Self-identified Sexual Minority Research Articles

The association between discrimination and drinking among sexual minorities: A daily diary study

BackgroundAmong sexual minorities (SMs), experiencing discrimination has been associated with greater substance use at the day-level. However, variations in sample characteristics and measures of day-level discrimination limit the generalizability of findings. Furthermore, it is unknown how positive experiences due to minority identity (“Minority Strengths”) may impact the association between experiencing discrimination and same day drinking. MethodsThe present study extends prior research on discrimination and drinking using detailed discrimination measures, Minority Strengths measures, and a gender diverse sample. Participants (N = 61) were majority White (n = 45, 73.8 %) adult (mean age 26.8 years) self-identified SMs (e.g., 44.3 % identified as “gay”) who engaged in alcohol use within the past month. Participants completed up to 31 days of daily diary surveys about their experiences and drinking. Recruitment took place in the northeastern U.S. from May to December 2021. ResultsMultilevel model analysis indicated that experiencing discrimination was associated with increased same day drinking among Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) participants but not among White participants. A significant gender by discrimination interaction indicated that cisgender men drank more the same day they experienced discrimination compared to cisgender women and transgender/non-binary participants. Minority Strengths had no impact on these relationships. ConclusionsResults highlight that the experience of discrimination and its association with drinking may be influenced by a host of contextual factors that are attached to racial and gender identities. Future research should examine how discrimination in different contexts (e.g., regions) and based on specific identities may be associated with alcohol use.

Nonsuicidal self-injury in sexual minorities in Korea: the mediating role of intrapersonal functions and depression

A growing body of literature indicates that individuals belonging to sexual minority groups are at an increased risk of severe nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors. This study aimed to examine the potential factors mediating sexual minority status and more severe NSSI behaviors. A total of 296 self-identified sexual minorities and 206 heterosexuals who reported engaging in at least five-lifetime NSSI episodes were recruited online. The participants completed an online survey that included demographics, measures of depressive symptoms, and the frequency and functions of NSSI behaviors. Serial mediation analyses indicated that the association between sexual minority status and more frequent NSSI behaviors was mediated by depressive symptoms and intrapersonal functions of NSSI. Further analyses revealed that NSSI functions may vary by minority status, with individuals reporting a sexual minority status showing more frequent endorsements of intrapersonal functions. This study’s findings contribute to the literature by elucidating the complex role of clinical factors that mediate the relationship between sexual minority status and increased risk of engaging in more frequent NSSI behaviors. Our findings underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive perspective on NSSI behaviors, including the characteristics of NSSI functions and current clinical symptoms, as well as disadvantaged backgrounds, such as minority status.

Contact with and Perceptions of Campus Police Among College Students at a Small-Town University

Although research has documented an association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and contact with local police, it remains unclear whether such relationships exist among college students who experience contact with university police. It is also unknown how such factors relate to students’ perceptions of campus police. Given the contentious nature of law enforcement in the U.S. and the racialized climate in higher education, it is imperative to understand how college students’ interactions with and perceptions of campus police fall in relation to the broader narrative of policing. Analyzing data from a current sample of approximately 400 undergraduate students enrolled at a small, public university in the Northeast United States, this study examines the sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of students’ contact with and perceptions of university police. Results suggest there are minimal differences between students with and without a history of police-initiated contact in terms of sociodemographic background. Nevertheless, despite this distribution of contact with campus police, self-identified sexual minorities, racial and ethnic minorities, as well as politically liberal students were among those to possess more negative views of campus police. We discuss these findings as a potential by-product of the broader rhetoric surrounding police-community relationships and racism in higher education.

Disparities in Depression and Anxiety That Impact Self-Identified Sexual Minority People Affect a Broader Group of Same-Gender Attracted Young Adults

PurposePrior work suggests sexual minority (e.g., gay, bisexual) young adults are at greater risk for depression and anxiety. However, the majority of said work focuses exclusively on self-reported sexual minority identity and neglects same-gender attraction. The current study aimed to characterize links between identity- and attraction-based indicators of sexual minority status and depression and anxiety in young adults, and to examine the ongoing significance of caregiver support in mental health during this key developmental period. Methods386 youth (mean age = 19.92 years; SD = 1.39) reported their sexual orientation identity and experiences of attraction toward men and/or women. Participants also reported on anxiety, depression, and caregiver social support. ResultsWhile less than 16% of participants identified as sexual minority individuals, nearly half reported same-gender attraction. Self-identified sexual minority participants reported significantly higher depression and anxiety than self-identified heterosexual participants. Similarly, same-gender attracted individuals exhibited heightened depression and anxiety compared to exclusively different-gender attracted individuals. Greater caregiver social support predicted lower depression and anxiety. DiscussionThe present findings suggest that not only are self-identified sexual minority individuals at heightened risk for depression and anxiety symptoms, but also that this risk extends to a larger group of young people who experience same-gender attraction. These results demonstrate that better mental health supports may be needed for youth who identify as sexual minority individuals or report same-gender attraction. That higher caregiver social support was associated with lower mental illness risk suggests caregivers may be key to mental health promotion during young adulthood.

Prevalence and Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Among Youth With Foster Care Histories.

A small but growing body of research suggests that adolescents and young adults involved with the child welfare system and those transitioning out of foster care are at heightened risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Understanding the factors that place youth at risk of IPV is central to prevention and treatment of this public health problem. However, questions remain about the prevalence and correlates of IPV among youth in foster care. Additionally, emotional abuse, a particular form of IPV in intimate partnerships, remains an understudied area in this population. This study aimed to address these gaps in research by exploring factors associated with IPV using longitudinal data from a representative sample of older youth in California Foster Care who participated in the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (CalYOUTH). Our IPV outcome measures included victimization, perpetration, bidirectional IPV, and emotional abuse. Findings suggest that approximately one-fifth (20.4%) of CalYOUTH respondents had experienced some form of IPV at age 23, with emotional abuse and bidirectional violence being the most commonly reported types of IPV. Females reported emotional abuse, as well as bidirectional violence, at nearly double the rates of their male counterparts. Self-identified sexual minority youth (SMY; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning) were more likely to report IPV victimization, IPV perpetration, and bidirectional violence than their non-SMY peers. Youth with histories of emotional abuse, caregiver IPV victimization, sexual abuse in foster care, placement instability, substance use, anxiety, and incarceration were also at heightened risk of IPV involvement. Emotional abuse was most prevalent with SMY. The findings contribute to the growing research on IPV among transition-age foster youth with important implications for future research, practice, and policy.

Examining pandemic stress and mental health among a community-based sample of sexual minority women in Los Angeles County

ABSTRACT In partnership with community stakeholders, the present study aimed to gather descriptive data on pandemic-related stress and its association with mental health outcomes among a community sample of self-identified sexual minority women (SMW) in Los Angeles County (N = 84; Mage = 35.61). The sample was comprised solely of women (i.e. self-identified gender identity as woman, including cisgender and transgender women). Data were collected in April 2021, the ‘third wave’ of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Los Angeles experienced some of the highest COVID-19 incidence rates in the United States. Yet, there was a significant lack of COVID-19 data on SMW, thus making it difficult to address the specific needs of this community. Background data were collected on pre-existing health conditions and COVID-19 infection history. Data were specific to COVID-19 stressors in the areas of mental health, financial strain, social isolation and health and discrimination concerns. Findings revealed that mental health concern was strongly associated with financial strain (r = .63, p < .01), social isolation (r = .62, p < .01) and health and discrimination concerns (r = .63, p < .01), thus demonstrating the wide-ranging negative impact of pandemic stressors on the mental health of SMW in Los Angeles during the third wave of COVID-19. Recommendations for future research, practice and policy implications are discussed.

Is socioeconomic status related to youth e-cigarette use? Examining family affluence and sexual identity

There is limited evidence about the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and youth electronic cigarette use, particularly among sexual minorities. This study investigates whether family affluence is significantly associated with e-cigarette use among youth, including sexual minority youth. Data came from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N = 10,515). The prevalence of e-cigarette use for all participants and sexual minority youth (N = 1376) by SES was calculated and ranked according to the Family Affluence Scale. A propensity score weighting method was used to address the imbalance in characteristics among SES groups. The associations of SES with current e-cigarette use and current flavored e-cigarette use were estimated using univariate survey logistic regression for all participants and self-identified sexual minority students. The prevalence of e-cigarette use was similar among socioeconomic groups for all participants and sexual minorities. The propensity score weighting analysis showed no significant association between SES and current e-cigarette use for all participants and sexual minority students. Equally, there was no significant association between SES and current flavored e-cigarette use. Findings suggest that other protective and risk factors might explain youth e-cigarette use more than SES (family affluence scale).

Internalized heterosexism and psychological distress: A relationship mediated by self-compassion

This study examined the relationship between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress in a sample of 255 self-identified sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer) adults aged 18–68 years. Utilizing an online survey, self-compassion was examined as a mediator of the relationship between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depression). Findings revealed that self-compassion (SC) was inversely related to internalized heterosexism (IH) and the psychological distress variables (i.e., anxiety and depression). Further, SC fully mediated the relationship between IH and anxiety such that greater IH predicted less SC, which in turn predicted greater anxiety. Clinical implications for the role of SC in the positive mental health outcomes of sexual minorities are discussed.

Sexual orientation measurement and chronic disease disparities: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2014

PurposeTo examine chronic disease disparities by sexual orientation measurement among sexual minorities. MethodsWe pooled data from the 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine differences in chronic disease prevalence between heterosexual and sexual minority people as defined by sexual identity, lifetime sexual behavior, 12-month sexual behavior, and concordance of lifetime sexual behavior and sexual identity. ResultsSelf-identified lesbian women reported greater odds of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.19; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.37–7.47) and chronic bronchitis (aOR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.21–5.72) than self-identified heterosexual women. Self-identified sexual minority women with a history of same-sex sexual behavior reported greater odds of arthritis (aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.02–2.74). Compared with heterosexual men, gay men reported greater odds of chronic bronchitis when sexual orientation was defined by sexual identity (aOR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.90–11.56) or 12-month sexual behavior (aOR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.27–8.20), as did bisexual men defined by lifetime sexual behavior (aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.14–4.89). Bisexual men reported greater odds of asthma when measured by lifetime sexual behavior (aOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12–3.19), as did self-identified heterosexual men with a history of same-sex sexual behavior (aOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.10–4.46). ConclusionsHow we define sexual orientation influences our understanding of chronic disease prevalence. Capturing subgroups of sexual minority people in health surveillance is essential for identifying groups most at risk and developing targeted interventions to reduce chronic disease disparities.

Discrete Effects of Religiosity and Spirituality on Gay Identity and Self-Esteem

ABSTRACTPrevious research has indicated that although spirituality may bolster development of a positive gay identity, religiosity may prove detrimental. Because the majority of this research confounds these constructs, there is little evidence as to the discrete roles religiosity and spirituality may play in LGB identity development. The present study endeavored to tease apart the unique effects of religion and spirituality on positive and negative gay identity and self-esteem. A sample of 376 self-identified sexual minority adults were given measures of religiosity, spirituality, LGB identity, and self-esteem. Models were built to evaluate the effects of religiosity (independent of spirituality) and spirituality (independent of religiosity), understanding that the constructs are greatly overlapped, on identity and self-esteem. Results included a positive association between spirituality and identity affirmation, identity superiority, and self-esteem. Religiosity was negatively associated with identity affirmation and self-esteem and positively associated with internalized homonegativity and heteronormativity. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Relationship between disordered eating and self-identified sexual minority youth in a sample of public high school adolescents.

To investigate the relationship between selected disordered eating behaviors and self-reported sexual minority status (gay/lesbian, bisexual, and unsure) among a representative sample of high school adolescents. The 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored Connecticut Youth Risk Behavior Survey was utilized (N=2242). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses, separated by gender, examined sexual minority adolescents (gay/lesbian, bisexual, and unsure) and selected eating behaviors. Analyses adjusted for race, age, cigarette use, binge drinking, organized school activity participation, body mass index (BMI), and depression. Gay males were significantly more likely to report exercising or eating less to lose weight in the unadjusted models (p<0.05) and fasting, vomiting, and taking diet pills in both adjusted (p<0.05) and unadjusted models (p<0.01) when compared to the referent heterosexual males. Bisexual females were significantly more likely to report fasting, vomiting, and taking diet pills in the unadjusted model (p<0.05) when compared to the referent heterosexual females and significantly less likely to report exercising or eating less to lose weight in the adjusted models (p<0.05). Although additional studies are needed owing to small sample sizes, preliminary findings support previous research suggesting that high school-aged sexual minority youth subgroups are a priority target population for increased efforts to prevent disordered eating.

Evaluating Testing Strategies for Identifying Youths With HIV Infection and Linking Youths to Biomedical and Other Prevention Services

Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected youths are unaware of their serostatus (approximately 60%) and therefore not linked to HIV medical or prevention services. The need to identify promising and scalable approaches to promote uptake of HIV testing among youths at risk is critical. To evaluate a multisite HIV testing program designed to encourage localized HIV testing programs focused on self-identified sexual minority males and to link youths to appropriate prevention services after receipt of their test results. Testing strategies were evaluated using an observational design during a 9-month period (June 1, 2015, through February 28, 2016). Testing strategies were implemented by 12 adolescent medicine HIV primary care programs and included targeted testing, universal testing, or a combination. Data were collected from local youth at high risk of HIV infection and, specifically, sexual minority males of color. Proportion of sexual minority males and sexual minority males of color tested, proportion of previously undiagnosed HIV-positive youths identified, and rates of linkage to prevention services. A total of 3301 youths underwent HIV testing. Overall, 35 (3.6%) of those who underwent universal testing in primary care clinical settings, such as emergency departments and community health centers, were sexual minority males (35 [3.6%] were males of color) compared with 236 (46.7%) (201 [39.8%] were males of color) who were tested through targeted testing and 693 (37.8%) (503 [27.4%] were males of color) through combination efforts. Identification of new HIV-positive cases varied by strategy: 1 (0.1%) via universal testing, 39 (2.1%) through combination testing, and 16 (3.2%) through targeted testing. However, when targeted tests were separated from universal testing results for sites using a combined strategy, the rate of newly identified HIV-positive cases identified through universal testing decreased to 1 (0.1%). Rates of new HIV-positive cases identified through targeted testing increased to 49 (6.3%). Youths who tested through targeted testing (416 [85.1%]) were more likely to link successfully to local HIV prevention services, including preexposure prophylaxis, compared with those who underwent universal testing (328 [34.1%]). The findings suggest that community-based targeted approaches to HIV testing are more effective than universal screening for reaching young sexual minority males (especially males of color), identifying previously undiagnosed HIV-positive youths, and linking HIV-negative youths to relevant prevention services. Targeted, community-based HIV testing strategies hold promise as a scalable and effective means to identify high-risk youths who are unaware of their HIV status.

The Religious Origins and Destinations of Individuals Identifying as a Sexual Minority

Religion has been, and continues to be, a source of external hostility and internal struggle for many sexual minorities. This has potential implications for the observed religious origins and current religious affiliations of individuals identifying as a sexual minority. Regarding origins, self-identified sexual minorities might be less likely than heterosexuals to have come from religious traditions that have tended to be hostile to minority sexualities, as individuals raised within those traditions might be hesitant to identify as a sexual minority even if they have same-sex attractions. Regarding destinations, self-identified sexual minorities might be more likely than heterosexuals to switch away from religious traditions that have tended to be hostile to minority sexualities. We examine these expectations using nationally representative survey data from the 2008 to 2014 General Social Surveys. The analysis shows that sexual minorities do not significantly differ from heterosexuals by the religious traditions in which they were raised. Sexual minorities are, however, more likely than heterosexuals to move away from Christian traditions and towards disaffiliation or reaffiliation with “other” traditions that include Judaism, Buddhism, and liberal nontraditional religions such as Unitarian Universalism. For gay and lesbian individuals, these patterns of disaffiliation and reaffiliation can be attributed to higher on average education and lower likelihood of being married and having children; however, these sociodemographic factors do not explain the disaffiliation and reaffiliation of bisexual individuals. Further research should explore the different religious experiences of sexual minority sub-groups.

Attitudes Toward Motherhood Among Sexual Minority Women in the United States

In this article, we use data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers—a national, population-based telephone survey—to examine how sexual minority women construct and value motherhood. We analyze the small ( N = 43) random sample of self-identified sexual minority women using “survey-driven narrative construction,” which entails converting the structured answers and open-ended responses for each respondent into narratives and identifying themes. We focused on both sexual minority women’s desires and intentions to parent and on the importance they place on motherhood. We found that there is considerable variation in this population. Many sexual minority women distinguish between having and raising children, suggesting a broad notion of motherhood. We also found that sexual minority women without children are not all voluntarily childfree. Our results suggest that survey research on fertility would improve by explicitly addressing sexuality.

Discrimination and depressive symptoms among sexual minority youth: is gay-affirming religious affiliation a protective factor?

Researchers have examined perceived discrimination as a risk factor for depression among sexual minorities; however, the role of religion as a protective factor is under-investigated, especially among sexual minority youth. Drawing on a cross-sectional study investigating campus climate at a large public university in the U.S. midwest, we examined the role of affiliation with a gay-affirming denomination (i.e., endorsing same-sex marriage) as a moderating factor in the discrimination-depression relationship among self-identified sexual minority (n = 393) and heterosexual youth (n = 1,727). Using multivariate linear regression analysis, religious affiliation was found to moderate the discrimination-depression relationship among sexual minorities. Specifically, the results indicated that the harmful effects of discrimination among sexual minority youth affiliated with denominations that endorsed same-sex marriage were significantly less than those among peers who affiliated with denominations opposing same-sex marriage or who identified as secular. In contrast, religious affiliation with gay-affirming denominations did not moderate the discrimination-depression relationship among heterosexual participants. The findings suggest that, although religion and same-sex sexuality are often seen as incompatible topics, it is important when working with sexual minority clients for clinicians to assess religious affiliation, as it could be either a risk or a protective factor, depending on the religious group's stance toward same-sex sexuality. To promote the well-being of sexual minority youth affiliated with denominations opposed to same-sex marriage, the results suggest these faith communities may be encouraged to reconsider their position and/or identify ways to foster youth's resilience to interpersonal discrimination.

Black, Queer, and Looking for a Job: An Exploratory Study of Career Decision Making Among Self-Identified Sexual Minorities at an Urban Historically Black College/University

This thematically analyzed study seeks to explore the career decision perceptions of sexual minority college students at an urban historically black college/university (HBCU). This qualitative focus group study delved into how sexual minorities feel their visible variables of race, gender expression, and degree of disclosure influence their career thought process. Theories relative to the study included Krumboltz’s social learning theory of career decision-making, gender role theory, racial socialization, Cass’s homosexual identity model, and impression management. Though participants initially proclaimed they did not allow their sexual minority identity to affect their career decisions, their overall responses indicated otherwise.

Sexual Minority Reflections on the Kinsey Scale and the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid: Conceptualization and Measurement

This research investigated responses of sexual minority individuals to two sexual orientation scales regarding how well the scales capture their sexuality. Participants were self-identified sexual minorities (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, and asexual) who represented a range of gender identities. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified related to the conceptualization of sexual orientation, and three for its measurement. Themes for conceptualization were comprehensiveness, dichotomies, and beyond sex and gender. Themes related to measurement were measurement structure, terminology, and response mode. Discussion focuses on considerations for scale development to better capture experiences of sexual minorities.

Conceptualization of Sexual Orientation Identity Among Sexual Minorities: Patterns Across Sexual and Gender Identity

This research analyzed how sexual minority individuals discussed identity when critiquing two sexual orientation scales. To better understand the diversity of sexual minority experience, analyses focused on the patterns of responses across sexual orientation identity (monosexual, plurisexual, and asexual) and gender identity (cisgender and transgender). Participants were self-identified sexual minorities who represented a range of gender identities. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were identified related to sexual orientation identity: (1) salience of identity, (2) social identity, (3) identity development and change, and (4) identity and the body. Discussion focuses on understanding the findings in the context of intersectionality theory and emphasizes the need to conceptually disaggregate sexual orientation and gender identity. The conceptualization of sexual orientation as centered on normative assumptions of monosexuality, verisexuality/nonasexuality, genderism, and cisgenderism is also explored.

Experiences of objectification and sexual risk behaviors among sexual minority men.

Through an objectification theory lens, this study sought to explore the relationships between various forms of objectification (i.e., sexual objectification and objectification based on masculine appearance norms violations) and sexual risk behaviors among sexual minority men. Utilizing an online data collection procedure, a sample of 216 self-identified sexual minority men participated in this study. This study assessed whether sexual objectification, objectification based on masculine appearance norm violations, and the feelings associated with such experiences predicted sexual risk behaviors. An additional goal of this study was to explore the potential moderating role of emotional valence in the relationship between various forms of objectification and sexual risk behaviors. Results revealed that a greater frequency of sexual objectification, as well as positive feelings associated with sexual objectification experiences, were directly related to more sexual risk behaviors. Additionally, negative feelings associated with objectification based on masculine appearance norm violations predicted sexual risk behaviors. No support was found for the moderating role of emotional valence in the relationship between the different forms of objectification and sexual risk behaviors. Implications for research and intervention are discussed, as well as the strengths and limitations of the study.

Sexual Orientation and Wages in Young Adulthood: New Evidence from Add Health

Using data from a rich new data source, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the author examines the sensitivity of the estimated earnings penalty faced by sexual minorities to 1) the use of multiple measures of sexual orientation, including both identity/attraction and behaviorally based definitions, and 2) controls for family and individual heterogeneity. Baseline regression results show that gay males and bisexuals earn less than their heterosexual counterparts, a result that persists after controlling for family-level observables. However, after controlling for personality and isolating self-identified sexual minorities who are most likely to be observed as such by employers, the estimated wage penalty for bisexuals falls sharply in absolute magnitude while the wage penalty for gay males persists. Preferred specifications show that relative to heterosexual males, gay males earn wages that are 13.1% lower, a result that is consistent with labor market discrimination. Neither lesbians nor bisexual females earn significantly less than their heterosexual counterparts.