobul between the man and the marriage guardian with two witnesses. So, when a man marries a man or vice versa it will be equated with adultery which is unlawful.

Understanding Islamic-oriented non-governmental organisation and how they are contrasted with NGO in outdoing Malaysia LGBT phenomenon

The term non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has been well-known for the development of human rights, charity works and organisational developments. On the other hand, some NGOs also have their specialised roles to help the community such as in conflict resolution, cultural preservation, policy analysis and information provision. Apart from that, there are many categories of NGOs: Islamic-oriented non-governmental organisation (IONGOs), faith-based organisation (FBO), humanitarian NGOs (HNGOs) and government organised NGOs (GONGOs). However, in this research, the researchers focus on how IONGOs compare with NGOs in assisting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community based on four hijrah NGOs: Persatuan Islah Movement, Persatuan Insaf Pahang, Hijrah Republique Network and Usrah Iqrak. These four NGOs were chosen because of their roles in assisting the LGBT community. In this research, the researchers adapt the qualitative research by using a case study method; phenomenological approaches and a document analysis have also been applied as well. The result shows that these four IONGOs are different from the NGOs based on the seven typologies applied: intersection, distinct, substantive, subset, co-existing, atomistic grouping and constitutive. The implications of this article highlight the fact that IONGOs are different from the LGBT NGOs in Malaysia as they focus more on spirituality and an Islamic pathway. Hence, future research should include focus group interviews with all the members in NGOs that assist the LGBT hijrah in the community.Contribution: This study contributes to LGBT hijrah community and its relationship towards the establishment of Islamic-oriented non-governmental organisation (IONGOs).

An Analysis of the Campus Bullying Situation Faced by LGBT Groups and Possible Solutions

Lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often confront elevated levels of stress stemming from societal and familial pressures, as well as microaggressions, prejudices, and stereotypes. This study aims to comprehensively examine the phenomenon of bullying within LGBT communities on educational campuses. By investigating the underlying catalysts and repercussions of such bullying, this research seeks to propose viable solutions and intervention strategies, thereby contributing invaluable insights to society. The experiences of LGBT groups are intricately woven with a multitude of factors, including preconceived notions, cultural norms, and systemic discrimination. This research delves into the pervasive issue of bullying targeting LGBT students within academic institutions, dissecting its various ramifications. Through a meticulous review of existing research and methodical comparative analysis, the study elucidates the current landscape of interventions and their outcomes. The study reveals that instances of bullying against LGBT students are prevalent in educational settings, driven by factors such as cultural biases, inadequacies in educational frameworks, societal perceptions, and media influence. To address these challenges, this article presents a series of recommendations. These include bolstering diversity education, establishing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, and fostering social inclusivity to cultivate an environment of safety and esteem for LGBT individuals within campus premises. Future endeavours should be directed towards a deeper exploration of strategies and approaches to effectively tackle these concerns, ensuring the well-being and dignity of LGBT individuals in academic settings. Evaluating initiatives promoting diversity education, anti-bullying legislation, and social integration is imperative to gauge their efficacy.