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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Method Results Conclusion The impact of attachment styles on mental health has been widely examined across diverse groups, yet the unique roles of these styles within sexual minority populations have only recently begun to be explored. The present study investigated the mediating effect of attachment style on the relationship of one aspect of sexual minority stress (termed negative LGB identity) and two indicators of mental health (i.e., psychological distress, self-esteem).Data from 284 LGB participants from the United States were gathered from an online survey and assessed in the present study.Negative LGB identity was correlated positively with both avoidant and anxious attachment. Further, negative LGB identity was also correlated positively with psychological distress and negatively with self-esteem. Two mediation models were assessed simultaneously using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro.After accounting for attachment style, there was no longer a significant direct effect of negative LGB identity on either psychological distress or self-esteem, indicating mediation. Such a finding highlights the importance of one’s attachment style on mental health for sexual minority people. Limitations and directions for future research were addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LGBTQ youth often experience unsafe school climates and are at greater risk for compromised mental health relative to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The psychological mediation model posits that these health inequities are produced by minority stress, which operates through several key mechanisms: rumination, emotion regulation, and coping. Efforts toward designing social services that might address these mechanisms, and thus improve LGBTQ youth well-being, are limited. Informed by empirical research and therapeutic practices, Be YOU! was conceived as a school-based empowerment program that provides LGBTQ youth with an accessible, safe space where they build skills to reduce rumination and promote emotion regulation and coping strategies for dealing with minority stressors. Developed collaboratively among a local LGBTQ youth center, a local school-based community organization, and university researchers, the Be YOU! partnership effectively circumvented barriers to accessing social services for LGBTQ youth. Findings from the pilot program evaluation showed that youth participation was associated with increased emotion regulation and decreased rumination. The practical impact on and positive feedback from LGBTQ youth suggest that there are measurable benefits and long-term promise in strategic multi-sector partnerships that address social services needs of LGBTQ youth and strengthen their ability to navigate minority stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress in a sample of 255 self-identified sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer) adults aged 18–68 years. Utilizing an online survey, self-compassion was examined as a mediator of the relationship between internalized heterosexism and psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depression). Findings revealed that self-compassion (SC) was inversely related to internalized heterosexism (IH) and the psychological distress variables (i.e., anxiety and depression). Further, SC fully mediated the relationship between IH and anxiety such that greater IH predicted less SC, which in turn predicted greater anxiety. Clinical implications for the role of SC in the positive mental health outcomes of sexual minorities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black sexual minority women (SMW) are disproportionately impacted by negative health outcomes, healthcare discrimination, and provider bias. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which sexual identity characteristics and minority stressors are associated with healthcare stereotype threat and healthcare access for Black SMW. Using secondary data from the Generations Study data, N = 142 Black and/or biracial cisgender women were analyzed using bivariate correlations and stepwise regression models. Healthcare stereotype threat was positively associated with higher perceptions of stigma, sexual identity concealment, and reports of sexual identity centrality. Healthcare access was affected by bisexual identity, masculine gender presentation, and sexual identity concealment. Improving Black SMW's healthcare utilization and experiences in healthcare settings is crucial for promoting health equity. Implications for healthcare providers and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with multiple minoritized identities, such as those that identify as a minoritized sexual orientation and/or gender identity and as a Person of Color (POC), report higher levels of distress that may result from complex systems and various sources of discrimination. Resilience is an adaptive response to oppression that enables marginalized communities to resist the impact of discrimination and rejection. The current study surveyed levels of resilience, distress, and elements of resiliency and how they differed among emerging adults who identify as non-LGBTQ+ POC; LGBTQ+ POC; LGBTQ+ White people; and non-LGBTQ+ White people. Data were collected from 1,194 participants at three large universities in the United States. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted that yielded significant differences by groups. Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences among the measured variables of interest. Of note, individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ POC reported lower distress and higher resilience, hope, and significantly higher spiritual support when compared to LGBTQ+ White participants. These results highlight how individuals who possess multiple minoritized identities may experience buffers to rather than additive minority stress, and spirituality may play a key role in this resilience. Implications for psychologists and helping professionals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concealment or hiding a transgender (trans) identity from a medical professional can negatively affect the care one receives. Reluctancy to disclose may be further exasperated when interacting with an unfamiliar physician or health provider. Using the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study (THIS) data containing (n = 344) self-identified trans individuals, a two-step logistical regression was used to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, experiences with discrimination, interpersonal supports, and levels of discomfort discussing a trans-identity and health needs with an unknown physician. Findings offer insight into the effects of stigma-based rejection sensitivity among trans individuals and point to the importance of establishing culturally sensitive health practices in the medical field. More broadly, I illuminate practical implications for trans care as well as highlight promising future research directions in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minority women (SMW) participate in higher rates of psychotherapy than their heterosexual counterparts, but little is known about how depression and anxiety interventions can meet the unique needs of these populations. This systematic review identified ten articles that focused on testing, developing, or informing depression and anxiety treatments for SMW. Adaptations to meet the needs of SMW focused on sexual orientation, gender, minority stress, and co-occurring mental health problems. Four studies included empirical evaluations of at least some elements of interventions, with only one of these studies involving a randomized controlled trial with a control group. Six articles, including study protocols and guidelines for interventions, proposed intervention strategies that have not yet been subject to empirical evaluation. The strongest evidence emerged in support of cognitive-behavioral interventions to meet the needs of SMW. Future research should empirically evaluate proposed identity-focused adaptations for treating depression and anxiety among SMW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minority women (SMW; e.g., lesbian, bisexual) experience depression and alcohol use disorder at approximately twice the rates of heterosexual women. Though discrimination is a common explanation for these disparities, little is known about the mechanisms through which discrimination contributes to these disparities. Past research has found that the strategies that individuals use to regulate their emotions in response to discrimination may influence their depression symptoms and alcohol use symptoms. The current study proposes and validates a model to test whether alcohol use, suppression of emotion expression, and social support explain the relationships between discrimination and depression/alcohol use symptoms of cisgender SMW. A national sample of 1,782 cisgender SMW completed an online survey in 2017 through The PRIDE Study. Structural equation modeling was used to test model hypotheses. Discrimination was associated with lower levels of social support, but discrimination was not associated with higher levels of alcohol use or suppression. Social support, alcohol use, suppression, and discrimination were all significantly associated with depression symptoms. This study makes an important contribution to the literature by evaluating mechanisms that may potentially drive depression and alcohol use symptoms among cisgender SMW, focusing on mechanisms that can be intervened upon using existing evidence-based practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosexism negatively impacts the mental health of sexual minorities, although the degree to which people are impacted and the nature of how they respond to minority stressors varies. In this systematic review, the authors synthesize literature on heterosexism and three psychodynamic personality factors—attachment style, defense style, and ego identity—and reconceptualize heterosexist stigma as something that not only impairs mental health but also influences personality development. The authors present a theoretical framework that outlines the bidirectional influences between sociocultural contexts and the self, which can inform future research and clinical work with sexual minority clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one million gay and lesbian Americans are veterans. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) veterans experience high rates of trauma, discrimination, and minority stress and show evidence of poorer physical and mental health. Societal histories of homophobia, stigma, discrimination, and past military policies have had a lasting impact on the health of LGBT veterans and have made many reluctant to engage with the healthcare system. Highlighting the case of one older lesbian veteran, this paper argues that if the needs of a patient are truly a priority, we must be better prepared to effectively address the relationship between intersecting identities and disparities to guide care. This case was taken from a sample of 31 in-depth interviews with lesbians in the Rocky Mountain Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minority women (SMW) engage in higher rates of substance use treatment than their heterosexual counterparts, yet little is known about how treatment can target the unique needs of SMW. This systematic review identified twelve articles that focused on testing or developing substance use interventions for SMW. Adaptations to meet the needs of SMW focused on sexual orientation, gender, minority stress, and mental health. Only four interventions were empirically evaluated. Behavioral interventions had the greatest empirical support, and results were mixed for the inclusion of partners in treatment. Future research should empirically evaluate proposed identity-focused substance use interventions for SMW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking causes more deaths among people living with HIV than HIV infection itself. Few smoking cessation interventions and studies of sexual minority communities have considered the lived experiences of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) living with HIV. Before developing interventions for these men, we need to answer: How do experiences of discrimination and stigma influence their perceptions of smoking? This phenomenological study was led by a community-based organization. We conducted six focus groups with 53 BMSM living with HIV in Los Angeles. We used minority stress theory in the analysis and interpretation of the data. We identified two themes: (1) co-occurrence of race and sexual orientation stressors and smoking (e.g., "I feel like I'd be discriminated against sometimes because I'm gay and because I'm Black.") and (2) smoking as a reaction to HIV-positive status (e.g., "I know more people that started smoking after they found out they [had] HIV."). Participants smoked to cope with stressors around race, sexual orientation, and living with HIV. These findings challenge us to ensure that smoking cessation interventions address the personal and social concerns of BMSM living with HIV and help them identify healthier ways to cope with stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from an online survey of 6,112 licensed social workers in 13 U.S. states, rates of reported behavioral health problems and service utilization, physical health problems, adverse childhood experiences, workplace stress, and compassion satisfaction were compared between heterosexual male, heterosexual female, gay/bisexual male, and lesbian/bisexual female respondents. Sexual minority workers reported far higher rates of mental health problems and service utilization, higher rates of physical problems, more frequent reporting of adverse childhood experiences, with no differences found between groups regarding workplace stress and compassion satisfaction. Minority stress theory and historical trauma are used as frameworks to conceptualize the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the monumental victory of marriage equality for same-sex couples, sexual and gender minorities continue to face barriers toward full equality in a variety of contexts. This study adds to limited research examining the impact of marital recognition on personal and relational well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach we explored the experiences of 218 Midwestern, married, same-sex couple members. We contend perceptions of recognition influence distinct aspects of personal well-being for those in married same-sex relationships. Individuals residing in states without marriage equality displayed significantly greater negative affect than their peers in marriage equality contexts. Qualitative findings revealed themes of legitimacy and security following marriage, but clear distinctions in experiences were evident based on legal recognition. Collectively, participants' expressed a stronger relational bond following marriage. Perceived recognition, via state policy, served as a catalyst for many couples to take refuge in specific residential locales. Yet, regardless of context, narratives depicted minority stress experiences including encountering affirmation and opposition to their identities and relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased advocacy for the informed consent model of transgender health care specifies that patients should be in control of access to receiving medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery. However, in practice, mental health clinicians, including clinical social workers, are increasingly called upon by medical providers to serve as gatekeepers for these processes. It is frequently the role of social workers to assess transgender clients' baseline mental health and their understanding of the consequences of treatment, and to forward recommendations to medical providers regarding the readiness of patients to transition. Therefore, social workers assisting transgender clients must be aware of the ethical standards that are particularly pertinent to their work with this marginalized and oppressed population. They must also be prepared to address unique ethical dilemmas that may be especially challenging to resolve. In this article we apply the most commonly utilized bioethical framework known as Principlism to describe the ethical standards and values that are particularly important to consider when working with transgender clients, namely autonomy; beneficence; nonmaleficence; and social justice. Because clinical social workers are frequently in the position of balancing client self-determination with their role as gatekeepers, a framework for resolving resulting ethical dilemmas is described (I CARE) and applied to three case examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored self-described strengths and strategies for coping with stress among sexual minority women (SMW), drawing on qualitative narratives of sexual minority and heterosexual women who were recruited from a populationbased sample. In-depth follow-up qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 48 women who had participated in the National Alcohol Survey, a U.S. population-based survey. Participants included 25 SMW and 16 matched exclusively heterosexual women. Narrative data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and constant comparison to explore the study aim, with an emphasis on themes that diverged or that were particularly salient for SMW relative to heterosexual women. Strengths and coping strategies that were especially meaningful in the narratives of sexual minority women emerged in two areas. First, participants described development of intrapersonal strengths through nurturing an authentic sense of self and embracing multifaceted identity. Second, participants described multiple strategies for cultivation of interpersonal resources: navigating distance and closeness with family of origin, cultivating supportive friends and chosen family, connecting to community, finding solace and joy with animals, and engaging in collective action. Findings underscore the importance of considering protective factors that are salient to SMW in developing or refining prevention and intervention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:This study aimed to determine what predicts a man who identifies as MSM living in a conservative state to inform his provider of his sexual behaviors and/or his sexual orientation.Methods:We administered an anonymous online survey to 148 men who reported seeing a general medical provider in the last 12 months. All participants resided in Oklahoma.Results:When controlling for HIV status, previous STI diagnosis, and age, logistic regression modeling yielded significant results (x2(9) = 31.22,p<.001) predicting 70.3% of cases. Age and overall disclosure of sexual orientation and/or sexual behaviors were significant predictors.Conclusion:Individuals who did not disclose their sexual orientation or same-sex behaviors to friends and family members were less likely to inform their providers of their sexual orientation. Disclosure of MSM status provides additional opportunities to enhance primary and secondary prevention strategies in rural and conservative areas that are necessary to optimize health, including but not limited to HIV screening and discussion of pre-exposure prophylaxis that their counterparts in urban settings more readily receive. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are at risk of victimization which can lead to poor outcomes. Social support can mitigate the effects of minority stressors, yet little is known about social support among nonmetropolitan SGM youth. This study utilized minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) and Weeks' (1996) theory of how sexual minority communities are constructed to understand how nonmetropolitan SGM youth perceive the support they receive from SGM and non-SGM friends. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nonmetropolitan SGM youth. Youth received general emotional support, relationship advice, and protection from SGM and non-SGM friends. From their SGM friends, participants reported receiving greater closeness and emotional intimacy and assistance with SGM identity development. Participants indicated that receiving acceptance for their SGM identity was important from their non-SGM friends. Participants also discussed the limits to support their non-SGM friends could offer. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons often receive end-of-life care incongruent with wishes. Evidence with heterosexual samples supports associations among end-of-life documentation (do not resuscitate [DNR] orders, durable power of attorney for health care orders [DPOAH], living wills [LW]), and care consistent with wishes. However, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness regarding utilization of these documents among LGBTQ persons. Of 107 participants, most had heard of each document (95% DNR, 91% DPOAH, 97% LW), but had not procured them (26% DNR, 50% DPOAH, 51% LW). Answers above 4 on a 5-point Likert scale indicated willingness to pursue these documents and belief documents would be enforced. However, approximately one-third of respondents believed documents would be enforced more for heterosexual persons than themselves. This result indicates sexuality or gender minority-related stigma may be a barrier to document utilization. Future research, policies, and guidelines should address these concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite legal and cultural amelioration of homophobia, shame and internalized homophobia persist with concomitant adverse health and mental health consequences. J. L. Moreno's system of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy offers approaches that help counter shame and internalized homophobia and increase peer support among diverse groups of gay men. Sociometric tools help create safety, establish group cohesion, build interpersonal connections, and strengthen identification and a sense of universality. The technique of doubling increases empathy. Explorations conducted during brief enactments using psychodramatic techniques heighten appreciation for diversity in the community while promoting self-acceptance and increased self-efficacy. Group sharing guidelines help strengthen mutual identification and mitigate shame and social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the number of individuals 65 and older continues to grow, so too does the richness and complexity of their identity. Specifically, the culture of aging within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community has received little attention in the literature. In order to best serve this population, human service professionals must understand the reality of aging within diverse communities. This article explores the impact of an invited campus speaker focused on LGBTQ+ aging on a rural college campus. Results indicate a general increase in overall knowledge and appreciation for issues directly impacting the aging LGBTQ+ community. Recommendations for practice, grounded in a social justice framework, are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to explore how middle-aged gay men in recovery cope with stigma and family relationships. For gay men, perceptions of acceptance of their sexual orientation and degree of social connectedness can play a role in their recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Yet gay men may have a more difficult time accessing certain family-level health resources because their families of origin may stigmatize, reject, or silence them on account of their sexual orientation. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore how participants in recovery constructed and coped with their experiences of stigma, family relationships, and alcohol and substance use. Participants (30 gay men ages 50 to 64) completed a questionnaire and interview.We used constructivist grounded theory method and minority stress theory as a theoretical framework to interpret the data. We identified the following themes: Internalization of Stigma, Changes in Coping Strategies, and Ongoing Stigma. Future research should explore how to incorporate familial support into gay men's recovery, address ongoing internalized stigma, and develop a social response to stigma, rather than leaving it to individuals to confront on their own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent changes in societal attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities have resulted in more people openly identifying with sexual minority status. Due to research on the effects of denying one's sexual orientation and the negative effects of this, many have advocated for more openness in queer sexual orientation. Compassion means connecting to the suffering of others not by avoiding their pain but instead by identifying it so that the feeling of kindness may emerge. Self-compassion, therefore, involves being touched by and open to one's own suffering, not avoiding or disconnecting from it, generating the desire to alleviate one's suffering and to heal oneself with kindness. The purpose of the research is to understand the impact that being out has on a queer person's self-compassion. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is a 26-item, 5-point Likert measure, where a higher score equated to higher self-compassion and looked at how a person showed loving kindness to one's self through the six dimensions of self-compassion. The six dimensions of self-compassion are mindfulness, over-identification, self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, and isolation. Results showed that those who are totally out have a higher sense of self-compassion. Implications for practitioners working with the queer population are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sexual minority youth, including emerging adults, are at risk for negative health outcomes. Minority stress theory posits that heterosexism can contribute to these outcomes among sexual minorities. Researchers have tested this theory with respect to interpersonal heterosexism; however, little attention has been given to macro-level and environmental forms of heterosexism, especially among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth. In this study, we examine the role of objective social climate (LGB state-level policies) and experiential distal and proximal environmental microaggressions on the psychological well-being of LGBQ emerging adults. Furthermore, we examine the role of LGBQ identity salience as a moderating factor on the macro/environmental-heterosexism and well-being relationship. Multivariable linear regression results suggest that living in a state without same-sex marriage laws is associated with greater self-esteem, whereas both distal and proximal environmental microaggressions are risk factors for anxiety and perceived stress. Furthermore, identity salience can ameliorate the effects of distal microaggressions and intensify the effects of proximal microaggressions and same-sex marriage legislation. Implications for practice with sexual minority youth are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Increasing attention has been paid to the lack of services and support afforded older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) women in same-sex relationships, including caregivers. This study was designed to investigate the needs and perceptions of LGBTQ women from ages 35 to 91, including informal caregivers and older adults regarding services and support from health care providers. Questionnaires were completed by older LGBTQ women (N= 76), and follow-up interviews were conducted with 25% of caregiver respondents. The majority of subjects indicated a fear of future challenges and discrimination. Four main themes emerged when analyzing the open-ended responses: the need for health care workers who were both supportive and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues; better and consistent recognition of same-sex partners and their rights to make decisions as primary caregivers; increased sensitivity training regarding the needs of LGBTQ patients and caregivers; and more open and accepting environments where LGBTQ patients and caregivers could feel comfortable discussing issues with the staff. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rates of alcohol use for sexual minority youths are nearly twice that of their heterosexual peers, yet specific risk and protective factors associated with alcohol use among sexual minority youths remain unclear. Structural equation modeling is used to examine relations among alcohol use, peer and family support, and discrimination among 207 diverse sexual minority youths. Discrimination had no relationship to alcohol use; however, it was negatively associated with peer and family support. Peer support was associated with greater alcohol use among bisexual youths. This study adds to our understanding of the roles of discrimination, social support, and alcohol use among diverse sexual minority youths. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Few studies have examined the impact of minority stress theory (MST) upon sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men using club drugs. Similar studies have focused on ethnic minorities and women; however, gay and bisexual men demonstrate greater likelihood for risk behaviors leading to HIV/AIDS. Objective: This study examines sexual risk behavior from the perspective of minority stress theory upon substance-using gay and bisexual men and their partners. Methods: Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined minority stress associations with participant sexual risk behaviors, drug use, and partner type, controlling for demographics. Results: 396 gay and 54 bisexual respondents, ages 18–67, reported at least one-time drug use while engaging in sexual risk behavior. In the adjusted model, expectations of rejection associated with lower odds of sexual risk behavior, while older age approached significance. Conclusions: Theoretical origins for examining risk behavior among gay and bisexual men may underscore risk and protective factors, while ultimately holding implications for prevention and treatment interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Lesbians and gay men still have concerns related to being openly gay at work and maintaining health and wellness. A gay man working within a masculinized industry (historically male-dominated and higher risk, with an emphasis on authority and masculinity) may have additional concerns that are augmented by the nature of his work and related to maintaining safety and reducing stress experienced on the job. The purpose of this article is to examine some of the safety and stress concerns gay men in these industries may face. Fictional, composite cases—derived from relevant news stories and literature published in academic journals—were analyzed through a guided inquiry process based loosely on Riessman's (1993) narrative evaluation. Discussion and implications focus on policies, practices, and future directions for research that may help to ameliorate some of the issues faced by gay men at work within masculinized industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]