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Witcomb GL, Cooper C. 'Show Us a Kiss!': The Everyday Sexual Harassment Experiences of Female Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Students. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:3055-3076. [PMID: 37019434 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231166399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) students' (N = 9, aged 19-24) of sexual harassment via semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Three overarching themes emerged: (a) the paradox of men's unwanted sexual attention, (b) the negative impact on relationships, and (c) the LGBTQ* community as a refuge. The women reported enduring unwanted heteronormative sexual attention, and heterosexist and homophobic harassment which forced some to conceal their sexuality. Support for the LGBTQ* community was central in developing confidence to call-out harassment. The findings call for the inclusion of LBQ-specific messages in sexual violence awareness and prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma L Witcomb
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU UK
| | - Charlotte Cooper
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU UK
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Bonar EE, DeGue S, Abbey A, Coker AL, Lindquist CH, McCauley HL, Miller E, Senn CY, Thompson MP, Ngo QM, Cunningham RM, Walton MA. Prevention of sexual violence among college students: Current challenges and future directions. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:575-588. [PMID: 32407244 PMCID: PMC7666108 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1757681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective Preventing sexual violence among college students is a public health priority. This paper was catalyzed by a summit convened in 2018 to review the state of the science on campus sexual violence prevention. We summarize key risk and vulnerability factors and campus-based interventions, and provide directions for future research pertaining to campus sexual violence. Results and Conclusions: Although studies have identified risk factors for campus sexual violence, longitudinal research is needed to examine time-varying risk factors across social ecological levels (individual, relationship, campus context/broader community and culture) and data are particularly needed to identify protective factors. In terms of prevention, promising individual and relational level interventions exist, including active bystander, resistance, and gender transformative approaches; however, further evidence-based interventions are needed, particularly at the community-level, with attention to vulnerability factors and inclusion for marginalized students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bonar
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah DeGue
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Antonia Abbey
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ann L Coker
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Christine H Lindquist
- Division for Applied Justice Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather L McCauley
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh & Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charlene Y Senn
- Department of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies Program, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martie P Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Quyen M Ngo
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca M Cunningham
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maureen A Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Khuzwayo Z. "Why Do I Need to Come Out if Straight People Don't Have To?" Divergent Perspectives on the Necessity of Self-Disclosure Among Bisexual Women. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:665627. [PMID: 34708107 PMCID: PMC8543176 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.665627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coming out has historically been an important yet often very challenging process for LGBTQI + individuals to no longer conceal their sexual and/or gender identity. For those who identify as bisexual, the process of coming out has proven especially complicated. In the general knowledge field of sexual identity, bisexuality continues to be a misunderstood, under-researched sexual identity, and from that negative stigmas and discrimination (even within LGBTQI + spaces) have contributed to bisexuals not coming out even within the LGBTQI + community. However, the significance and necessity of coming out itself has come to be questioned, particularly by younger LGBTQI + people. From a PhD study conducted in Johannesburg with 23 self-identifying bisexual women, this paper critically considers the different perspectives on coming out of bisexual women. Using a narrative life-history approach through interviews with a sample of eight participants from the study, this paper looks at how bisexual women understand the significance of coming out and how this process has different meanings for different age groups. Findings show that there are vastly divergent perspectives, with some participants believing it remains essential, while others argue that the fluidity of their identities no longer requires the same sort of disclosure.
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Flanders CE, Anderson RE, Tarasoff LA. Young Bisexual People's Experiences of Sexual Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study. JOURNAL OF BISEXUALITY 2020; 20:202-232. [PMID: 36213598 PMCID: PMC9536248 DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2020.1791300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Bisexual people are at an increased vulnerability for sexual victimization in comparison to heterosexual people, as well as gay and lesbian people. As the majority of first sexual violence experiences happen prior to age 25 for bisexual women, young bisexual people are particularly vulnerable. Despite consistent evidence of this health disparity, little is known about what factors might increase young bisexual people's risk for sexual victimization, or how they access support post-victimization. The current study addresses this gap through a mixed-method investigation of young bisexual people's experiences of sexual violence with a sample of 245 bisexual people age 18-25. Quantitative results indicate that bisexual stigma significantly predicts a greater likelihood of reporting an experience of sexual violence. Qualitative findings support that while not all participants felt bisexual stigma related to their experience of sexual violence, some felt negative bisexual stereotypes were substantial factors. Interview participants found connecting with other survivors, particularly LGBTQ+ and bisexual survivors, to be beneficial. Some participants encountered barriers to accessing support, such as discrimination in schools. Sexual violence researchers should consider bisexual stigma as an important factor, and support services the potential positive impact of bisexual-specific survivor support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey E. Flanders
- Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
| | - RaeAnn E. Anderson
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Lesley A. Tarasoff
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON, Canada
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Scoats R, Anderson E. 'My partner was just all over her': jealousy, communication and rules in mixed-sex threesomes. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:134-146. [PMID: 30764748 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1453088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on findings from interviews with 28 men and women, this study explores experiences related to communication and jealousy in mixed-sex threesomes. Findings suggest that those in relationships often experience feelings of exclusion when engaging in threesomes, although open communication is a method by which the negative effects may be mitigated. Some couples agree on particular rules during their threesomes, symbolically demonstrating the specialness of the relationship as well as protecting it from further progression into non-monogamy. Although communication appeared less important for those having threesomes when not in a relationship, it still played a role in determining participants' use of contraception whether the threesome occurred while in a relationship or not. Study findings are contextualised using the concept of monogamism, with it being suggested that threesomes involving romantic couples can serve to help maintain institutional monogamy, rather than trouble it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Scoats
- a Centre for Social Care and Health Related Research , Birmingham City University , Birmingham , UK
| | - Eric Anderson
- b Department of Sport, Exercise and Health , University of Winchester , Winchester , UK
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Flanders CE, Dobinson C, Logie C. Young bisexual women’s perspectives on the relationship between bisexual stigma, mental health, and sexual health: a qualitative study. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2016.1158786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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