Sexual Minority Community Research Articles

Mental well-being of sexual minority individuals: Exploring the role of intraminority stress

AbstractThe recently posed intraminority gay community stress theory states that sexual minority (SM) men may experience stress within their community resulting in lower levels of mental well-being. However, only few quantitative studies have evaluated this theory, and none of these studies examined the impact of intraminority stress on the mental well-being of SM female populations. In Dutch-speaking SM individuals who were assigned male at birth (N = 293) and SM individuals who were assigned female at birth (N = 527), this exploratory study examined associations between the four facets of intraminority stress and five mental health symptoms. When controlling for demographics and minority stress, intraminority stress was positively associated with psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and interpersonal awareness in both SM male and SM female individuals, while positive associations with timidity were only found in the latter. As for the intraminority stress facets, particularly the SM community’s focus on competition and exclusion of social diversity seem to impact the mental well-being of SM individuals. The results support the notion that intraminority stress – along with minority stress – has important value in explaining mental health problems in SM male and SM female populations. Future research may examine how intraminority stress relates to the protective effects of community connectedness and having a sense of belonging, and to what extent and how intraminority stress should be addressed in interventions for stress-sensitive mental health symptoms in SM populations.

Abstract A160: Navigating underserved populations across the cancer continuum: Establishing cancer support and navigation project

Abstract Background. Cancer disproportionately affects underserved communities, including those who face economic, racial, ethnic, and social barriers. These barriers contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes. Methods. To address this gap, Cedars Sinai Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) has developed the Cancer Support and Navigation Project to improve cancer-related outcomes for underserved cancer patients by providing navigation that eliminates barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The project focuses on reducing barriers for underrepresented sexual, gender, financial, racial, and ethnic minority community members, who are either at risk of being diagnosed with cancer or those have already been diagnosed with cancer, and their loved ones, by offering tailored science-based cancer information, education, navigation, support resources, access to care and cancer support. Our project is targeting geographic areas and groups within the Los Angeles County (Catchment Area) that experience higher incidence of late-stage diagnosis such Latinx, LGBTQ+, Korean, Filipino, Black and immigrant communities. Our COE team has 3 dedicated navigators who are multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and representative of populations with intersectional identities to provide direct services to community members. Additionally, our COE team has recruited, trained and engaged over 42 community health workers/promotoras/navigators from the community to disseminate cancer health information and navigate people through the cancer continuum. Results. We have disseminated over 1000 flyers and participated in over 100 tabling events throughout Los Angeles County. Additionally, we have developed partnership with various Federally Qualified Health Clinics, including Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, Central Neighborhood Christian Health Center, Comprehensive Community Health Centers, Saban Community Clinic, Koryo Health Foundation. To date, COE has navigated n=733, who predominantly identify as Hispanic/Latino/a/e/x, Koreans, and LGBTQ+. Most have identified the following areas for navigation: assistance with medial-related care such as cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment, financial, language barrier, food security and nutrition, insurance coverage, emotional/relationship, social support/isolation, mental health, behavioral, or stress, transportation, housing, and many others. Conclusion. The project's efforts have highlighted the critical importance of providing targeted navigation services to reduce cancer disparities and improve health outcomes for underserved communities. By addressing the unique needs of these populations and eliminating barriers to care, the Cancer Support and Navigation Project at Cedars Sinai Cancer Center COE has made a substantial and positive impact on the lives of many individuals and their families, paving the way for more equitable cancer care and support. Citation Format: Janeth Zelada, Emma Ngula, Min Jung Sung, Ghecemy Lopez, Reener Balingit, Zul Surani. Navigating underserved populations across the cancer continuum: Establishing cancer support and navigation project [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A160.

HIV-related knowledge, risk perception, and minority stressors among South Asian sexual minority men in the United States.

South Asian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in the United States have been persistently overlooked in HIV research and programming. To address this limitation, this article describes their HIV-related knowledge, risk perception, and minority stressors, with a focus on identifying variations between American-born individuals and immigrants. Participants were recruited from April-July 2022 through social media advertising and peer referral and surveyed about their sociodemographic and HIV-related behavioral characteristics. Previously validated scales were used to assess their HIV-related knowledge, risk perception, disclosure of sexual identity, experienced homophobia, and perceived racism within the sexual and gender minority community. Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests were conducted to compare those born in the United States and those born abroad. Of the 112 participants, 26 (23.21%) were American-born individuals and 86 (76.79%) were immigrants. Despite similar levels of sexual risk behaviors, such as having multiple male sex partners, engaging in condomless anal sex, and using alcohol or drugs immediately before or during sex, immigrants had lower levels of HIV-related knowledge (p = .0480) and risk perception (p = .0114) compared to American-born individuals. Immigrants were also less likely to have disclosed their sexual identity to family, friends, and society compared to American-born individuals (p = .0004). No differences were identified with respect to experiences of homophobia (p = .2303) or perceptions of racism (p = .4011). Comprehensive HIV prevention efforts that address the social and cultural norms of South Asian GBM in the United States are needed.

Exploring the Relationships Between Body Image, Sexual Well-Being, and Community Connectedness among Gay, Bisexual and Queer+ Men

ABSTRACT Sexual minority (SM) men are more likely than heterosexual men to experience body dissatisfaction due to prevailing body ideals (e.g. lean and muscular) within the SM community. Negative body image can have harmful effects on well-being, and, by extension, sexual well-being. The current study aimed to investigate whether SM men’s minority identification and LGBTQ+ community connectedness moderates the relationship between drives for muscularity and sexual anxiety. To address this aim, 298 Australian-residing SM men completed an online survey that examined drive for muscularity, sexual anxiety, and connectedness or identification with the LGBTQ+ and SM-specific communities. As hypothesized, the results showed a positive relationship between drive for muscularity and sexual anxiety. Additionally, LGBTQ+ community connectedness, but importantly not SM identification, was found to moderate this relationship, showing a positive association only when connection was at low or average levels. These results highlight the beneficial effects that LGBTQ+ community connection can have for SM men, such as protecting them against the harmful impacts of poor body image on sexual well-being. These results also provide preliminary insights into the need to expand the understandings of bodily diversity, and diversity of sexual well-being experiences, among SM men less connected to the broader LGBTQ+ community.

The sociolinguistic navigation of sexual normativities among same-gender-attracted men in contemporary Chengdu, China

In this article, the navigation of normativities by same-gender-attracted, male-identified individuals in Chengdu, China is considered with reference to their linguistic identity work. It foregrounds the relevance of plural normativities, which often arise from intersecting structural forces with diverse cultural roots, to better acknowledge the rich diversity of the broader sexual minority community in China. In turn, it argues that individual performances of sexual identity cannot be accurately accounted for using essentialist notions of culture. Furthermore, it is suggested that a sociocultural discourse analysis approach can provide an important and novel perspective on sexual identity in the region. Taking up this perspective questions and challenges assumptions of a characteristic orientation to normality in ‘Chinese culture’ and complicates oversimplified conceptualisations of normativity.

Heteronormativity in Canadian Healthcare: Revisioning a Queer-Focused Realm.

Kia et al.'s (2024) article, "Beyond the Rainbow: Advancing 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Equity at a Time of Political Volatility," illustrates the health discrepancies that the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual and gender minority (2SLGBTQIA+) community withstand and the Canadian healthcare system's legacy of heteronormativity. This commentary focuses on the straight-centred approach of the Canadian medical system that neglects, harms and fails the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, resulting in a decline in their mental and physical well-being and increased rates of morbidity for queer individuals. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community must be placed in the front and centre of integral decision making and have the final word in policy changes within Canadian regulatory bodies.

Inequalities in Healthcare Access, Experience and Outcomes in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are incurable diseases that require lifelong access to health services. Accumulating evidence of inequalities in health care access, experience, and outcomes for individuals with IBD is apparent. This review aimed to describe the inequalities in healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes of care for adults with IBD, to identify research gaps, and to identify future research priorities in this area. A scoping review was conducted to retrieve quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods evidence from 3 databases (EMBASE, Medline, and CINAHL) published between January 1, 2000, and September 27, 2023. Fifty-one studies met the criteria for inclusion. The majority (42 of 51) focused on IBD health outcomes, followed by healthcare access (24 of 51). Significantly fewer investigated patient experiences of IBD healthcare (8 of 51). Most available studies reported on race/ethnic disparities of healthcare (33 of 51), followed by inequalities driven by socioeconomic differences (12 of 51), rurality (7 of 51), gender and sex (3 of 51), age (2 of 51), culture (2 of 51), literacy (1 of 51), and sexuality (1 of 51). Inflammatory bowel disease patients from Black, Asian, and Hispanic ethnic groups had significantly poorer health outcomes. A lack of research was found in the sexual and gender minority community (1 of 51). No research was found to investigate inequalities in IBD patients with learning disabilities or autism. Further research, particularly utilizing qualitative methods, is needed to understand health experiences of underserved patient populations with IBD. Cultural humility in IBD care is required to better serve individuals with IBD of Black and Asian race/ethnicity. The lack of research amongst sexual and gender minority groups with IBD, and with learning disabilities, poses a risk of creating inequalities within inequalities.

Social networks of men who have sex with men engaging in chemsex in Germany: differences in social resources and sexual health

Meyer’s minority stress model posits that sexual minority communities can act as protective factors for individuals within the sexual minority. Given that existing evidence on this proposition is inconclusive, a social network approach was employed to capture diversity in the social environment of individuals involved in chemsex that might account for variations in social resources and sexual health. This study examined the social networks of men who have sex with men (MSM) involved in sexualised drug use, using data from a cross-sectional online survey. Utilising cluster analysis, four distinct social network types were identified based on network composition: MSM-diverse, partner-focused, family-diverse, and chemsex-restricted. In terms of social resources, the four network types did not exhibit significant differences in social support. However, individuals with a chemsex-restricted social network reported stronger social influence related to chemsex and less social engagement outside of chemsex. Contrary to initial expectations, the four network types did not differ in chemsex-related consequences or sexual satisfaction. MSM engaged in chemsex for over 5 years reported more chemsex-related consequences and lower sexual satisfaction, particularly those with a family-diverse social network. Additionally, indicators of network quality, such as perceived emotional closeness, reciprocity with network members, and overall satisfaction with the network, were more influential in predicting sexual health outcomes than social resources. The findings of the study suggest that the social environment of MSM engaged in chemsex plays a role in shaping their experiences. Insufficient inclusion in a sexual minority community is potentially associated with an elevated risk of poor sexual health. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals exposed to different social environments.

Development and implementation of sexual and gender minority curriculum for advanced practice nursing: A feasibility study.

To explore the feasibility of development and implementation of an educational intervention addressing sexual and gender minority healthcare issues; examine recruitment processes and instrument appropriateness. Non-randomized feasibility study. The educational intervention was developed and implemented in family nurse practitioner courses with data collection from August through December 2022. Clinical preparedness, attitudinal awareness and basic knowledge were measured using the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale. Development and implementation of the intervention was feasible but will require amendment before progressing to the pilot study. Clinical preparedness and basic knowledge increased post-intervention, but attitudinal awareness did not improve. Recruitment did not achieve the desired sample size. Instrument internal consistency reliability was confirmed. Feasibility was established but will require amendment prior to the pilot study. To prepare nurses and nurse practitioners to care for sexual and gender minority patients. This study addressed the feasibility of developing and implementing a sexual and gender minority healthcare education using an e-Learning platform. Findings confirm that the intervention was feasible but will require amendment. The intervention increased knowledge and clinical preparedness in caring for this population, but recruitment was challenging. This research will impact nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse educators. The authors adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guideline extension for reporting randomized and feasibility guidelines were used. Sexual and gender minority community members contributed to the intervention development. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: The feasibility of using interactive e-learning educational resources to provide sexual and gender minority healthcare curriculum. Evidence to support the use of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale to measure learning outcomes. This study was not prospectively registered because it was an educational intervention involving graduate student nurses and did not assess clinical outcomes of patients.

Differences in Minority Stress Experiences, Mental Health, and Relationship Quality Outcomes Among Bisexual, Pansexual, and Queer Women.

The majority of sexual minority women in the United States today identify as bi+. Recent research suggests that "non-traditional" bi+ labels such as pansexual and queer are being adopted more frequently than ever before, making it increasingly important to evaluate whether these women have unique needs. In the current study, we explored differences in minority stress experiences, mental health, and relationship quality outcomes by sexual identity label among women who identify with the most common bi+ labels: bisexual, pansexual, and queer. Participants were 285 bi+ cisgender women in romantic relationships. They completed online measures of minority stress (antibisexual experiences, identity concealment, disconnection from the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community, and internalized stigma), mental health (depression and anxiety), and relationship quality (satisfaction and commitment). Overall, participants reported similar experiences of minority stress and few differences in their mental health outcomes. However, there were differences in antibisexual experiences by sexual identity label, such that pansexual women reported more frequent antibisexual experiences than bisexual and queer women. There were also differences in relationship quality by sexual identity label, such that bisexual women reported higher satisfaction than pansexual women and higher commitment than both pansexual and queer women. Findings suggest that pansexual and queer women may be facing their own unique challenges, even compared to bisexual women. Clinical prevention and intervention efforts can be tailored for these women to include strategies to cope with more frequent exposure to antibisexual experiences, as well as relationship education and skill-building to promote healthy romantic relationships.

Knowledge and attitudes towards LGBT people and their healthcare needs among doctors in two selected hospitals in Sri Lanka

Abstract Introduction The sexual and gender minority (SGM) community is subjected to discrimination in healthcare settings due to the lack of knowledge and hostile attitudes among healthcare professionals globally. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of doctors in two hospitals in Sri Lanka towards SGM people & identifies various factors associated with their knowledge & attitudes. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 Medical Officers in two Sri Lankan hospitals. Data were collected through an online self-administered survey created using the modified SEKHQ (Sex Education and Knowledge about Homosexuality Questionnaire) & AHQ (Attitudes Towards Homosexuality Questionnaire). The response rate was 97.3% (N = 109). Cutoff scores were created to determine whether the knowledge and attitudes were ‘good’, & we used the Pearson correlation to assess their relationship. The association between attitudes and various factors was analyzed using the t test and we report p-values under 0.05. Results The preliminary results indicated that most Medical Officers had ‘good’ knowledge (70.6%; n = 84) & attitudes (94.5%; n = 103) toward SGM people. A moderate & positive linear correlation (r = 0.567) between knowledge & attitudes was noted, such that better knowledge aligned with better attitudes. Sociodemographic factors, such as sex, marital status, & hometown of the participants, & professional factors, such as years of experience & graduation from university, showed no association with attitudes. In contrast, a strong association between self-perceived religiosity (higher religiosity) & negative attitudes was identified (p < 0.05). Conclusions The knowledge and attitudes of doctors in the selected hospitals are satisfactory, & knowledge is a possible tool in shaping the attitudes toward the SGM community in Sri Lanka. Self-perceived religiosity harmed attitudes, which calls attention to specific education efforts needed among more religious providers.

Exploring the intersection of sexual identity and route of administration in relation to cannabis use among young adult females.

Rates of cannabis use continue to increase with sexual minority women (SMW) reporting greater use than heterosexual women. Along with these increasing trends, the routes of administration (ROA) for cannabis are evolving. The current study examined associations between cannabis ROA and frequency of use, as well as differences across sexual identity (heterosexual vs. SMW). Participants were 949 young adult (18-25 years old) women (29.8% SMW) who reported past month cannabis use and were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Number of cannabis use days and each ROA used (joint, pipe, blunt, bong, vape, edible, and ointment) in the past 30 days were measured. Analysis of covariance models examined if sexual identity moderated the association between each ROA and cannabis use frequency. Among the full sample, joints were the most common ROA (78.6%); cannabis vaping was the most common noncombustible ROA (25.9%). SMW were more likely than heterosexual women to use each ROA except for joints. SMW who used pipes or edibles reported greater cannabis use frequency, compared to those who did not; there were no differences in frequency of use across ROA for heterosexual women. SMW may use a greater variety of ROA, potentially increasing the harms associated with cannabis. Marketing strategies targeting the sexual minority community may increase the likelihood of using various cannabis ROA and subsequent use. Findings further our knowledge about how young adult women are using cannabis, and highlight how ROA may contribute to the disparities observed among SMW.

Navigating the Viral Divide: Sexual and Gender Minority Community Perspectives on Treatment as Prevention.

Since it was established that HIV-positive individuals who maintain an undetectable viral load are unable to sexually transmit HIV (U=U), treatment as prevention (TasP) has become an important biomedical HIV prevention option. Many have remained optimistic that TasP, combined with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), will help close the "viral divide" between those living with and without HIV. This qualitative interview study of 62 sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals of mixed serostatuses explored community perspectives regarding TasP, including the meaning of undetectability and how U=U impacts understandings of serodifference. Five key themes emerged from interviews: (1) undetectable does not equal HIV-negative, (2) PrEP is more promoted than TasP, (3) TasP increases openness to serodifferent sex, (4) rejection of TasP absolutism, and (5) the importance of layering prevention strategies. These findings suggest that while TasP is helping to bridge the viral divide, serostatus distinctions remain prevalent and important to many SGM individuals.

Reporting and Help-Seeking among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Victims of Stalking

Given the disproportionately higher rates of stalking among sexual minority individuals, the present study aimed to explore factors that influence these victims’ help-seeking behaviors. Employing data from the United States’ 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) Supplemental Victimization Survey (SVS), this study explores various demographic and psychological factors impacting help-seeking among sexual minority and heterosexual victims. Results indicate that sexual minority individuals are significantly more likely to seek help than heterosexual victims of stalking. Further exploration through logistic regression, limited to the sexual minority group, shows significant associations between help-seeking and age, sex, and emotional distress from stalking, but not race. Indicating that younger respondents, female respondents, and those experiencing an emotional impact are more likely to seek help for stalking victimization among sexual minority victims. These findings emphasize the importance of sexual orientation in understanding help-seeking behaviors among stalking victims, suggesting a need for more tailored support services for the sexual minority community.

Effects of SGM Education for Undergraduate Medical Students in a Canadian Context

Medical schools have been striving to equip students with the tools and skills needed to serve patients from the LGBTQ + community, also called the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community. This study aims to assess student comfort with providing care, and faculty knowledge and preparedness in delivering SGM-centered education at our home institution. We conducted two mixed-methods surveys, one geared towards medical students across four years of study and one towards medicine faculty. Each survey collected first demographic information about participants, then used a validated tool to assess knowledge of the SGM community. The qualitative component of both surveys then consisted of a needs assessment to determine what students felt should be changed about their curriculum, and what faculty felt should change about their training to deliver this curriculum. We received 26 student responses from all 4 years of study and 35 faculty responses from a variety of medical specialties. Difference in knowledge assessment scores was not statistically significant across both cohorts. Most students felt overall comfortable providing care for sexual minority individuals, and faculty similarly felt comfortable teaching, but data showcases that perceived comfort is higher among the student cohort. We propose that students are acquiring knowledge and comfort with providing for SGM individuals from sources outside their curriculum, and that additional training of faculty is vital to ensure students not doing this independent learning do not fall through the cracks.

"Did I get into the twilight zone somehow?": sexual and gender minority cancer caregiver experiences during COVID.

The COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for cancer patients and caregivers. Little is known about the confluence of the pandemic and people with multiple marginalized identities, such as those in the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community. We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study using semi-structured interviews to elicit experiences of cancer among a diverse population of SGM patients and caregivers and a matched set of cisgender heterosexual (cishet) individuals. Here, we present qualitative findings focused on caregiver experiences as ascertained from the broader study. We discovered differences between SGM and cishet caregiving experiences, with SGM caregivers reporting less comfort in the cancer center environment; dissatisfaction with patient-provider communication; feeling excluded from their loved ones' care; and increased social isolation resulting from the caregiver experience. SGM and cishet caregivers described the detrimental impact of the pandemic. Our data suggest SGM caregivers experience additional burdens to cancer caregiving when compared to cishet peers. Although SGM and cishet caregivers reported challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges appeared greater and more acute for SGM caregivers. Pandemic-related findings point to overall gaps in SGM cancer caregiver supports that may be remedied by additional research and targeted intervention development.

Consequences of interminority ingroup rejection for group identification and well-being.

The rejection-identification model (RIM; Branscombe et al. 1999) suggests group identification mitigates the negative effects of perceived discrimination on psychological well-being. The RIM has not been applied to instances of interminority ingroup rejection-discrimination by one's ingroup toward another of their ingroups (e.g., a gay Black American perceiving racial discrimination within his LGBTQ+ community). We address two questions: (a) do the predicted relationships between constructs in the RIM replicate for interminority ingroup rejection? (b) How does interminority ingroup rejection relate to identification with the discriminating ingroup? We test these questions using structural equation modeling (SEM) on a secondary dataset including respondents (N = 3,300) who identify as members of both a racial and sexual minority. Our analysis produced two key findings. First, replicating past RIM research, we show that perceived discrimination-whether heterosexist or racist in nature-predicts worse well-being and higher identification with the target group. Furthermore, we demonstrate an indirect effect such that discrimination predicts higher group identification and this is positively related to well-being. Second, the interminority ingroup rejection-identification paths varied as a function of whether discrimination was heterosexist or racist. Greater heterosexism within one's racial community predicted greater racial ingroup identification; however, racism within one's sexual minority community was not a significant predictor of sexual minority group identification. We discuss implications of interminority ingroup rejection for people who belong to intersecting minority groups and make recommendations for extending research on this issue. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Disparities in Psychological Distress between Czech General Population and LGB + Community Sample

Sexuality and gender identity measures are rarely included in population-level health studies, even though research shows that sexual minorities are among the groups most vulnerable to psychological distress. In this study, we strive to make the first step towards overcoming this gap in data availability in Czechia. We used data from a recent Czech General population sample (N = 1,841) aged from 15 to 92 with mean = 46,53 and SD = 17,68 years and a Czech sexual minority community sample (N = 1,788) aged from 15 to 71 with mean = 24.2 and SD = 10.1 years that included 642 gay or lesbian men (either cis or trans), 427 gay or lesbian women (either cis or trans), and 450 bisexual individuals (94 men and 356 women, both either cis or trans). We found that all LGB+ subgroups had significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to general population as measured by Brief Symptom Inventory. This effect was more pronounced in bisexual participants than in gay and lesbian participants. This is the first Czech study focused on comparison of the differences in psychological distress between the general population and sexual minorities. Our study shows that overcoming the lack of inclusion of sexuality and gender identity measures in relevant population health surveys needs to be addressed soon.

Toward equitable coastal community resilience: Incorporating principles of equity and justice in coastal hazard adaptation

Abstract To meet the challenges of hazards impacting coastal communities, demand is growing for more equitable coastal natural hazard adaptation and disaster mitigation approaches, supported by co-productive research partnerships. This review paper outlines contemporary advances in hazard adaptation and disaster mitigation with attention to how an equity and justice framework can address the uneven impacts of hazards on marginalized and underserved communities. Drawing upon the allied concepts of distributive, procedural, systemic, and recognitional equity and justice, we illustrate how these concepts form the basis for equitable coastal resilience. To demonstrate how equitable resilience can effectively advance contemporary adaptation and mitigation strategies, we present two vignettes where collaborative partnerships underscore how equitable coastal hazard planning and response practices complement these processes in coastal zones subject to large earthquakes and tsunamis. The first vignette focuses on disaster response and takes place in the Tohoku region of Japan, with diverse gender and sexual minority community members’ experiences of, and responses to, the 2011 Tohoku disasters. The second vignette centers on hazard planning and takes place on the U.S. Pacific Northwest coast along the Cascadia Subduction Zone to demonstrate how principles of distributive, procedural, systemic, and recognitional equity can inform the co-production of alternative coastal futures that prioritize equitable resilience. From this discussion, we suggest applying an equity lens to research processes, including alternative futures modeling frameworks, to ensure that the benefits of hazard adaptation and disaster mitigation strategies are equitably applied and shared.

Experienced weight stigma, internalized weight bias, and maladaptive eating patterns amongheterosexual and sexual minorityindividuals.

The current study examined experienced weight stigma (EWS), internalized weight bias (IWB), and maladaptive eating patterns (ME) among sexual minority (SM) and heterosexual individuals. The sample consisted of cisgenderheterosexual and SM men and women. Participants were drawn from introductory psychology classes and a variety of supplemental recruitment methods (Facebook, Instagram, MTURK, etc.). SM individuals reported higher levels of EWS, IWB, and maladaptive eating patterns than heterosexual individuals.Heterosexual men reported the lowest levels of EWS, IWB, and ME compared to all other groups. Additionally,therewas a significant association between greater EWS and IWB and greater ME. Gender identityandsexual orientationimpacted the strength of the relationship between IWB and ME and, to a lesser extent, EWS and ME. This investigationcontributes toknowledgeoftheimpact ofgender identityandsexual orientationonEWS and IWB, and demonstrates that IWB and EWS are significant concerns for the SM community, especially in relation to ME. Level IV, cross-sectional study.