Sexual Minority Males Research Articles

Online tobacco marketing among US adolescent sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic minorities

IntroductionThe tobacco industry has previously targeted sexual/gender and racial/ethnic minorities with focused campaigns in traditional, offline marketing. We assess whether these populations report more engagement with online tobacco marketing compared with heterosexual and non-Hispanic white youth. MethodsData were from 8015 adolescents sampled between 2014 and 2015 in the nationally-representative Population Assessment for Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Engagement with online tobacco marketing within the past year was assessed through eight forms of engagement. A weighted logistic regression model was fit with engagement as outcome and socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics, internet-related and substance use behavior, tobacco-related risk factors, tobacco use status, and prior engagement with online tobacco marketing as covariates. ResultsAccounting for other covariates including tobacco use status and prior engagement with online tobacco marketing, the odds of past-year engagement were higher for sexual minority males (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.05–2.35) compared to straight males and higher for sexual minority females (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.13–1.87) compared to straight females. The odds of past-year engagement were also higher for Hispanics (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11–1.56) and non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.14–1.77) compared to non-Hispanic Whites. ConclusionsSexual/gender and and racial/ethnic minority youth reported higher engagement with online tobacco marketing than their heterosexual and non-Hispanic white peers, respectively.

The role of peer victimization, sexual identity, and gender on unhealthy weight control behaviors in a representative sample of Texas youth.

The aim of the study is to examine the association between victimization and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB), accounting for other key correlates of UWCB while considering the moderating role of sexual identity and gender. This study used data from the 2017 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a representative sample of students in grades 9-12 in the U.S. state of Texas, including 2,067 students (1,754 heterosexuals and 313 sexual minorities). We used survey-weighted logistic regression to examine the association of sexual identity, gender, and victimization (dating violence, cyberbullying, and school bullying) with UWCB, after adjusting for demographic information and indicators of weight, physical activity, and support from adults. Unhealthy weight control behaviors were associated with older age, being obese, lack of support from adults, low physical activity, and cyberbullying. A significant three-way interaction between gender, sexual identity and bullying showed that bullying was associated with high levels of UWCB among sexual minority males. Our study highlights the role of victimization in health behaviors for stigmatized groups, and the importance of school efforts to implement an equitable and safe learning environment for all students.

LGBTQ+ Youth’s Experiences and Engagement in Physical Activity: A Comprehensive Content Analysis

Research suggests that sexual and gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning; LGBTQ+) youth report avoiding physical activity settings (e.g., physical education class, locker rooms, and sport fields) due to feeling both unsafe and uncomfortable. These feelings and experiences might deter LGBTQ+ youth from achieving well-documented physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits that are often associated with physical activity and sport involvement. A 20-year (1998–2018) content analysis methodology was employed to obtain a more detailed understanding of LGBTQ+ youth’s participation and engagement in physical activity and sport. Minimal literature was obtained (n = 13 studies), along with an overall pattern that sexual minority youth engage in less physical activity than other populations of students. This disparity was more conclusive for sexual minority males then sexual minority females. One study was inclusive of transgender youth and suggested that transgender youth participated in sport to a similar degree as their cisgender peers; though overall, transgender youth felt less safe in typically gender-segregated spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms. This review shines light on discrepancies of engagement and feelings of safety in the physical activity and sport context among LGBTQ+ youth. This review further delineates methodological characteristics of the yielded studies as a means to comprehensively review this body of literature.

Consent for HIV Testing Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males: Legal Status, Youth Perceptions, and Associations with Actual Testing and Sexual Risk Behavior.

This brief report presents a preliminary investigation of the relations between minor consent laws for HIV testing/treatment and testing behavior among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM; N = 127; ages 14-17). Most participants had legal capacity to consent without parental/guardian permission (HIV testing: 79%; HIV testing/treatment: 65%). Despite having this legal right, few (15%) had ever tested. Capacity to consent was not associated with HIV testing in this sample; nevertheless, those who had not disclosed their sexual activity to parents/guardians were less likely to have tested. Confidentiality concerns may be a barrier to testing for these youth despite laws intended to enable independent testing.

Positive Development and Changes in Self-Rated Health Among Young Sexual Minority Males: The P18 Cohort Study

We seek to move beyond a deficits-based approach, which has dominated our understanding of health and wellbeing in in young sexual minority males (YSMM), by examining how indicators of positive development are associated with development of positive self-rated health in YSMM. Using data from a prospective cohort study of YSMM (n = 514; 18–22 years old; 36.9% Hispanic/Latino, 15.6% non-Hispanic Black, 30.2% White, 16.9% other/multi-racial), we examined how three measures of positive development–the Life Orientation Test, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Social Responsibility Scale (SRS) were associated with self-rated health (SRH), a valid and reliable measure of self-assessed general health status. Findings suggest that YSMM who self-identified as homosexual reported higher SRH while those who reported higher levels of substance use and mental health burdens reported lower SRH. Second, in linear growth models controlling for mental health burdens and substance use, higher scores on all measures of positive development were associated with higher ratings of SRH over time. In conclusion, the presence of positive development characteristics, specifically generalized optimism, life satisfaction and social responsibility, may buffer against negative SRH assessments. Health promotion programs focusing on positive development may more effectively promote health and well-being among YSMM.

The impact of fluid attraction and fluid identity on mental health

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examined the impact of sexuality factors and satisfaction with partner on stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the impact of predictors such as sexuality factors and relationship satisfaction on the dependent variables: stress, anxiety, and depression. Three main results were discovered. First, sexual minority females who have lower levels of education and are dissatisfied with their relationship experience significantly higher stress, while sexual minority males do not differ from heterosexual males in terms of relationship satisfaction or stress. Second, sexual minority females who have lower levels of education and who are dissatisfied with their relationship experience significantly higher anxiety, while sexual minority males do not differ from heterosexual males in terms of relationship satisfaction or anxiety. Finally, female sexual minorities who have lower levels of education reported fluid attraction, fluid identity, dissatisfaction with their relationship, and have significantly higher depression when compared to male sexual minorities or heterosexuals. Further research should examine gender and fluidity in greater detail.

Violence Victimization, Substance Use, and Suicide Risk Among Sexual Minority High School Students - United States, 2015-2017.

Youths identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another nonheterosexual identity (sexual minority youths) report more violence victimization, substance use, and suicide risk than do heterosexual youths (1). These disparities are generally attributed to minority stress (the process through which stigma directed toward sexual minorities influences health outcomes) (2,3). Sexual minority youths might experience negative outcomes associated with minority stress differently across sexual identities, but to date, no nationally representative study has examined differences in victimization, substance use, and suicide risk within sexual minority youth. Using pooled data from the 2015 and 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS), relationships between sexual identity groups and victimization, substance use, and suicide risk were evaluated with sex-stratified logistic regression models. Compared with heterosexual students, bisexual females and all sexual minority males reported more victimization; lesbian and bisexual females reported more use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana; and all sexual minority youths reported elevated high-risk substance use and suicide risk. Programmatic efforts to reduce and prevent victimization, substance use, and suicide risk among sexual minority youths might benefit from consideration of issues within group differences.

Chinese Sexual Minority Male Adolescents' Suicidality and Body Mass Index.

Excess weight status may increase the risk of suicidality among sexual minority females, but few studies have examined this suicidality disparity in sexual minority males. This study examined the association between sexual minority status and suicide attempts in Chinese male adolescents and tested whether body mass index (BMI) had a moderating effect on that association. Data were collected from 7th to 12th graders from seven randomly selected provinces of China in the 2015 School-Based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey. In total, 72,409 male students completed the questionnaires regarding sexual attraction, self-reported weight and height, and suicide attempts. After adjustment for covariates, sexual minority status was associated with suicide attempts among male students (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.57–1.93). Stratification analyses showed that BMI category moderated this association; compared with the results before stratification analyses, sexual minority males who were obese had increased risk of suicide attempts (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.09–4.24), sexual minority males who were overweight had reduced odds of suicide attempts (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.01–1.92), and no significant association change was found in sexual minority males who were underweight (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.43–2.33). Our study indicated that BMI moderated the risk of suicide attempts in sexual minority males. Suicide prevention targeting sexual minority males should be focused on weight status disparity and the creation of a positive climate to reduce minority stressors due to body image.

Potential Impact of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Black and White Adolescent Sexual Minority Males.

To assess the potential impact of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on the HIV epidemic among Black and White adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). We used a network model and race-specific data from recent trials to simulate HIV transmission among a population of Black and White 13- to 18-year-old ASMM over 20 years. We estimated the number of infections prevented (impact) and the number needed to treat to prevent an infection (efficiency) under multiple coverage and adherence scenarios. At modeled coverage and adherence, PrEP could avert 3% to 20% of infections among Black ASMM and 8% to 51% among White ASMM. A larger number, but smaller percentage, of infections were prevented in Black ASMM in all scenarios examined. PrEP was more efficient among Black ASMM (number needed to treat to avert an infection = 25-32) compared with White ASMM (146-237). PrEP can reduce HIV incidence among both Black and White ASMM but is far more efficient for Black ASMM because of higher incidence. Public Health Implications. Black ASMM communities suffer disproportionate HIV burden; despite imperfect adherence, PrEP programs could prevent HIV efficiently in these communities.

Sexual Minority Status and Adolescent Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Weight Status

This study examined sexual orientation differences in eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight status among adolescents in the U.S. Moreover, this study tested whether parental and peer influences contribute to sexual orientation disparities in adolescent eating behaviors, physical activity, BMI, and examined disparities in weight misperception. Cross-sectional data were from 1,926 adolescents who participated in the NEXT Generation Health Study in 2010-2011. Linear and multinomial logistic regressions conducted in 2017-2018 were used to test disparities and interactions with social influences. Relative to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority males and females consumed fruits and vegetables more frequently; sexual minority males engaged in less frequent physical activity; and sexual minority females were more likely to be overweight, perceive themselves as overweight, and to overestimate their weight. High parental expectation for physical activity was associated with more frequent vigorous physical activity among heterosexual adolescents, but less frequent vigorous physical activity among sexual minority males. Exercising with a same-sex peer buffered against the risk of higher BMI among sexual minority females. Parental and peer influences may serve as potential intervention targets to reduce disparities in weight-related behaviors. Longitudinal research is needed to understand the consequences of weight misperception among sexual minority females.

A Systematic Review of Family Victimization Experiences Among Sexual Minority Youth.

Sexual minority youth experience substantially higher rates of family victimization than their heterosexual peers. No systematic review has yet identified the predictors and consequences in this vulnerable population of childhood abuse, exposure to sibling abuse and domestic violence, and sibling aggression. This systematic review aims to (a) describe differences in these family victimization rates by sexual orientation, gender, and race/ethnicity; (b) identify potential sexual minority and non-sexual minority-specific risk factors; and (c) identify physical, mental, and behavioral health and extrafamilial victimization correlates. The systematic review, which followed PRISMA guidelines, yielded 32 articles that met study inclusion criteria. Rates of childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were consistently higher for sexual minority youth than for their heterosexual peers. Bisexual youth appear to be at greater risk for physical abuse than their gay and lesbian peers. Younger age at sexual minority milestones (first awareness, disclosure, and same-sex sexual contact) and higher levels of sexual minority-specific (sexuality disclosure, gender non-conformity) and non-sexual minority-specific (delinquent behaviors, parental drinking) risk factors were associated with higher rates of family victimization. Sexual minorities who experienced some form of childhood abuse reported more frequent physical (higher rates of HIV, higher BMIs, lower levels of perceived health), mental (higher rates of depression, PTSD symptoms, experiential avoidance, internalized homophobia), and behavioral (higher rates of suicidality, substance misuse, earlier sexual debut, unprotected anal sex) health problems relative to heterosexual or non-abused sexual minority peers. Sexual minority females who experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse were at greater risk than abused sexual minority males for sexual assault later in life. We conclude this systematic review with recommendations for future research, including the necessity for longitudinal research that utilizes a poly-victimization conceptual framework to identify the developmental pathways connecting risk factors, different types of family victimization, and health and extrafamilial victimization consequences.

Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Developmental Transition in Emerging Adulthood: Disparities in School, Work, Residence, and Transportation

PurposeTo examine associations between adolescent sexual minority status and developmental transitions in school, work, residence, and transportation 5 years later. MethodWe analyzed data from Waves 2 (Mean age = 17.2) and 7 (Mean age = 22.6) of the NEXT Generation Health Study (n = 2,000). Relative risks were estimated using Poisson regressions. ResultsRelative to heterosexual females, sexual minority females were more likely to report not attending school (relative risk [RR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.59), not anticipating college completion (RR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.01), and not having a driver's license (RR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.38, 5.05) at Wave 7. Relative to heterosexual males, sexual minority males were more likely to report living in three or more places in the past year (RR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.31, 6.76). ConclusionsAdolescent sexual minority status predicted worse educational outcomes among females and more unstable living environment among males.

Diabetes Risk Behaviors Are Higher among Sexual Minority U.S. High School Students

Low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk among youth. We investigated PA and SB among Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) respondents to determine if sexual minority youth may be at increased diabetes risk compared to heterosexual youth. Weighted city and state YRBS data were pooled across 44 jurisdictions biennially from 2009-2015, resulting in a sample size of 97 jurisdiction-years (350,673 students). Respondents had a median age of 16 years, were 50.3% male, and 46.8% white. Overall, 88.4% identified as heterosexual, 2.1% as gay/lesbian, 5.7% as bisexual, and 3.7% as unsure; more female (15.3%) than male (7.7%) students reported a non-heterosexual identity. Among females, bisexual and unsure (but not lesbian) youth reported significantly more hours per day of SB compared to heterosexual peers. We found no significant differences in SB among males. Both female and male sexual minority youth reported significantly fewer days per week of PA compared to sex-matched heterosexual peers. All unadjusted PA and SB findings remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, and survey year, except among lesbian youth. Studies of type 2 diabetes and risk factors among youth need to assess and account for sexual identity to ensure sexual minority populations are a priority target for prevention. Table I. Bold text: Unadjusted p-value significant; *Adjusted p-value <0.001; hetero=referenceSB (95%CI) Hours/DayPA (95% CI) Days/WeekSexual IdentityMaleFemaleMaleFemaleHeterosexual3.7 (3.7-3.8)3.6 (3.6-3.7)4.4 (4.3-4.4)3.4 (3.4-3.6)Gay/Lesbian3.7 (3.4-4.0)3.9 (3.7-4.2)2.8* (2.6-3.1)3.1 (2.9-3.4)Bisexual4.0 (3.7-4.3)4.3* (4.1-4.4)3.1* (2.7-3.4)3.0* (2.8-3.1)Unsure4.0 (3.7-4.4)4.3* (4.0-4.6)3.0* (2.7-3.3)3.0* (2.7-3.4) Disclosure L.B. Beach: None. B. Turner: None. R. Marro: None. G. Phillips: None.

Risk Factors for Forced, Incapacitated, and Coercive Sexual Victimization Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Male and Female College Students.

Although college students are at high risk for sexual victimization, the majority of research has focused on heterosexual students and often does not differentiate by victimization type. Thus, little is known about prevalence rates and risk factors for sexual victimization among sexual minority college students and whether the interaction between gender and sexual orientation differs by victimization type. To address these gaps, we examine whether risk factors for three types of sexual victimization (i.e., forced, incapacitated, and coerced) differ by gender (n = 681 males; n = 732 females) and sexual orientation (n = 1,294 heterosexual; n = 119 sexual minority) and whether the intersection of gender and sexual orientation is correlated with these three types of sexual victimization among 1,413 college students. Prevalence rate results revealed significant differences between gender and sexual orientation: Sexual minority females had the highest rates of coerced sexual victimization (58%), and their mean was significantly different from the other three groups (i.e., heterosexual females, heterosexual males, and sexual minority males). For both forced and incapacitated sexual victimization, heterosexual males had significantly lower means than the other three groups. Logistic regression results revealed that child sexual abuse increased the odds of experiencing both forced and coerced sexual victimization for both heterosexual and sexual minority students, whereas increased rates of risky sexual behavior were associated with forced and incapacitated sexual victimization but only for heterosexuals. Finally, heavy drinking increased the odds of experiencing incapacitated sexual victimization for both heterosexuals and sexual minorities.

Comparisons Between Smoking Patterns Among Sexual Minority Females and Males in Romantic Relationships.

Several studies have noted sexual minority disparities in tobacco smoking; however, few studies have examined the role of intimate partners in these different smoking behaviors among sexual minority men and women. Furthermore, few studies distinguish between intermittent and daily smokers. Thus, this study sought to examine whether perceptions of their partner's smoking behaviors were associated with their own smoking behaviors in a sample of sexual minority adults in romantic relationships. In total, 898 participants (413 sexual minority females and 485 sexual minority males) completed a one-time online anonymous survey. Approximately one third of the sample reported smoking, with 21.2% daily smokers and 9.8% intermittent smokers. Multinomial regression results revealed that for both sexual minority females and males having a partner who was a daily or intermittent smoker was associated with an increased odds of being a daily smoker, whereas having a partner who was an intermittent smoker was associated with an increased odds of being an intermittent smoker. These findings provide valuable information on the need to attend to romantic partners and consider tailored programming to account for different smoking patterns and partners' potential role in reinforcing smoking.

Psychometric analysis of the Life Worries Scale for a new generation of sexual minority men: The P18 Cohort Study.

Sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States continue to experience adverse health problems and psychosocial burdens. However, there is limited psychometric research seeking to quantify the life worries of this population. Informed by syndemic theory, the Life Worries Scale (LWS) was developed to measure the concerns of young SMM. Analyses of the scale were undertaken using baseline data (n = 665) from an ongoing cohort study of emerging adult, SMM. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) of an initial set of 24 Likert-type items, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an exploratory structural equation model (ESEM), indicated a structure consisting of 6 domains of worries: financial stability, social stability, self esteem, loneliness, physical appearance, and physical health. These 6 subscales were highly correlated and also demonstrated high levels of internal consistency. Differences in life worries were noted across demographic states, specifically HIV serostatus, sexual attraction, housing status, and self-rated health. High levels of association were also detected between all 6 subscales with both depression and PTSD, while significant correlations were detected between suicidality and both self esteem and loneliness related worries. The results of our analyses provide evidence for the strong psychometric characteristics of the LWS. This newly developed instrument should be utilized in research to examine the extent to which life worries explain health outcomes and risk behaviors in sexual minority males, and may be potentially extended for use in other populations. (PsycINFO Database Record

Prevalence and Risk of Drugging Victimization Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual College Students

Drugging (i.e., administering someone a drug or alcohol without their knowledge or consent) is a problem with substantial consequences for college students. Although sexual minorities face greater rates of drugging risk factors (e.g., greater rates of binge drinking have been identified among sexual minorities), no prior study has examined the prevalence or risk of drugging in this population. We sought to (1) describe rates at which heterosexual and sexual minority college students (separated by gender) have been drugged and to assess (2) sexual minority status and (3) illicit drug use as risk factors for drugging victimization for male and female college students. Results revealed that, controlling for established drugging victimization risk factors, male sexual minority college students were 72.9% more likely to report drugging victimization than heterosexual males. No significant differences in rates of drugging victimization were found between sexual minority and heterosexual women. However, both genders had greater drugging victimization among students who engaged in illicit drug use, binge drinking, and Greek life membership. These findings suggest that initiatives to promote the well-being of college students (e.g., sexual assault prevention) should include drugging as a focus, with outreach particularly to women and sexual minority men.

Associations Between Sexual Risk-Related Behaviors and School-Based Education on HIV and Condom Use for Adolescent Sexual Minority Males and Their Non-Sexual-Minority Peers.

With HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates disproportionately high among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM), it is important to understand how school-based sexual health education may relate to sexual risk-related behavior among this population. This analysis explores reported HIV/AIDS- and condom-related education and sexual risk-related behaviors among ASMM and their adolescent non-sexual-minority male (non-ASMM) peers. Students (n = 11,681) from seven Florida high schools completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires. A matched analytic sample of ASMM and non-ASMM students was created by using propensity score-matching techniques (n = 572). Logistic regressions controlling for individual and school characteristics examined reporting having been taught about AIDS or HIV in school, having been taught in school about using condoms, condom use at last sex, HIV/STD testing, and associations between these variables. Compared with matched non-ASMM peers, ASMM students were less likely to report having been taught about AIDS or HIV in school (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, P = 0.04) and having used a condom at last sex (OR = 0.39, P < 0.01), but were more likely to report having been tested for HIV or STDs (OR = 1.88, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences for reporting having been taught in school about using condoms. Among non-ASMM, reporting having been taught in school about using condoms was associated with a greater likelihood of condom use at last sex (OR = 4.78, P < 0.01); this was not seen for ASMM. Differential reports of receiving HIV/AIDS education and differential associations between condom-related education and condom use in ASMM and non-ASMM suggest that sexual health education in schools may not be resonating with ASMM and non-ASMM in the same way.

Childhood sexual abuse among men who have sex with men in urban north China: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundChildhood sexual abuse is associated with HIV vulnerabilities and psychological distress. Research indicates that childhood sexual abuse is also more common among sexual minorities. However, there is limited research into childhood sexual abuse among sexual minorities in China. We describe the prevalence and correlates of penetrative childhood sexual abuse among men who have sex with men (MSM) in urban north China. MethodsData were collected from July 4, 2013, to March 23, 2014, by anonymous, self-administered, structured questionnaires at MSM HIV testing clinics in Beijing and Tianjin, China. Participants were also recruited via peer referral, gay websites, and community-based organisations. Penetrative childhood sexual abuse was defined as being forced to have sex with someone before age 16 years. Logistic regression was used to assess measures of association. Study protocols were reviewed and approved by the National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Providence Health Care Research Institute, University of British Columbia. FindingsOut of 400 respondents, the prevalence of penetrative childhood sexual abuse was 5% (20/400). Median age at experience of penetrative childhood sexual abuse was 13 years (IQR 5 years). 85% (17/20) of perpetrators were older than the survivor (on average older by 7·5 years [SD 5·34]). Median length of relationship between the perpetrator and survivor was 3 months (IQR 24 months). Penetrative childhood sexual abuse was associated with migrant status (crude odds ratio [cOR] 3·65, 95% CI 1·04–12·55) and living with one's wife (4·09, 1·25–13·41). Pre-teen penetrative childhood sexual abuse was associated with Christian religious affiliation (cOR 7·24, 95% CI 1·40–37·30), particularly Catholic religious affiliation (11·71, 1·08–127·16). No significant associations were detected between penetrative childhood sexual abuse and HIV infection, unprotected sex, depression, or anxiety. InterpretationWe found that prevalence of penetrative childhood sexual abuse among urban Chinese MSM in urban North China was lower than in studies among MSM in North America, but higher than studies among Chinese males overall. These findings could help inform interventions to decrease childhood sexual abuse among sexual minority males in China. FundingMinistry of Science and Technology of China (2012ZX10004-904), the US Fulbright Program, and the Liu Institute for Global Issues.

Resilience to Discrimination and Rejection Among Young Sexual Minority Males and Transgender Females: A Qualitative Study on Coping With Minority Stress

ABSTRACTSexual minority and transgender status is associated with mental health disparities, which have been empirically and theoretically linked to stressors related to social stigma. Despite exposure to these unique stressors, many sexual minority and transgender individuals will not experience mental health disorders in their lifetime. Little is known about the specific processes that sexual minority and transgender youth use to maintain their wellbeing in the presence of discrimination and rejection. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 sexual minority males and transgender females aged 18–22 years, who currently met criteria for an operationalized definition of resilience to depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed qualitatively, yielding information related to a wide variety of problem-solving, support-seeking, and accommodative coping strategies employed by youth in the face of social stigma. Results are discussed in light of their clinical implications.