We aimed to analyze the factors associated with depression among LGBT+ people exposed to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Peru. We conducted secondary analysis on a subset (n = 5846) of cases from an online survey of LGBT+ people. Individual (age, work status, prior mental health conditions, identity expression fear), structural (forms, agents, and contexts of discrimination), social (family support, relationship status, community participation, activism, knowledge of LGBT+ laws), and institutional (sexual health information) variables were associated with depression in our sample. Mental health inequalities are driven by multiple intersecting layers of social factors across individual, structural, social, and institutional levels.
This study utilized a concurrent, triangulation mixed method design to explore pandemic mental health dynamics in the context of technology usage. We surveyed 406 adults from predominantly rural regions in the US (n = 118 LGBTQ+-identifying) (Step 1), and completed follow-up in-depth interviews with n = 43 LGBTQ + people from the original sample (Step 2). Our integrated findings highlight how LGBTQ + people's heightened mental health concerns were related to downstream processes and patterns of heavily relying on certain technologies, smartphones in particular, during the pandemic. Service providers and policymakers can utilize the findings to tailor effective LGBTQ + programming.
Studies of the options available to transgender persons of coping with the social support and exclusion of their families show that those options have emotion- and problem- focused features which would favorably affect the outcomes of coping. This mixed-method study investigated the merits and proposed ways whereby a small cohort of transgender adolescents and young adults in the Provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, Southern Thailand might choose from, and apply, those options in their own lives. The investigation was conducted with the aid of open-ended, semi-structured interview schedules in interviews. Focus was put on how the theoretical bases of the emotion- and problem-based approaches could be translated into practical actions by the interviewees. Content analysis identified the themes, sub-themes, and correlations that emerged from the data. The research concluded that support and exclusion of transgender persons by their families triggered different reactive ways of coping, that they had both emotion- and problem-focused preferences in doing so, and that the study had highlighted the likely adaptation difficulties and challenges faced by transgender persons in general. The study recommended ways whereby acceptance of and social support for the transgender adolescents and young adults concerned might be advanced.
Stigma can have a debilitating effect on mental health. Both LGBTQ+ individuals and substance users experience stigma, and concurrent membership of both groups can result in double stigma. This study aimed to investigate differences in stigmatized attitudes based on substance use behaviors and sexual identity using data from 102 participants (83% female). Findings suggest the presence of a hierarchy of stigma where heterosexual individuals were typically viewed more positively than LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of the substance using status of the LGBTQ+ individual. However illicit drug use by heterosexual individuals resulted in the most negative attitudes. Implications are discussed.
Sexual minority university students experience higher rates of victimization than cis-heterosexual individuals experience and are at increased risk of mental health issues and poor academic achievement. This pilot study included 20 university students who self-identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and had experienced bullying. They completed an anonymous online survey about their openness regarding their sexuality/ gender and their perceptions of support following victimization at school and/or university. Disclosure was most likely with friends, rarely with university staff and only happened in a safe trusting relationship. Twelve participants had been bullied because of their sexuality/gender. They sought support from family/friends but found dubs were most helpful. They highlighted that being a part of a larger group helped to validate their sexuality and/or gender and they could share their experiences. Participants valued having a meaningful respectful relationship with someone who is empathetic. They wanted their concerns taken seriously and emphasized the importance of effective action being taken by the educational institution. Participants were less likely to disclose to someone if they suspected homophobic attitudes. They recommended making the information about where to get support more visible, ensuring confidentiality, and having a dedicated LGBTQIA+ counselor.
The purpose of this study of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) among college students was to compare re-victimization rates between sexual minority and heterosexual students and to describe their help-seeking behavior. Sexual minority students who reported previous physical IPV victimization at baseline were at heightened risk for re-victimization during the course of this yearlong study. Sexual minority students more often sought help from formal sources of help (e.g., college counselors) than informal ones (e.g., friends and family) following physical IPV victimization. These findings highlight the importance of increasing access to social services tailored to the needs of this at-risk population.
Primary care services are cornerstones for US health care, assuring preventive screening, maintenance of therapeutics, and access to specialty care. Sexual minority (SM) adults are less likely to have access to primary care services than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, access to health services among SM persons can vary by age. One plausible explanation for these disparities are experiences of minority stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services among SM people in the United States across multiple age cohorts. A series of logistic regressions examined associations among multiple experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services. Analyses, stratified by age cohort, examined associations between experiences of minority stress and access to primary care services. Felt stigma, on average, was negatively associated with having a primary care provider among the full sample. The stratified analysis revealed that higher rates of felt stigma were negatively associated with having a primary care provider only among younger SM adults. This study offers novel information suggesting that unique experiences of minority stress are linked with barriers in access to primary care services among SM people.
Whilst research on the LGBTQ + community, Domestic Abuse (DA) and the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is expanding, the LGBTQ + community have often been hidden from societal discourses within the CJS and overlooked in the wider narrative of DA. This study was guided by a queer theoretical framework, using semi-structured interview data from 10 LGBQ + participants in the UK to explore the voices of this community, gaining insight into their perceptions of domestic abuse, and how inclusive and responsive the CJS are currently in their approaches to the LGBTQ + community and LGBTQ + DA. An experiential thematic analysis of the data identified four themes including 'Unique forms of abuse', 'LGBTQ + Domestic Abuse is hidden and unrecognizable', 'Double Discrimination horizontal ellipsis our identities, our experiences' and 'LGBTQ + Awareness and Domestic Abuse horizontal ellipsis Past, Present and Future.' LGBQ + participants discussed the specific multi-layered complexities attached to LGBTQ + DA and described the current narrative of LGBTQ + DA as invisible and discriminatory. Participants offered insights related to CJS approaches of LGBTQ + DA, such as implementing specialist LGBTQ + DA training and creating visible awareness of LGBTQ + DA. In addition, participants offered suggestions of content to LGBTQ + DA Perpetrator Programmes. Together, these perceptions and related suggestions propose future directions of inclusive and responsive practice within the CJS for LGBTQ + victims/perpetrators of domestic abuse.
People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or other diverse sexual or gender identities (LGBTQ+) experience psychological distress in the face of public votes regarding their human rights. This was the case during Australia’s 2017 vote on marriage equality. The present study retrospectively explored two key concepts: how LGBTQ + people coped with Australia’s marriage equality vote and its perceived long-term impacts. We conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with LGBTQ + Australians two-and-a-half years after the vote and analyzed transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis. Coping strategies included social withdrawal, seeking affirming spaces, turning helplessness into action, and seeking professional support. Perceived legacy included changed relationships, greater emphasis on LGBTQ + identity and community, losing faith in social and political institutions, commitment to pursuing minority group rights, and changed views on marriage.
Sexual and gender minority individuals (e.g., gay, bisexual, non-binary, transgender; SGMI) are 2-6 times as likely as cisgender heterosexual individuals to experience alcohol or other substance use disorders. SGMI participate in 12-Step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), at high rates. Though social support is an established mechanism through which 12-Step programs support reductions in substance use, little is known about SGMI's experiences of the social support in 12-Step programs. This qualitative study aims to understand the experiences of social and community support among SGMI involved in 12-Step programs. This study employed thematic analysis to interpret open-ended responses from 302 SGMI who had participated in 12-Step programs. Data was from The PRIDE Study, a large, national, online. longitudinal, cohort study of SGMI. Two themes emerged about how SGMI experienced social and community support in 12-Step programs: beneficial connections and harmful environments. Beneficial connections included a sense of community, shared experiences, and skills provision. Harmful environments included marginalization, oppression, violence, and bullying. This study highlights the variability of experiences of SGMI participating in 12-Step programs. These findings suggest that many SGMI may benefit from 12-Step programs but may need support in coping with potential harms that can emerge through participation.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among sexual minority men (SMM) and is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. While a limited body of research has examined help-seeking and its potential barriers among SMM who have experienced IPV, less research has explored other forms of coping with IPV within this population. Moreover, the contextual factors that inform the use of specific coping strategies and their perceived effectiveness are not well understood. To address this gap in the literature, the present study used a qualitative design with a demographically diverse sample of (n = 25) young sexual minority men (YSMM) to (1) build on current understanding of help-seeking and its potential barriers; (2) identify coping strategies used beyond help-seeking; and (3) explore contextual factors surrounding the use of these strategies. Results indicated that participants used the following strategies to cope with IPV: help-seeking (e.g., informal and formal support), distraction (e.g., substance use, casual sex, and other general distractions), cognitive reappraisal, venting, denial, and avoidance of future relationships. Participants additionally reported several barriers to help-seeking. The narratives that emerged from this study are considered within the scope of the current literature, and implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.
In South Africa, older transgender people experience severe psycho-social issues due to racism, transphobia, the break-down of the health system and economic disparities. Photo-voice was utilized in a qualitative study with older transgender people (n = 5) and key informants (n = 5) in Cape Town. The aim was to explore photographs of their experiences as they grew up during and after Apartheid. The findings indicate experiences of minority stress and anxiety together with financial concerns when accessing health-care services as they anticipate transphobia and discrimination. The article will offer recommendations to social workers on how to affirm older trans clients when doing interventions.
This study examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence in monogamous, same-sex female relationships. Participants included lesbian or queer cisgender women, age 18 or older, in a current committed relationship (N=87). Results may provide insight into factors of abuse for this population.
The transgender and gender diverse (TGD) population have suicide rates approximately nine times greater than the general population. The gender affirming care model proposed in this case study is based on college-enrolled emerging adults and derived from the complimentary theories of gender minority stress theory and dialectical behavior therapy to integrate a TGD-centered approach that aims to reduce suicidality while increasing gender congruence. It also highlights how higher education administration and practitioners could be more responsive in their interactions and support for the TGD community to reduce suicidality and improve overall mental health.
Sexual and gender minority individuals (SGMI; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people) experience increased rates of alcohol use disorder and additional barriers to participating in alcohol use interventions compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. This suggests a need for accessible, evidence-based alcohol use interventions for these populations. Through conducting a feasibility and preliminary effectiveness trial of SMART Recovery, a cognitive-behavioral mutual help group for addictive behaviors, with a sample of SGMI (N = 32), this study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of SMART Recovery for reducing alcohol use and related problems for SGMI. Primary feasibility metrics included average number of sessions attended per participant and average number of participants per session; preliminary outcomes were evaluated by comparing alcohol use symptoms at pre- and post-test through a t-test. Results suggest that SMART Recovery is potentially a feasible and effective intervention for SGMI experiencing challenges with alcohol use. On average, participants attended 5.36 sessions (target: 4-6 sessions). The average session was attended by 3.63 participants (tentative target: 5 participants). A comparison of pre and post-tests (n = 13) suggested significantly lower alcohol use among participants at the end of the intervention relative to the beginning (t = 1.92; p < 0.05).
Despite LGBTQ + serving organizations being bastions of education, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ + communities, there is a dearth of work on LGBTQ + people's experiences with them. Through qualitative interviews with U.S. LGBTQ + residents (N = 19), we explore what LGBTQ + people experienced from LGBTQ + serving organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the challenges, barriers, and support that LGBTQ + people encountered, the meaning they received from LGBTQ + serving organizations, and the tensions between caring for self and others. We provide recommendations for how LGBTQ + serving organizations can better meet the needs of diverse LGBTQ + people.
This study examined the individual differences in perceived pressure to get married among Chinese LGB individuals in terms of demographic, parental, and geographical factors (N = 408, Mage = 25.9, SD = 4.8). For parental factors, LGB individuals with mothers employed in non-government system and parents having below college education level experienced higher pressure than their counterparts. For geographical variables, LGB individuals who were born and raised in North China and in villages or towns experienced higher pressure than those in South China and prefecture-level cities, respectively. The results implicated that the intervention and health service should be provided for target LGB population.
Psychosocial assessment by a qualified mental health provider, colloquially referred to as "getting a letter," is recommended for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals seeking gender-affirming medical care (GAMC). This study used an online survey to examine the logistics and overall affective responses of TGD adults (n = 134) to this process. Findings revealed that, to varying degrees, participants were involved in several steps to obtaining the letter, including seeing the letter before it was sent to medical providers. Overall, participants reported generally positive experiences with the process of "getting a letter" based on the affective measures of empowerment, stigma, helpfulness, and harm, with transgender women feeling more empowered than transgender men in the process. Documenting the lived experiences of TGD adults seeking GAMC is a critical step on the path to realizing health equity.
Pre- and post-test outcome measures of a revised version of the Competency Assessment Tool for LGBT Clients (LGBT-CAT) and the Gender Identity Counselor Competency Scale-Revised were administered. LGBT-CAT rater scores were recorded for each of the 11 items measured in the study.NoteGroup: 1 = TSG, 2 = GMGRace/ethnicity: 1=White, 2=Black or African American, 3=Hispanic or Latinx, 4=Asian or Pacific Islander, 5=American Indian or Alaska Native, 6=otherGender Identity: 1=woman, 2=man, 3=transgender woman, 4=transgender man, 5=otherSexual Orientation: 1=heterosexual or straight, 2=gay, 3=lesbian, 4=bisexual, 5=otherProfession: 1=psychology, 2=social workThe thematic analysis file includes three open-ended questions asked to participants for continuing education course evaluations (note that the course evaluations did not collect demographic information). Open-ended questions included a) What was your overall impression of the course?; b) What did you learn that was new or different?; and c) What changes will you make to your practice as a result of this course?
Suicide is a leading cause of death in emerging adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT). This study examines discriminatory healthcare experiences and suicidality in LGBT adults, aged 18-24 (n = 90), who completed a health needs assessment in the Southeastern US. Regression indicated that gender identity, gender identity treatment discrimination, and discriminatory behaviors by providers accounted for 29% of variance in past suicide attempt(s). Individuals reporting being blamed for their health status were more likely to report a history of suicide attempts (p = 0.017). Providers need training to provide care competently to LGBT emerging adults.
