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Queer leadership in dance education settings is explored through this paper in two intertwined ways; being a queer-identifying leader and leading with a queer lens. A rich and un-constraining view of queer leadership is advanced through theoretical analysis and immersive insights from my experience as a cisgender, femme, gay man who has recently assumed a leadership role in a Ballet conservatoire. To frame this discussion, I utilise the three distinctive behaviours identified by Raymond E. Crossman, president of Alder University, as arising for him through his queer lived experience: queer intuition, reach for the fabulous, and willingness to be a mess. Utilising these conceptions, I highlight the relational and emotional dimensions of my experience to problematise queer educational leadership and the potentiality to progress transformative pedagogical aims. Thus, I explore what it can mean to approach leadership queerly. Nuanced insights of being and doing queer leadership are developed that may enable others, queer identifying or not, to engage with the principles of queer from wherever they lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoactive substance use (PSU) among gay men (GM) has been examined through a biomedical-epidemiological lens. While national studies offer a general overview from a biopsychosocial viewpoint, they fail to explore the cultural influences on PSU. The objective was to analyze the cultural aspects of PSU among GM in Mexico by exploring the social construction of identity as men with a non-normative sexual orientation who experience a distinct form of masculinity while engaging in PSU during sexual activities. Utilizing a symbolic approach in anthropology, specifically in identity and gender studies, three focus groups comprising 19 middle-class gay men aged 22 to 42 were conducted in May 2022 via Zoom Meetings. The information was coded and analyzed using targeted content analysis. Identity, masculinity, and homoeroticism play a crucial role in shaping PSU practices among GM in Mexico, with the interplay of these three cultural dimensions manifesting in the ritualistic practice of sexualized drug use (chemsex), particularly concerning crystal meth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homonegativity refers to prejudice towards same sex relationships. We examined the psychometric properties of the 12-item Modern Homonegativity scale (internal consistency reliability, construct validity), exploratory factor analysis, and factors associated with homonegativity. The study used survey data from 198 Asian Americans in 2019 (mean age = 34, SD = 14). The scale demonstrated good reliability (ordinal alpha = 0.93) and satisfactory model fits for a 4-factor construct (RMSEA = 0.19, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.9, SRMR = 0.07). The construct validity showed that greater homonegativity associates with lower levels of acculturation, social norms about HIV testing, and fewer years in immigration. Overall, the Modern Homonegativity scale was found to be a reliable and valid measure to assess prejudice towards Asian American gay men. Future efforts to validate the scale among Asian Americans should consider investigating these properties among a more diverse sample with regards to geographies and sub-cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While considerable studies have revealed that homosexual individuals are negatively and stereotypically portrayed, little is still known about how the negative portrayals are challenged and delegitimated in the Chinese media. To address this gap, the article investigates how lesbian and gay (LG) people are represented in Chinese newspapers by employing a positive discourse analysis approach. Data for this study are gathered from China Daily and Global Times. Drawing on van Leeuwen’s social actors model, this article reveals how both newspapers actually construct positive discourses to legitimate the status of LG individuals. The significant positive discourses include (a) resisting the stigmatization of LG people as unhealthy, (b) endorsing external support for LG rights, (c) legitimating LG-themed social activities, and (d) recognizing LG people’s value to Chinese society. Given that same-sex marriage is still oppressive and illegal in China, potential factors that underlie the positive media coverage of LG individuals are finally discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies have examined the stereotypes attributed to gay men or lesbian women. However, there are less studies which explore the behaviours considered stereotypical, or counterstereotypical, of gay men and lesbian women, particularly when these individuals might not conform with stereotypes. In this project, we tested the behaviours attributed to straight men, gay men, straight women, and lesbian women across two small studies emphasising a societal point of view in Portugal. Study 1 supports the implicit inversion theory suggesting gay men were correlated with straight women, and lesbian women were correlated with straight men. Study 2 extended the findings by manipulating the perceived stereotypicality or counterstereotypicality of individuals by attaching masculine or feminine occupations to each group from Study 1. As predicted, individuals with counterstereotypical occupations were perceived as less stereotypical of their original group while gay men and lesbian women with stereotypical occupations were perceived as more stereotypical of the opposite gender and sexual orientation. Importantly, this project highlights how members of certain groups are perceived as more, or less, typical of their group based on the expectations about stereotypical occupations for that group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the Malayalam film Ka Bodyscapes (2016), this article attempts to historically trace and critically engage with the representations of gay sexuality in Malayalam cinema from the South Indian state of Kerala. It interrogates how Ka Bodyscapes brought to the forefront hitherto unexplored visual dynamics of the gay male body and homoeroticism on screen while troubling the heterosexual dynamics of the Malayalam film industry. By situating this film within the history of representation of male homosexuality in Malayalam cinema and the changing regimes of queer politics and feminist interventions in Kerala in the last decade, the article argues how the film's radical visual representation of gay sexuality at the intersection of caste and religion problematizes the heterosexual family/state, thereby challenging the patriarchal masculinity that marginalizes women and sexual minorities in Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fear of COVID-19 can exacerbate social stigma and prejudice against individuals living with HIV (PLWH). This research delved into the behaviors of MSM (men who have sex with men) who practice physical-distancing from PLWH. Data from 878 respondents were collected through a web survey conducted on Korea's largest LGBT portal site over one month in July 2022. The study examined various independent variables encompassing socioeconomic characteristics, health status, media consumption habits, and homosexual attributes of MSM. The dependent variable assessed was the extent of physical-distancing perceived by MSMs without HIV toward PLWH. The statistical analysis employed nested regression models. In Model I, it was observed that physical-distancing from PLWH decreased as the age and education level of the respondent increased. In Model II, a decrease in physical-distancing was noted among respondents with underlying health conditions. Model III indicated that increased use of traditional media corresponded to greater physical-distancing from PLWH. Lastly, Model IV revealed a reduction in physical-distancing when the respondent was themselves a person living with HIV. This study underscores the existence of physical-distancing toward PLWH within the gay community. Consequently, fostering solidarity and providing support becomes imperative to prevent the isolation of PLWH within this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Darna is a female superhero from the Philippines who first appeared in Pilipino Komiks on May 13, 1950. Her image in Filipino society has evolved from being a role model for young children to an object of desire for cisgender men to an icon of female empowerment to an aspirational figure for the Filipino bakla (gay men). However, through all these roles, she has never resonated with nor connected to Filipino queer women – that is until the Darna 2022 television series. This essay looks at how Filipino female queer fans, known as Darlentina, have queerly read the Darna 2022 TV series and produced queer fan works such as queer fanfiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of normative social behavior, this research investigated the moderating role of three forms of sexual stigma – enacted, felt, and internalized – in the relationship between perceived descriptive norms and intentions of gay and bisexual men to engage in three preventive behaviors during the 2022 mpox outbreak in the U.S. Through an online survey conducted among 439 gay and bisexual men in September 2022, we observed that participants’ perceived descriptive norms regarding mpox preventive behaviors among gay and bisexual male friends and among gay and bisexual men in general were both positively related to their intentions to adopt the recommended mpox preventive behaviors. However, these norm-intention associations were moderated by sexual stigma. Specifically, the positive associations between friend descriptive norms and intentions were significant only when participants held low internalized sexual stigma. Except for the behavior of practicing hand hygiene, the positive associations between general descriptive norms and intentions were significant only when participants held low felt sexual stigma. Enacted sexual stigma did not interact with either perceived descriptive norms among friends or those among gay or bisexual men in general. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the biological determinants of male homosexual preference has long realized that the older brother effect (FBOE, i.e., a higher fraternal birth rank of homosexuals) and the antagonist effect (AE, i.e., more fertile women have a higher chance of having a homosexual son) can both generate family data where homosexual men have more siblings and more older siblings than heterosexual men. Various statistical approaches were proposed in the recent literature to evaluate whether the action of FBOE or AE could be discriminated from empirical data, by controlling for the other effect. Here, we used simulated data to formally compare all the approaches that we could find in the relevant literature for their ability to reject the null hypothesis in the presence of a specified alternative hypothesis (tests based on regression, Bayesian modeling, or contingency tables). When testing for the FBOE, the relative performance of the different tests was different depending on the specific function generating the older brother effect. Even if no tests were found to always perform better than the others, some tests performed systematically poorly, and some tests displayed a systematic high rate of type-I error. For testing the AE, the relative performance of the tests was generally not changed across all parameter values assayed, providing a clear ranking of the various proposed approaches. Pros and cons for each candidate test are discussed, taking into consideration power and the rate of type-I error but also practicability, the possibility to control for confounding variables, and to consider alternative hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male sexual functioning is a prerequisite for conception and consequently for reproduction and is thus a crucial mechanism from an evolutionary and social perspective. Previous studies reported better sexual functioning in coupled compared to single individuals. However, it is not clear whether sexual functioning increases or decreases with a short-term casual sexual strategy, which is another possibility, along with a long-term strategy. Furthermore, sexual orientation may represent yet another mating strategy that may influence sexual functioning. Here, we aimed to test the possible associations between male sexual functioning and sexual strategies, as measured through sociosexuality, relationship status, and sexual orientation. We hypothesize that due to its relationship with the evolved motivation of mate acquisition and mate retention, both stable relationships and sociosexuality would be positively associated with male sexual functioning. We did not expect significant differences in sexual functioning among men with different sexual orientations. We sampled 427 healthy men of different sexual orientations (203 heterosexuals, 77 bisexuals, and 147 gay men) who completed the Male Sexual Function Index (MSFI) and its subscales of desire, arousal, erection, orgasm, and satisfaction; the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory-Revised; and sociodemographic questions. A multivariate general linear model showed that, compared to single individuals, partnered individuals reported greater MSFI-arousal, MSFI-erection, MSFI-orgasm, and MSFI-satisfaction. Sociosexuality and sexual orientation only weakly predicted MSFI domains. Male sexual functioning thus seems to be moderately associated with a long-term mating strategy and can thus serve for relationship maintenance rather than for acquiring new partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wellbeing of gay men in China is shaped by a combination of cultural, social, and political factors, yet research on this topic remains fragmented despite growing global interest in LGBTQ+ health. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends on wellbeing of gays (MSM) in China, using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for a systematic search strategy and VOSviewer for bibliometric mapping. Data from Scopus were analyzed to examine publication output, top journals, and authors, along with a co-occurrence analysis of keywords and co-authorship networks across countries and authors. Results show a steady rise in publications over the past decade, particularly after 2015, revealing strong domestic collaboration and emerging international partnerships. The study identifies key contributing journals and themes, while revealing that most research remains narrowly focused on HIV/AIDS, leaving gaps in understanding gay wellbeing from broader societal and cultural perspectives. Surprisingly, very few studies specifically examine or measure overall wellbeing, whether using quantitative or qualitative approaches, and there is limited exploration of how cultural factors influence the experiences of gay men in China. These findings underscore the need for more holistic research approaches that move beyond public health and HIV prevention to address the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging gay and bisexual men may have negative self-image s due to body image dissatisfaction and internalized ageism, resulting in psychological distress. Gay and bisexual men with HIV may be at greater risk for distress because of research linking HIV to accelerated aging. We examined associations between self-image and psychological distress, and potential mediating effects (resilience, fitness engagement), and whether these relationships were moderated by HIV serostatus. We tested our hypotheses with structural equation modeling using data from gay and bisexual men with HIV (n = 525, M age = 57.6) and without HIV (n = 501, M age = 62.2). We observed significant positive associations between self-image and distress and significant mediation effects (resilience, fitness engagement) that were moderated by HIV serostatus (resilience was only significant for men with HIV). We conclude that resilience interventions may be beneficial in alleviating distress from negative self-image among aging gay and bisexual men with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minorities reclaim derogatory labels to change their meaning. However, previous research on reclamation has focused on the perception of self-labeling with derogatory labels in an ecologically invalid context, using self-reports that may be influenced by norms. We examined how recordings containing derogatory terms against gay people are perceived, using both a self-report and an unobtrusive heartbeat measure. In the experiment (n = 103), we showed that individuals perceived statements with derogatory labels as less offensive when participants of the Gay Pride (a pro-LGBT+ march) used them and as more offensive when they were used by participants of the March for Life and Family (a conservative march). This effect was stronger among gay men. Nonetheless, the sexual identity and the content of speech played no role in the case of the heartbeat. The paper discusses the discrepancy between declarative and nondeclarative measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox (formerly 'monkeypox') emerged in non-endemic countries, including Australia, predominantly affecting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Public health advice on transmission and isolation emerged rapidly from different sources, sometimes conflicting and producing uncertainty. Using the concept of 'counterpublic health', which acknowledges the incorporation of official science and experiences of affected communities into embodied practice, this paper investigates how people affected by mpox in Australia managed risk of transmission and navigated self-isolation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 people: 13 people diagnosed with mpox and three close contacts. All participants were cisgender gay and bisexual men living in Australia. Participants thought critically about public health advice, often finding it restrictive and unresponsive to the needs of people with mpox. Participants' decisions about reducing mpox risk and isolating often drew on experiences with other infections (i.e. HIV; COVID-19) and were made collaboratively with the people closest to them (e.g. partners, friends, family) to sustain relationships. Future public health responses to infectious disease outbreaks would benefit from identifying more opportunities to formalise and embed mechanisms to obtain feedback from affected communities so as to inform responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Apart from a few studies with limited sample sizes, we have little data on attitudes toward lesbian and gay (LG) people in Greece. Methods: This study examines this topic in 949 heterosexual Greek participants. Based on previous research in cultural contexts other than Greece, we hypothesized that four demographics (gender, age, education, area of residence) and religious and political orientation predict a substantial amount of variance in homophobia (i.e., anti-LG attitudes). Results: We verified all observed variables except area of residence as significant predictors. Regarding the "intergroup contact hypothesis," we distinguished the direct effects of the predictor variables from indirect effects mediated by contact with lesbians and gay men. All variables except area of residence showed a direct effect and, except for education, also an indirect effect on homophobia. The strongest effects were found for religious and political orientation, followed by gender. Highly religious, right-wing oriented, and male participants reported the highest levels of homophobia, partially mediated by their low level of contact with LG people. Discussion/Conclusion: The results confirm and further explain the detrimental role the Greek Orthodox Church, right-wing political parties, and traditional gender roles play in the acceptance of sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored how coping moderates the association between discrimination and health outcomes in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual midlife and older adults. Methods: This study analyzed longitudinal data from 163 LGB and 326 propensity-matched heterosexual midlife and older adults over approximately 20 years, using the Midlife in the United States study. Results: Discrimination was associated with slower chronic condition accumulation over time for LGB individuals. Problem-focused and avoidance coping moderated discrimination's impact on mental health in LGB participants over time, and in heterosexual participants, they moderated the association between discrimination and chronic conditions. Discussion: The results suggest a potential "steeling" effect in LGB midlife and older adults facing higher discrimination levels. Furthermore, the findings suggest that effective coping strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of discrimination on physical and mental health may vary by sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the phenomenon of violence towards gay men in South Africa, focusing on its portrayal and understanding within online media. Using a qualitative approach, it explores how online reports construct, interpret, and contest narratives surrounding these attacks. The investigation aims to highlight the portrayal of the victimology of gay men and the societal dynamics, including gender-based violence, abduction, victimisation, and queercide, in the South African context. The research analysed online reports, between 2022 and 2024, by a community organisation on cases of violence perpetrated against gay men. The research found that media frames about the circumstances of violence, the role of social media or hookup apps, and demographic details of gay men can provide insights into their victimhood. This contributes to the understanding of the challenges gay men face in navigating their identities and safety in South Africa. The findings show that Gauteng, Cape Town, and Durban remain the most affected by attacks against gay men and provide more insight into the strata of the age of victims, their movement, and the nature of attacks. By identifying how online community media frames these cases, the study offers insights into the emergence of gangsterism and the use of mobile technologies to target these men. It can inform strategies for social change and foster inclusive environments for marginalised communities. The findings have implications for advocacy, policy making, and community empowerment efforts addressing queercide and promoting LGBTIQ+ rights and safety.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) racial/ethnic groups, sexual minorities (SM), and men have higher odds of smoking, less access to smoking cessation education and services, and lower smoking cessation rates than their white, heterosexual, and women counterparts. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of BIPOC gay men in accessing smoking cessation counseling from their healthcare providers and understand the facilitators and barriers to smoking cessation. This study analyzed data from BIPOC gay men who smoke daily via social media and organizational listservs throughout the United States and conducted semi-structured individual qualitative interviews. Two trained coders used thematic analysis to analyze the data. Findings identified three overarching themes: 1) Sources of Information, 2) Facilitators and Barriers, and 3) Areas of Improvement for Smoking Cessation Counseling. Participants reported trusting advice from community members over healthcare providers regarding smoking cessation counseling. They also felt that the smoking cessation advice received from healthcare providers was, at times, confusing and inadequate. Identity concordance between patient and healthcare provider helped participants feel seen by their provider, which motivated them to engage in smoking cessation counseling. Finally, participants suggested improvements for smoking cessation counseling for BIPOC gay men such as integrating mental health support in smoking cessation services, accountability for patients, and providing harm reduction alternatives instead of smoking cessation only. BIPOC gay men who smoke daily value the importance of receiving culturally adaptive and gender-affirming care from healthcare providers who share their identities when receiving smoking cessation and harm reduction counseling. • BIPOC gay men trusted people in their community about smoking cessation advice. • Identity concordance with their primary healthcare providers is important. • Smoking cessation should include mental health counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesbian, gay and bisexual people vary in their level of outness, that is, the number of people to whom they disclose their sexual orientation and the amount of information that they disclose. Outness is generally associated with positive long-term social, psychological and health outcomes. Gay men may face particular challenges in coming out due to higher levels of gay-related stigma. Hierarchical multiple regression models examined associations between minority stressors, aspects of social connectedness, and degree of outness in two samples of gay men in the United Kingdom. Study 1, based on data from 96 gay men, showed that only the proximal stressor of internalized homonegativity was significantly and negatively associated with degree of outness. Study 2, based on data from 246 gay men, showed that being partnered, general social support, and discrimination were significantly and positively associated with degree of outness and that internalized homonegativity and perceiving negative social attitudes toward gay men were negatively associated with degree of outness. The results suggest that psychological interventions should focus on facilitating access to social support and on managing proximal minority stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the adherence practices of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users in Norway, focusing on how adherence work enables sexual freedom and spontaneity. Using qualitative interviews with 25 participants (24 gay cisgender men and one transgender man, aged 19–54), we investigate the tensions between the structured routines of adherence and the spontaneity facilitated by PrEP. Our findings highlight two key themes: routine and freedom. Routine adherence practices involved strategies such as using alarms, pill organizers, and synchronizing dosing with daily activities, emphasizing the temporal discipline required to maintain PrEP adherence. These “cold moments” of planning and routinization were essential to enabling “hot moments” of spontaneity, allowing participants to experience sexual freedom with reduced anxiety around HIV risk. The study demonstrates a temporal paradox where structured adherence practices afford spontaneity and autonomy, reframing adherence as an active and embodied labor rather than passive compliance. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the temporal and practical dimensions of adherence in designing PrEP implementation and support strategies. By conceptualizing adherence as work, this study informs public health policies and interventions aimed at enhancing PrEP accessibility and fostering sustainable adherence practices, especially in diverse socio-cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the representation and reciprocation of masculinity in gay men, primarily from non-urban setups in India, which has been underrepresented in South Asian masculinity studies. Vasudhendra’s coming-out book, Mohanaswamy (2013/2016), set in the Indian state, Karnataka, paves the way for the study of the impact of hegemonic masculine behavior and ideal masculinity in gay men in the transition from rural to urban setup. The imposition of ‘idealistic’ masculine behavior seeks scrutiny of the critical question: how does the hegemonic masculinity impact gay masculinities in the non-urban Indian setup in Mohanaswamy? This study seeks to provide answers to pertinent questions and create space for a more inclusive study of men through a detailed examination of the deconstruction of hegemonic masculinity in Indian gay masculinity, deriving from the theoretical framework by the scholars of masculinity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boys’ Love (BL) is a fictional genre that depicts homoerotic relationships between two men. As it is often regarded as created by women and for women, most BL-related studies have focused on its female participants. In recent decades, the BL subculture has transformed into a transnational cultural phenomenon. Although such popularity may suggest that more homoerotic media products are available to gay/bisexual men, the heteronormative nature of BL may drive away gay/bisexual audiences. This study investigates the experiences of consuming BL among gay/bisexual men in Hong Kong. The findings show that gay/bisexual audiences enjoy the aspects of BL that resonate with their personal experiences and fantasies. Through the process of queer reading, BL helps gay/bisexual audiences develop resilience to cope with the stresses that they encounter as sexual minorities in Hong Kong. However, due to the gap between what is depicted in BL and reality, such resilience is circumscribed, which means that BL only provides conditional resilience to its gay/bisexual audience in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is robust evidence to the effect that homosexual individuals have systematically less offspring. The sexually antagonistic genes hypothesis claims that this fitness-related disadvantage of homosexual individuals is compensated by their other-sex relatives exhibiting greater fertility than the relatives of straight individuals. It would allow explain how genetic variants associated with homosexuality persist in the human population. Nevertheless, previous studies yielded conflicting results and, moreover, they focused almost solely on the fertility of gay men's relatives. We present the results of a large preregistered study based on data on fertility of both gay men's and lesbian women's relatives. We have analyzed the fertility and biological kin fertility of 693 gay men, 843 straight men, 265 lesbian women, and 331 straight women from Czechia and Slovakia. As expected, gay men and lesbian women sired significantly less offspring than straight individuals. However, we also found no evidence supporting the sexually antagonistic genes hypothesis, i.e., no difference between the fertility of other-sex relatives of homosexual and heterosexual individuals. Interestingly, though, paternal grandparents of gay men had more offspring than the paternal grandparents of straight men did. The mothers of lesbian women had a higher fertility than the mothers of straight women, but that could be attributed to intervening effects, such as the excess of older brothers in homosexual individuals. Our results suggest that mechanisms other than those predicted by the sexually antagonistic genes hypothesis are involved in the evolution of human homosexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]