Sexual Minority Adults Research Articles

Sexual Agreement Discussions Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Men in the USA.

Nearly two-thirds of new HIV infections are attributed to primary partners, necessitating a greater understanding of relationship context of HIV transmission among sexual minority men. Sexual agreements, which are the explicit decisions couples make about sexual behaviors allowed inside and outside of their relationship, have been primarily studied among adult sexual minority men. Little work has sought to understand how adolescent sexual minority men utilize and navigate sexual agreement conversations. In this qualitative study, we explored adolescent sexual minority men's motivations for having these conversations, how they define different types of agreements (e.g., monogamous, non-monogamous), and the topics most commonly discussed in their conversations. We conducted thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 30 partnered, HIV-negative, adolescent sexual minority men ages 15-19years. Participants reported similar reasons, definitions, and desires for creating sexual agreements as those reported in the adult literature. Novel to this population was the influence of stigma and heterosexism on the participants' choice of sexual agreement type. Like adult sexual minority men, participants used sexual agreement conversations to respond to life events; however, the adolescents in our sample, when talking with their partners, led with the context of developmentally specific events such as leaving for college or attending a school dance. Those with more relationship experience often described having intentional, explicit sexual agreement conversations. Study findings suggest that content focused on sexual agreements is important for HIV prevention interventions designed with adolescent sexual minority men, especially young men who have less relationship experiences.

Age and Gender Identity in the Relationship Between Minority Stress and Loneliness: A Global Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

ABSTRACT Loneliness is prevalent among sexual minority adults and is associated with minority stress. Yet there is limited understanding of how loneliness and minority stress vary across key demographic variables. This cross-sectional study explored age and gender differences in a minority stress model linking sexual orientation marginalization to social and emotional loneliness via proximal stress (internalized homonegativity, concealment, and stigma preoccupation) and via social anxiety and inhibition. The study also assessed age and gender differences in the protective influence of LGBTQ community involvement. 7,856 sexual minority adults from 85 countries completed an online survey. They were categorized as emerging adults (18−24, n = 3,056), young adults (25−34, n = 2,193), midlife adults (35−49, n = 1,243), and older adults (50−88, n = 1,364). Gender identity groups were cisgender men (n = 4,073), cisgender women (n = 3,017), and transgender individuals (n = 766). With each successive age group, there was a lower prevalence of sexual orientation marginalization, proximal stress, social anxiety, inhibition, and emotional loneliness, along with more community involvement. Sexual orientation marginalization was more pronounced among cisgender women and, especially, transgender individuals. The latter also exhibited the most social anxiety, inhibition, loneliness, and community involvement. Proximal stress was more prevalent among cisgender men than cisgender women and transgender individuals. Multiple group structural equation modeling supported the applicability of the loneliness model across age and gender groups, with only a few variations; these mainly related to how strongly community involvement was linked to marginalization, internalized homonegativity, and social loneliness.

Psychedelic Use by Sexual Minority Adults in the United States, 2022

Psychedelic Use by Sexual Minority Adults in the United States, 2022

Perceptions of a Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Intervention for Sexual Minority Adults

Sexual minority (SM) adults have a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), largely attributed to increased exposure to minority stressors. There are no evidence-based CVD risk reduction interventions tailored to the needs of SM adults. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to explore SM adults’ perceptions and preferences for a culturally tailored, minority stress-informed intervention for CVD risk reduction. SM adults without CVD were interviewed and presented with a proposed 10-week intervention that combined elements of existing interventions for minority stress and CVD risk reduction. Participants were asked about preferences regarding intervention delivery methods, setting, and duration. Interviews were deductively coded into cognitive, behavioral, and socio-environmental themes informed by the social cognitive theory (SCT). Themes were also inductively coded based on participant responses. The sample included 22 SM adults with a mean age of 52 (±7.16) years; approximately 55% were female-identified and 59% were non-Latinx White. Cognitive themes included recognition of stress associated with minoritized identities and self-efficacy for behavior change. Behavioral themes included stress management skills and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., exercise). Socio-environmental themes included barriers (e.g., time commitment) and facilitators (e.g., financial incentives) for participating in the proposed intervention. All participants were interested in an intervention that would improve their cardiovascular health. A majority indicated they preferred a 12-week, virtual, synchronous, group intervention. All participants endorsed the proposed intervention with particular emphasis on stress reduction components. This study provides important knowledge that should be considered in designing tailored interventions for CVD risk reduction among SM adults.

LGBTQ Mental Health Peer Support: A Descriptive Survey

BackgroundGender and sexual minority adults have significant unmet mental health care needs and are often faced with barriers to accessing appropriate services. In this context, LGBTQ individuals often turn to each other for mental health support.MethodsIn a sample of 326 LGBTQ adults (M age = 37.64) who were providing mental health support to their LGBTQ peers, we examined the nature of LGBTQ peer support, including who provides peer support, to whom, and for what issues. We also examined the experiences of those providing LGBTQ peer support, and the role of mental health training. Data were collected in 2020.ResultsParticipants provided support to a range of individuals, including close friends, colleagues, and those who were previously strangers. The types of concerns they supported their peers with varied greatly, though depression, anxiety, suicidality, and coping with discrimination were common concerns. Participants were often managing multiple competing demands, and many appeared to be managing their own mental health concerns. Those who had received at least some mental health training appeared to fare better in their experiences of providing peer support compared to those without such training.Policy ImplicationsFindings illustrate the importance of increasing access to LGBTQ-affirmative mental health services. We also highlight the importance of developing and disseminating initiatives designed to support those providing LGBTQ peer support, both to increase the effectiveness of peer support and to help manage the impact of providing LGBTQ peer support.

Examining eating disorder pathology and self-stigma of help-seeking behaviors in a community sample of sexual minority adults: an intersectional investigation of race and gender

ABSTRACT Background Self-stigma of seeking psychological help is a critical factor prohibiting individuals from seeking eating disorder (ED) treatment, but has been widely unexplored in racial/ethnic and sexual minority (SM) samples. The current study examined differences in ED pathology and self-stigma of help-seeking at the intersection of race and gender within a cisgender SM sample. Methods Cisgender SM participants (n = 354) identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC; 52%), Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI; 24%), or White (24%) were recruited through Prolific Academic. One-way analyses of variance were used to examine differences in the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH) and Eating Pathology Symptom Inventory (EPSI) subscales among men and women in each group. Pearson’s correlations explored associations between SSOSH and EPSI subscales within each subgroup. Results Findings indicated significant between-group differences on the SSOSH and the EPSI subscales of Body Dissatisfaction, Purging, and Excessive Exercise. SSOSH was significantly positively correlated with Body Dissatisfaction in the White SM cis-women group and Binge Eating in the BIPOC SM cis-men group. Conclusions Results demonstrate unique, intersectional between-group differences in ED pathology and self-stigma among SM individuals. Further research on the impact of intersectionality on these constructs within larger samples is warranted.

Being out in high school: Positive implications for well-being in three U.S. cohorts of sexual minority adults.

For lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (i.e., sexual minority [SM]) youth, coming out is an important developmental milestone and is typically associated with positive well-being. However, coming out in high school may entail a higher risk of school-based victimization. Due to the greater risk of homophobic bullying, the implications of being out in adolescence and well-being later in adulthood remain unclear. Using data from a national probability survey (Generations Study) of three distinct age cohorts of SM adults (N = 1,474) in the United States, this study (a) examined how being out at school in adolescence affects general well-being in adulthood and (b) SM-specific well-being in adulthood, and (c) examined if these associations differ by cohort. Results from multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that being out in adolescence was not significantly associated with general well-being, but was significantly associated with SM-specific well-being: higher rates of identity centrality and community connectedness, and lower rates of internalized homophobia. There were no cohort differences in the associations between outness in high school, general well-being, and SM well-being. The findings from this national probability sample of SM adults provide novel insight into implications of being out across the life course, including the positive implications of being out at school in adolescence for SM-specific well-being in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Come for the Tobacco, Stay for the Flavor: Flavored Cigarillo-Use Trajectories Among Young Adult Sexual Gender Minority Women.

The purpose of this research was to identify how young adult sexual gender minority (SGM) women who use cigarillos may respond to cigar flavor restrictions. Young adults aged 21-28 years in the United States who currently use cigarillos were recruited between October 2020 and April 2021 to participate in an online survey. Due to high prevalence of cigarillo use among individuals who identify as sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) women, their (n = 192) flavored tobacco-use behaviors and anticipated responses to cigarillo flavor restrictions were compared to cisgender heterosexual (CisHet) women (n = 110). Logistic regression was used to model cigarillo cessation and product-switching behaviors (flavored and unflavored). SGM women were significantly less likely to report the use of flavor at the initiation of cigarillo use (61.7% vs. 86.1%) but were no different in current flavor use compared to CisHet women, with more than 80% of all women using any flavor. SGM women were 2.36 times as likely to say they would discontinue using cigarillos if flavors were unavailable. Among those who would continue using cigarillos, SGM women were 4.53 times as likely to endorse switching to an unflavored tobacco product but had the same likelihood of saying they would switch to flavored product compared to CisHet women. Flavor restriction policies may not reduce the initiation of cigarillos among SGM women and may elicit differential cigarillo use and tobacco product substitution by SGM identity. Flavor restriction policies should be coupled with targeted cessation resources to address potential remaining disparities. SGM US women have a unique cigarillo-use trajectory. These women are more likely to initiate cigarillos without flavor and then later integrate it into their behavior. National cigar flavor restrictions are expected to have a greater impact decreasing cigarillo initiation among CisHet women and decreasing current cigarillo use among SGM women. However, for those who would continue using unflavored cigarillos, SGM women may remain at risk for nicotine dependence due to increased product substitution. SGM women should be prioritized for cessation resources to reduce tobacco-use disparities leading up to and following the implementation of cigar flavor restrictions.

A Web-Based Intervention to Support the Mental Well-Being of Sexual and Gender Minority Young People: Mixed Methods Co-Design of Oneself.

Sexual and gender minority youth are at greater risk of compromised mental health than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. This is considered to be due to an increased burden of stigma, discrimination, or bullying resulting in a heightened experience of daily stress. Given the increasing digital accessibility and a strong preference for web-based support among sexual and gender minority youth, digital interventions are a key means to provide support to maintain their well-being. This paper aims to explicate the co-design processes and underpinning logic of Oneself, a bespoke web-based intervention for sexual and gender minority youth. This study followed a 6-stage process set out by Hagen et al (identify, define, position, concept, create, and use), incorporating a systematic scoping review of existing evidence, focus groups with 4 stakeholder groups (ie, sexual and gender minority youth, professionals who directly support them, parents, and UK public health service commissioners), a series of co-design workshops and web-based consultations with sexual and gender minority youth, the appointment of a digital development company, and young adult sexual and gender minority contributors to create content grounded in authentic experiences. Oneself features a welcome and home page, including a free accessible to all animation explaining the importance of using appropriate pronouns and the opportunity to create a user account and log-in to access further free content. Creating an account provides an opportunity (for the user and the research team) to record engagement, assess users' well-being, and track progress through the available content. There are three sections of content in Oneself focused on the priority topics identified through co-design: (1) coming out and doing so safely; (2) managing school, including homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic bullying or similar; and (3) dealing with parents and families, especially unsupportive family members, including parents or caregivers. Oneself's content focuses on identifying these as topic areas and providing potential resources to assist sexual and gender minority youth in coping with these areas. For instance, Oneself drew on therapeutic concepts such as cognitive reframing, stress reduction, and problem-solving techniques. There is also a section containing relaxation exercises, a section with links to other recommended support and resources, and a downloads section with more detailed techniques and strategies for improving well-being. This study contributes to research by opening up the black box of intervention development. It shows how Oneself is underpinned by a logic that can support future development and evaluation and includes diverse co-designers. More interactive techniques to support well-being would be beneficial for further development. Additional content specific to a wider range of intersecting identities (such as care-experienced Asian sexual and gender minority youth from a minority faith background) would also be beneficial in future Oneself developments. RR2-10.2196/31036.

Exploring Resilience Among Midlife and Older Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adults: A Multidimensional Analysis.

Research on resilience in sexual minority midlife and older adults is limited. Using a multidimensional approach, this study examined trait resilience (optimism), resilience as a dynamic process (perceived control), and relational resilience (social support), analyzing their roles in physical and mental health among sexual minority adults. Analyzing data from MIDUS 2 and MIDUS Refresher, we examined a sample of 492 participants, comprising 164 sexual minority and 328 propensity-matched heterosexual individuals. Among sexual minority participants, perceived control was associated with fewer chronic conditions and optimism with lower depressed affect. Among heterosexual participants, perceived control was associated with both outcomes. Subgroup analyses found variations, particularly among lesbian and bisexual women. Resilience measures were not associated with the health outcomes for gay or bisexual men. This study highlighted the complex roles of trait resilience and dynamic resilience processes in association with health outcomes among sexual minority midlife and older adults across diverse subgroups.

Sociodemographic predictors of perceived weight discrimination.

Perceived weight discrimination is associated with increased risk for chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. Nevertheless, little is known about perceived weight discrimination in racial, ethnic, and sexual minority groups or in individuals at the intersections of those groups. The goal of this study was to identify sociodemographic predictors of perceived weight discrimination. A diverse sample of adults (37% Black/African American, 36% Latino, 29% sexual minority) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 were recruited from a national US panel to complete an online survey (N = 2454). Perceived weight discrimination was assessed with the Stigmatizing Situations Survey-Brief (SSI-B). Using hierarchical linear regression analysis, SSI-B scores were predicted from the four sociodemographic characteristics of interest (gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation) while controlling for BMI, age, education, and income (Step 1). At Step 2, all two-way interactions between the four sociodemographic characteristics were added to the model. At Step 1, higher SSI-B scores were observed for Latino (vs. non-Latino) adults, sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) adults, younger (vs. older) adults, adults with higher (vs. lower) levels of education, and adults with higher (vs. lower) BMI. At Step 2, race interacted with gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation to predict SSI-B scores such that relatively higher scores were observed for non-Black women, Black men, adults who identified as Black and Latino, and non-Black sexual minority adults. Perceived weight discrimination varied across sociodemographic groups, with some subgroups reporting relatively high frequency. Black race appeared to be protective for some subgroups (e.g., Black women), but risk-enhancing for others (e.g., Black men, individuals who identified as Black and Latino). Additional research is needed to identify specific factors that cause certain sociodemographic groups -and indeed, certain individuals-to perceive higher levels of weight discrimination than others.

Effectiveness of an eHealth intervention for reducing psychological distress and increasing COVID-19 knowledge and protective behaviors among racialized sexual and gender minority adults: A quasi-experimental study (#SafeHandsSafeHearts).

Sexual and gender minority and racialized populations experienced heightened vulnerability during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marginalization due to structural homophobia, transphobia and racism, and resulting adverse social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities among these populations, were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and public health measures to control it. We developed and tested a tailored online intervention (#SafeHandsSafeHearts) to support racialized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other persons outside of heteronormative and cisgender identities (LGBTQ+) in Toronto, Canada during the pandemic. We used a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-session, peer-delivered eHealth intervention in reducing psychological distress and increasing Covid-19 knowledge and protective behaviors. Individuals ≥18-years-old, resident in Toronto, and self-identified as sexual or gender minority were recruited online. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, and Covid-19 knowledge and protective behaviors were assessed at baseline, 2-weeks postintervention, and 2-months follow-up. We used generalized estimating equations and zero-truncated Poisson models to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the four primary outcomes. From March to November 2021, 202 participants (median age, 27 years [Interquartile range: 23-32]) were enrolled in #SafeHandsSafeHearts. Over half (54.5%, n = 110) identified as cisgender lesbian or bisexual women or women who have sex with women, 26.2% (n = 53) cisgender gay or bisexual men or men who have sex with men, and 19.3% (n = 39) transgender or nonbinary individuals. The majority (75.7%, n = 143) were Black and other racialized individuals. The intervention led to statistically significant reductions in the prevalence of clinically significant depressive (25.4% reduction, p < .01) and anxiety symptoms (16.6% reduction, p < .05), and increases in Covid-19 protective behaviors (4.9% increase, p < .05), from baseline to postintervention. We demonstrated the effectiveness of a brief, peer-delivered eHealth intervention for racialized LGBTQ+ communities in reducing psychological distress and increasing protective behaviors amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Implementation through community-based organizations by trained peer counselors supports feasibility, acceptability, and the importance of engaging racialized LGBTQ+ communities in pandemic response preparedness. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04870723.

Disparities in positive mental health of sexual and gender minority adults in Canada.

The goal of this study was to examine potential disparities in positive mental health (PMH) among adults in Canada by sexual orientation and gender modality. Using 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Annual Component data (N = 57 034), we compared mean life satisfaction and the prevalence of high self-rated mental health (SRMH), happiness and community belonging between heterosexual and sexual minority adults, and between cisgender and gender minority adults. We used 2019 CCHS Rapid Response on PMH data (N = 11 486) to compare the prevalence of high psychological well-being between heterosexual and sexual minority adults. Linear and logistic regression analyses examined the between-group differences in mean life satisfaction and the other PMH outcomes, respectively. Sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) adults reported lower mean life satisfaction (B = -0.7, 95% CI: -0.8, -0.5) and were less likely to report high SRMH (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5), happiness (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5), community belonging (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.7) and psychological well-being (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.6). Differences were not always significant for specific sexual minority groups in sexstratified analyses. Gender minority adults reported lower mean life satisfaction and were less likely to report high SRMH and happiness than cisgender adults. Future research could investigate how these PMH disparities arise, risk and protective factors in these populations, how other sociodemographic factors interact with sexual orientation and gender identity to influence PMH and changes in disparities over time.

Risk of impairment in cognitive instrumental activities of daily living for sexual and gender minority adults with reported Parkinson’s disease

Objective: To investigate the risk of impairment in cognitive instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) identifying as sexual and/or gender minorities (SGM). Method: Data were obtained from Fox Insight, an online, longitudinal study with self/informant-report questionnaires from PwP and people without Parkinson’s. Groups consisted of PwP without cognitive IADL impairment at baseline, identifying as (1) SGM with female sex assigned at birth (SGM-F, n = 75); (2) cisgender, heterosexual with female sex assigned at birth (CH-F, n = 2046); (3) SGM with male sex assigned at birth (SGM-M, n = 84); (4) cisgender, heterosexual with male sex assigned at birth (CH-M, n = 2056). Impairment in cognitive IADL was based on Penn Parkinson’s Daily Activities Questionnaire-15 (PDAQ-15). Group differences for PDAQ-15 and impairment likelihood during follow-up were assessed with unadjusted models and adjusting for variables that differed between the groups. Results: SGM-F were the youngest at Parkinson’s diagnosis; SGM-M had the lowest PDAQ-15 at baseline (p ≤ .014 for all). Scores declined more for males than females in unadjusted and adjusted models (p < .001 for both). In unadjusted models, SGM-M had a higher impairment risk than PwP identifying as cisgender and heterosexual (p ≤ .018). In adjusted models, females had a lower impairment risk than males (p < .001). Age, education, and discrimination level were significant moderators (p < .001 for all). Conclusions: SGM-M can be at a higher risk for impairment in cognitive IADL, associated with social determinants. Female sex assigned at birth may be associated with a lower level of impairment risk, although this advantage can disappear with social determinants.

Daily Social Support, Social Isolation, and the Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Living with Cancer (GP116)

Daily Social Support, Social Isolation, and the Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Living with Cancer (GP116)

Heterosexist Discrimination and Substance Use in Young Adult Sexual Minority Men: Examining the Moderating Role of Mindfulness

Heterosexist Discrimination and Substance Use in Young Adult Sexual Minority Men: Examining the Moderating Role of Mindfulness

Understanding Breast Cancer Disparities in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

Understanding Breast Cancer Disparities in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

Patterns and Reasons for Being Uninsured Among Sexual Minority Adults Before and After the Affordable Care Act Implementation.

Purpose: We aimed to identify the self-reported reasons for being uninsured and sociodemographic factors associated with uninsurance among lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adults before and after the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Methods: We analyzed the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey data using multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds of being uninsured and the prevalence of self-reported reasons for not having insurance among LGB adults aged 18-64 years. Results: The study included 2124 LGB adults. The weighted uninsured rate decreased significantly from 19.6% in 2013 to 13.2% in 2017-2018 (odds ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.78). The primary reason cited for not having insurance post-ACA was similar to pre-ACA, with cost-related factors being the most commonly reported (31.5%). Conclusion: The overall uninsured rate decreased among LGB adults from 2013 to 2018, whereas disparities across subpopulations remained. Cost-related factors remained significant barriers to obtaining insurance coverage.

Violence Victimization and Depressive Symptoms Among a Sub-Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in a Population-Based South African Study.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults in South Africa face high levels of violence and poor mental health outcomes. Interventions to prevent these negative health implications are hampered by a lack of representative data among this population. This study aims to quantify the associations between three forms of violent victimization and depressive symptoms in a sub-sample of SGM drawn from a population-based cross-sectional study in Gauteng, South Africa. Data come from the sixth Quality of Life survey conducted in South Africa's Gauteng province. Brief screeners assessed childhood sexual abuse (CSA), past-year intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner violence, and depressive symptoms. Three survey-weighted logistic regression analyses were fit to model associations between elevated depressive symptoms and CSA, past-year IPV, and past-year non-partner violence, controlling for socio-demographics (age, race, sex, area of residence, education, socioeconomic status, and recent employment). N = 1,328 SGM respondents were included. Over 40% (n = 537) reported depressive symptoms, while 17% (n = 222) reported CSA, 5% (n = 67) reported IPV, and 16% (n = 208) reported non-partner violence. CSA and non-partner violence were associated with significantly higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI [1.03, 2.23]; aOR: 1.84, [1.24, 2.73], respectively). IPV was not associated with elevated depressive symptoms (aOR: 1.17, [0.64, 2.16]). In all models, employment in the past 7 days was associated with significantly lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms. Recent and childhood violence is a major burden that is associated with elevated symptoms of depression among SGM in urban South Africa. Community-tailored interventions and policy-related advocacy related to employment and violence prevention may alleviate depressive symptoms in SGM adults in Gauteng.

Self-Warmth, Self-Coldness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Adults

Depression is more prevalent among sexual minority adults than heterosexual adults. Whilst research has shown self-compassion is related to lower levels of depressive symptoms, few studies have focused on sexual minority adults. Furthermore, few studies have examined the relationship between the positive (self-warmth) and negative (self-coldness) components of self-compassion and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to investigate whether self-warmth and self-coldness were associated with depressive symptoms among sexual minority adults and whether these relations were moderated by gender and sexual orientation. An international sample of 439 sexual minority women aged 18 to 69 years (M = 30.21, SD = 10.70) and 391 sexual minority men aged 18 to 71 years (M = 32.20, SD = 11.74) completed the Center for Epidemiology-Depression Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Results indicated both self-warmth and self-coldness were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, however, self-coldness explained more unique variance (12%) than self-warmth (1%). Higher levels of self-warmth were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and the association was not conditional on gender or sexual orientation. Higher levels of self-coldness were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This association was conditional on sexual orientation but not gender. The association was stronger for bisexual adults than monosexual adults. Interventions such as compassion-focused therapy that target self-coldness among sexual minority adults may be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms, particularly bisexual adults.