Sexual Minority Stigma Research Articles

Multilevel Sexual Minority Stigma-Based Experiences and Mental Health Among U.S. Sexual Minority Adults: A Socio-Ecological Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Analysis

Abstract Background The current study aimed to longitudinally examine whether intrapersonal stigma (i.e., internalized stigma; identity concealment) mediates the associations between interpersonal stigma (i.e., adulthood and childhood victimization; everyday discrimination; perceived external stigma) and mental health outcomes among sexual minority adults, and as a function of two moderators: structural climate and generation. Methods Data from 600 sexual minorities across three generations (i.e., ages 18-25, 34-42, 48-55) who completed all three waves of the 2016-2019 Generations Study were merged with census division data on legal climate (2016 Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index). A series of three-wave time-lagged simplex moderated mediation models were estimated for each independent and dependent variable combination through two parallel mediators, with both moderators included on each independent-mediator variable pathway. Results Greater identity concealment partially explained the effects of perceived external stigma on greater psychological distress and suicidal ideation, but most strongly among older generations. Other mediation was not supported. Reversed sensitivity analyses revealed how identity concealment’s positive effect on suicidal ideation may be suppressed through lower adulthood victimization and, only among younger generations in higher stigma climates, how it’s positive effects on psychological distress and suicidal ideation may be suppressed through lower everyday discrimination. Conclusions Identity concealment may represent a salient mechanism through which sexual minorities navigate structural climates and the harmful effects of interpersonal stigma on distress and suicidal ideation. While the longitudinal findings provide some support for the cross-level effects of sexual minority stigma on mental health outcomes, further advanced time-lagged examinations are warranted.

Operationalizing Macro-Level Structural Sexual Minority Stigma: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Abstract Background Structural stigma, including discriminatory laws, inequitable policies, and negative attitudes, has been conceptualized as the general societal climate and institutional conditions that shape sexual minorities’ lives, mental, and physical health. While multidimensional indices have been used globally, U.S.-based studies have largely relied on single indicators (e.g., a law or policy; presence of resources). This scoping review aimed to identify structural sexual minority stigma indicators relevant to the U.S. context, to inform comprehensive, multidimensional future operationalizations. Methods Systematic database searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, and JSTOR, and snowball techniques resulted in 70 articles. After duplicate deletion and abstract review, 25 unique indices were long-listed relevant to structural sexual minority stigma at country or state level (i.e., macro level). School (district) and county (i.e., exo level) indicators were excluded. Results From the long-listed indices, a total of 112 legal and policy indicators were narrowed down to relevant 33 macro-level indicators and grouped across seven domains: criminal justice, hate crime protections, non-discrimination, religious refusal, relationship recognition, parenting, and youth laws and policies. Two different quantifications of population attitudes were identified that aggregated social and policy opinions across states regarding sexual minority adoption, hate crimes, health benefits, labor and housing, public speaking or teaching, marriage, sodomy, and civil unions. Discussion While a large variety of legal and attitudinal indicators was identified, few U.S.-based studies used multidimensional operationalizations (e.g., law, policy, opinion) needed to reduce risk of confounding bias through population-attitudes-to-law/policy backdoor pathways. To further advance the science on structural sexual minority stigma and health globally, future studies may benefit from multidimensional approaches. Key messages • With many legal and attitudinal indicators identified, few studies used multidimensional operationalizations (e.g., law, policy, opinion) needed to reduce risk of confounding bias. • To further advance the science on structural sexual minority stigma and health globally, future studies may benefit from multidimensional approaches.

Longitudinal effects of sexual minority stigma on depressive symptoms among young men who have sex with men: Distinguish between and within person effects.

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience high levels of sexual minority stigma (SMS) and depressive symptoms (DS) over the world and in China. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the longitudinal effects of SMS on DS of YMSM, especially focusing on YMSM and separating the between-person and within-person effects. This study aimed to fill the said gaps. Study data were derived from a prospective cohort of 349 YMSM from central China (Wuhan, Changsha, Nanchang), the baseline survey was started in 2017 with one follow-up visit every year. SMS and DS were measured three times using valid and reliable instruments. The cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and the random intercept CLPM (RI-CLPM) were used to examine the between-person and within-person concurrent and lagged effects, respectively. Findings of CLPM revealed bidirectional associations between SMS and DS over time. RI-CLPM suggested that at the between-person level, SMS was significantly associated with DS, echoing the results of CLPM. However, this reciprocal relationship has not been found at the within-person level. The associations between SMS and DS among YMSM at the population level is more significant than that at the individual level. We suggest that interventions should be against the adverse effects of cultural marginalization and systemic change the social concepts to reduce the amount of SMS in society.

Examining the association of structural stigmas with body image-related outcomes among sexual minority individuals

Sexual minority individuals display heightened body image disturbance, which is associated with negative health outcomes. Structural stigmas are associated with negative health outcomes among sexual minority individuals, but the association between structural stigmas and body image is not understood. Using a linear regression approach, we examined how U.S. state-level structural racism and structural sexual minority stigma were associated with body image-related outcomes including eating pathology, appearance and/or performance-enhancing drug (APED) misuse, and dysmorphic concern. Participants were 942 cisgender sexual minority individuals ages 18–30, with approximately equal representation among non-Hispanic/Latinx White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latinx individuals. There was not a significant main effect of state-level structural sexual minority stigma on body image-related outcomes. In states with higher structural racism, Hispanic/Latinx participants endorsed higher APED misuse, and this interaction was not significant among non-Hispanic/Latinx White individuals. This pattern was not found among Black or Asian participants, nor was it replicated for dysmorphic concern or eating pathology. Findings suggest that reducing exposure to structural racism could reduce APED misuse among Hispanic/Latinx individuals.

The Impacts of Stigma Against Sexual Minority Men Within and Between Various Socioecological Levels: Breaking the Vicious Cycle in Zambia.

Sexual minority men (SMM) face persistent stigma in Zambia. From a holistic perspective, we aim to explore its impacts within and between multiple socioecological levels, demonstrating how their interactions create a vicious cycle of barriers to the well-being of SMM. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 purposively recruited SMM from Lusaka, Zambia. All interviews were audio-recorded, after written consent, transcribed verbatim, and iteratively coded employing inductive (i.e., data-driven) approaches for thematic analysis using NVivo. Results suggest three key themes: (1) interpersonal socially perpetuated sexual minority stigma (SMS); (2) multidirectional interactions between psychosocial well-being and risk-taking behaviors; and (3) institutionally perpetuated SMS as a barrier to seeking and receiving health care. SMS permeates across all levels of the socioecological model to negatively impact the psychosocial well-being of SMM while acting also as a barrier to accessing HIV prevention and care. Our study necessitates structural public health intervention to decrease stigma and discrimination against SMM in Zambia, in efforts to increase their psychosocial well-being as well as their access to and utilization of HIV care by breaking the vicious cycle of SMS that pervades through the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional levels of the socioecological model.

Parenting Desire Among Sexual Minority Women in China: From the Stigma Perspective.

In China, women who are childless or have children outside of heterosexual marriage are generally stigmatized. Consequently, Chinese sexual minority women are challenged for their willingness to have children. This study explored how multiple (structural-interpersonal-individual) levels of sexual minority stigma are related to parenting desire among Chinese sexual minority women. Furthermore, it examined the mediation mechanism of individual stigma and the moderation effect of outness to one's family in the link between structural/interpersonal stigma and parenting desire. Participants (265 lesbian and 193 bisexual women) completed online measures of structural stigma (adherence to Confucianism), interpersonal stigma (discrimination events), individual stigma (internalized homophobia and rejection sensitivity), outness to one's family, and parenting desire. Lesbian women reported lower structural and individual stigma and parenting desire levels than bisexual women. Sexual minority women's high adherence to Confucianism, internalized homophobia, and rejection sensitivity were positively associated with their increased parenting desires. Notably, adherence to Confucianism and discrimination events were associated with parenting desire through internalized homophobia, but not rejection sensitivity; moreover, outness to one's family buffered the direct link between adherence to Confucianism and parenting desire and strengthened the direct link between discrimination events and internalized homophobia and the indirect link between discrimination events and parenting desire. This study contributes to a robust understanding of how sexual minority stigma is connected to parenting desire among sexual minority women in Chinese sociocultural contexts, providing cultural-specific evidence to support theories of stigma and minority stress.

Parental accepting and rejecting behaviors: Experiences of South Asian gay and bisexual men in Canada

AbstractObjectiveThis article explored the coming out experiences of South Asian gay and bisexual young men at home.BackgroundIntersectionality theory suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth of color may experience double minority stress, due to facing the multiple stressors of sexual minority stigma and racism. Although family support has been identified as important social support for youth, little research has considered how well families support South Asian LGBTQ youth.MethodSemistructured interviews were conducted with 15 gay and bisexual South Asian young men. Data were systematically analyzed according to the principles of interpretive description.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified in the analysis including that (a) parents were very concerned about what others would think about their child's sexual orientation; (b) parents demonstrated a wide range of reactions to their child's disclosure, which most commonly included anger, denial, and avoidance; and (c) there are a lack of resources for South Asian sexual minority youth.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that because of traditional homophobic attitudes espoused by South Asian cultures, South Asian gay and bisexual youth find it very challenging to navigate coming out to their parents. For the same reasons, it makes it very difficult for South Asian parents to accept their child's sexual orientation.ImplicationsIt is important that interventions to increase parental support of South Asian gay and bisexual youth are culturally relevant.

Communication about children's origins among same‐gender adoptive parent families in Belgium, France, and Spain

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored communication about children's origins among same‐gender parent adoptive families.BackgroundAlthough this topic has been widely researched among different‐gender parent adoptive families, communication about origins among those with same‐gender parents, as well as sexual minority identity dynamics relevant to this crucial task, remain unexplored.MethodA sample of same‐gender adoptive couples (N = 31) from Belgium, France, and Spain with children aged between 4 and 18 years (Mage = 8.9 years) participated in a semistructured interview and a graphic projective test aimed at explore their feelings and communication process about their adopted child's birth family.ResultsInductive thematic analysis yielded a continuum of three main stances conveyed by adoptive parents regarding their child's origins: (a) critical/minimization, (b) cautious/uncertainty, and (c) open/validation. The first (critical/minimization) was associated with experiences of sexual minority stigma and poorer communication about children's origins and sexual minority family‐related issues, while the second (cautious/uncertainty) was characterized by mixed feelings (i.e., at times open, at times critical) in communicating about origins and parents' sexual minority experiences. The third (open/validation) was associated with positive feelings toward adoptive and sexual minority family statuses, as well as identity integration as a lesbian or gay parent and low internalized sexual stigma.ConclusionOur findings underline the importance of sexual minority identity issues in relation to communication about children's origins in same‐gender parent adoptive families.ImplicationsThese findings have important implications for both adoption assessment and therapeutic work with same‐gender adoptive parent families.

"Building that strong energy": An exploration of stigma coping strategies among sexual and gender minorities in Nigeria.

Sexual and gender minority stigma (SGM stigma) affecting Nigerian sexual and gender minorities (SGM) is associated with suboptimal HIV outcomes, and one mechanism found to explain the relationship is suicidal ideation. A better understanding of coping strategies may help mitigate the harmful impacts of SGM stigma. Interviews of 25 SGM from Abuja, Nigeria participating in the [Blinded for Review] study were thematically analyzed in regards to how they coped with SGM stigma. Four coping themes emerged: avoidant behaviors, self-monitoring so as to not attract stigma, seeking support and safe spaces to be themselves, and empowerment and self-acceptance through a process of cognitive change. They utilized multiple coping strategies, often believing that stigma could be avoided through the right actions and a masculine appearance. Multi-level and person-centered interventions that increase safety and support, facilitate resiliency, and improve mental health and engagement in HIV programming could mitigate the effects of SGM stigma and coping responses of isolation, blame, and mental health stressors among Nigerian SGM.

Adverse childhood experiences, sexual minority stigma, social support and depressive symptoms among Chinese men who have sex with men: A moderated mediation modelling analysis

Adverse childhood experiences, sexual minority stigma, social support and depressive symptoms among Chinese men who have sex with men: A moderated mediation modelling analysis

Psychosocial characteristics pattern correlated with HIV-related risky sexual behavior among HIV-negative men who have sex with men: a latent profile analysis

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have become a high risk population of HIV infection due to their risky sexual behaviors. The latent pattern of psychosocial characteristics plays an important effect in HIV-related risky behaviors among HIV-negative MSM. Participants were recruited from Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha city from September 2017 to January 2018. Social support was assessed by the multidimensional scale of social support, Connor-Davidson Resilience scale-10 items for reliance, the assessment of Stigma towards Homosexuality for sexual minority stigma, the Likert subscale of nondisclosure for identity concealment, the ACE questionnaire-Kaiser-CDC for adverse childhood experience, the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for depression. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and multivariate regression were used to analyze the data. Three psychosocial characteristic patterns were revealed by the LPA. "Social support and resilience group" (SR group), "Identity concealment group" (IC group) and "Adverse childhood experience" (ACE group) were identified, respectively. In comparison with "SR group", "IC group" have a higher likelihood of one-night male partners (AOR = 2.74, 95%CI = [1.54, 4.90]), both fixed and one-night male partners (AOR = 2.01, 95%CI = [1.34, 3.01]) and HIV-unsure male partner (AOR = 2.12, 95%CI = [1.44, 3.13]). Similarly, "ACE group" were more likely having inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.58, 95%CI = [1.41, 4.73]), and having sex with HIV-positive male partner (AOR = 4.90, 95%CI = [1.95, 12.30]) with comparison of "SR group". In addition, we further revealed that "ACE group" had a higher ratio (90.0%) of inconsistent condom use among MSM whose male partners were HIV-positive. Six important psychosocial factors were divided into three latent pattern classes. Compared with "SR group", "IC group" and "ACE group" were more likely to engage in HIV-related risky sexual behaviors. Further research may pay more attention to "IC group" and "ACE group" for targeted intervention.

Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV.

In addition to the pervasive anti-Black racism faced by Black people in the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face sexual minority stigma and, among BMSM living with HIV, HIV-related stigma. These multilevel social forces shape social networks, which are important sources of resources, support, and behavior regulation. This study quantitatively examined the relationship between social network characteristics and sexual minority stigma (e.g., homophobia, biphobia), assessed by reported concerns around disclosing one's sexual minority status, among BMSM in Baltimore, Maryland in 2014 (N = 336). A majority of participants (63.7%) reported experiencing medium or high levels of sexual minority disclosure concern. In a multiple linear regression model, participants with higher sexual minority disclosure concern reported lower network density and having fewer good friends who are gay or bisexual men. Stratifying the same multiple linear regression model by HIV status supports the importance of an intersectional understanding of sexual minority and HIV-related stigma. These findings can help health-related programs address the complex relationships between sexual minority stigma, social networks, and HIV status within this multiply-marginalized and high-priority population.

Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills as Mediators Between Sexual Minority Stigma and Condomless anal Sex Among Black South African Men Who have Sex with Men.

We assessed pathways between sexual minority stigma and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among two samples of Black South African men who have sex with other men (MSM). Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Tshwane, South Africa; one among 199 Black MSM and another among 480 Black MSM. Men reported on external and internalized experiences of sexual minority stigma, mental health, alcohol use, information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model constructs, and CAI. Structural equation modeling was used to test whether external and internalized stigma were directly and indirectly associated with CAI. In both studies, external stigma and internalized stigma were associated with CAI through IMB model constructs. These results suggest a pathway through which stigma contributes to HIV risk. For HIV prevention efforts to be effective, strengthening safer sex motivation and thus decreasing sexual risk behavior likely requires reducing sexual minority stigma that MSM experience and internalize.

Co-occurring Epidemic Conditions Among Southern U.S. Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in an Online eHealth Intervention.

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face disproportionately higher risks for adverse sexual health outcomes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. This disparity can be attributable to overlapping and intersecting risk factors at the individual and structural levels and can be understood through syndemic theory. Using longitudinal data from the HealthMPowerment trial (n = 363), six conditions related to stigma syndemics were indexed as a cumulative risk score: high alcohol use, polydrug use, depression and anxiety symptomology, and experiences of racism and sexual minority stigma. Using Poisson regression, we found a positive association between baseline risk scores and sexual risk behavior (b: 0.32, SE: 0.03, p < 0.001). Using a Generalized Estimating Equation, we also found a 0.23 decrease in the within-participant risk scores at 3-month follow-up (SE: 0.10, p < 0.020). Future work examining how care and prevention trials improve health outcomes in this population is needed.

Differences between Australian bisexual and pansexual women: an assessment of minority stressors and psychological outcomes

ABSTRACT The current study examined whether Australian cisgender women who identify as bisexual or pansexual differ in their experience of minority stress, and, in turn, psychological distress and well-being. A convenience sample of 229 Australian cisgender women who identified as bisexual or pansexual responded to a survey assessing minority stressors and psychological outcomes. Compared to bisexual women, pansexual women were more open about their sexuality, more connected to the LGBTIQ+ community, and somewhat more conscious of sexual minority stigma. No difference in psychological distress was observed between groups. However, pansexual identification was indirectly associated with psychological distress via elevated stigma consciousness. Similarly, there were no differences in psychological well-being between bisexual and pansexual women. However, pansexual identification was indirectly associated with poorer psychological well-being via stigma consciousness and greater psychological well-being via LGBTIQ+ community connectedness, suggesting that pansexual identification has a complex relationship with well-being. These findings suggest different underlying sexual minority experiences between bisexual and pansexual women in an Australian context, which influence psychological outcomes in divergent ways between groups. Clinical implications include the importance of recognising the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual individuals, and the need for tailored care for these populations.

Enacted Sexual Minority Stigma, Psychological Distress, and Sexual and Drug Risk Behaviors Among Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

Urban Black men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV and syphilis in the U.S. Experiences of enacted sexual minority stigma and psychological distress among these men may be associated with HIV/STI sexual and drug risk behaviors. The objective was to determine the associations between enacted sexual minority stigma, psychological distress, and sexual and drug risk behaviors. In an urban prospective cohort study, survey measures assessed past 3-month exposure to enacted sexual minority stigma, psychological distress, and sexual and drug risk behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized for hypothesis testing. The Black MSM (N = 140) reported the following: 22.1% experiences of enacted sexual minority stigma, 39% high levels of psychological distress, 48.6% > 1 sex partner, 8.6% transactional sex, and 6% injection drug use (IDU). In models adjusted for age and education, enacted sexual minority stigma significantly increased the odds of reporting > 1 sex partner, transactional sex, and IDU. Adjusting additionally for homelessness, the association between enacted sexual minority stigma and transactional sex remained significant. Adding psychological distress to this model showed a significant association between psychological distress and transactional sex, while the association was no longer significant for transactional sex. These findings highlight some of the complex psycho-social relationships that may be associated with sexual and drug risk behaviors among Black MSM placing them at increased risk for HIV and syphilis.

Sexual Minority Stigma and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Sexual Minorities: the Mediating Roles of Sexual Orientation Concealment, Self-Criticism, and Depression.

IntroductionNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), a significant predictor of suicide, is more frequent in sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual) than in heterosexuals. The Minority Stress Model proposed that sexual minority stigma (SMS) may lead to maladaptive behaviors, including NSSI. However, the potential mechanism underlying the relationship between SMS and NSSI remains unclear. Therefore, the current study will examine the relationship between SMS and NSSI, and explore the serial mediating roles of sexual orientation concealment (SOC), self-criticism, and depression.MethodsA total of 666 individuals who self-identified as sexual minorities (64.0% male, Mage = 24.49 years, SD = 6.50) completed questionnaires of SMS, SOC, self-criticism, depression, and NSSI, in 2020.ResultsThe findings indicated that (1) SMS, SOC, self-criticism, depression, and NSSI were positively correlated; (2) SOC, self-criticism, and depression independently played partial mediating roles between SMS and NSSI; and (3) SOC, self-criticism, and depression played serial mediating roles between SMS and NSSI.ConclusionsThe current study supported the relation between SMS and NSSI among Chinese sexual minorities, and also implied a potential mechanism underlying the relation. Specifically, SMS was related to increased NSSI by higher SOC, self-criticism, and depression. SOC had dual-edged effects on NSSI.Policy ImplicationsTo reduce NSSI and other psychological problems among sexual minorities, policy makers should take more measures to eliminate SMS. Specifically, policy makers are encouraged to provide more support for changing sexual minorities’ living environment, such as repealing bills that could cause SMS and popularizing the knowledge about sexual orientation.

Chained multimediator model of sexual orientation disclosure, sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience among ymsms

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate sexual orientation disclosure and mental health among young men who have sex with men (YMSMs). To this end, we constructed a chained multimediator model of sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience, with the moderator of sexual orientation disclosure.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 345 YMSMs in Nanning, China. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Sexual minority stigma was used to predict identity, with social support as the step 1 mediator and resilience as the step 2 mediator. Sexual minority identity was analyzed using a chained moderated mediation model; sexual orientation disclosure was included as a moderator in all models to control its confounding effect.ResultsThe average age of YMSMs was 20.0 ± 1.3 years. Bivariate analysis indicated that YMSMs who disclosed sexual orientation may have experienced less stigma (15.49 ± 3.02 vs 16.21 ± 2.74), obtained more social support (65.98 ± 11.18 vs 63.19 ± 11.13), had strong psychological resilience (37.40 ± 8.57 vs 35.39 ± 7.73), and had a more positive self-identity (104.12 ± 21.10 vs 95.35 ± 16.67); differences between subgroups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Sexual minority stigma, perceived stigma, and enacted stigma were significantly associated with social support and resilience. The association between sexual minority stigma and sexual minority identity was significantly mediated by social support (indirect effect [95% CI] = − 3.307 [− 4.782, − 1.907]). Resilience significantly mediated the same association for identity (− 2.544 [− 4.052, − 1.114]). The chained relationship from sexual minority stigma to social support, resilience, and identity was also significant, with an indirect effect of − 0.404 [− 0.621, − 0.249].ConclusionAmong YMSMs in China, sexual minority stigma affects sexual minority identity through social support and resilience. Given the psychological effects of stigma, social support and resilience must be considered to better promote positive self-identity and mental health among YMSMs.

Romantic love and involvement in bullying and cyberbullying in 15-year-old adolescents from eight European countries and regions

Sexual minority youth are at greater risk for bullying victimization than their heterosexual peers but data on perpetration and cybervictimization is limited. Using representative data from seven European countries and one region (N = 14,545), this study compared traditional bullying victimization and perpetration, and cyberbullying victimization among 15-year-old adolescents who reported ever being in love with same- or both- gender peers (sexual minority) versus opposite-gender peers (non-minority). Adolescents who have never been in love and non-respondents were also included. Analyses were stratified by gender and adjusted for country/region and family affluence. Compared to those attracted to opposite-gender peers, traditional bullying perpetration was more likely to be reported by both-gender attracted girls, while bullying victimization was more likely to be reported by both-gender attracted girls and both- and same-gender attracted boys. All sexual minority youth were more likely to report cybervictimization compared to their non-minority peers. Adolescents who have never been in love reported lower levels of bullying involvement than all other youth. Sexual minority stigma may contribute to higher risk of bullying involvement among adolescents. Interventions need to specifically address bullying involvement and associated health risks of sexual minority youth. Available evidence shows that explicit school policies and interventions tailored to local settings are particularly effective.

57. Recommendations for Parents and Communities to Support South Asian Sexual Minority Youth in Canada

Intersectionality theory suggests that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth of colour – including South Asian youth – may experience double minority stress, due to facing the multiple stressors of sexual minority stigma and racism. There is relatively little research focusing on what is needed to improve support for South Asian LGBTQ youth according to their lived experiences. The purpose of this study was to identify the actions that South Asian gay and bisexual young men recommended for parents and communities to improve support for South Asian sexual minority youth living in Canada.