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Boyd M, Cygan HR, Marshall B, Little D, Bejster M. Supporting and Establishing Gender and Sexuality Alliances in Chicago Public Schools. J Sch Nurs 2024; 40:342-351. [PMID: 36474422 DOI: 10.1177/10598405221142306] [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: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
School nurses are uniquely positioned to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) students. One approach is involvement in Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs). GSAs have been found to improve outcomes for LGBTQ students. The purposes of this quality improvement project were to build infrastructure for GSAs by implementing a GSA Support Plan including a digital resource binder, GSA advisor trainings, and establishment of an Advisor Leadership Committee and increase the number of schools with a GSA. The binder was distributed electronically to 95 advisors. Forty-nine participants attending virtual trainings. A statistically significant increase in all measures of participant confidence occurred between the pre- and post-training surveys. The Advisor Leadership Committee was established. This paper adds to the literature by showing that support for GSAs is important to aiding LGBTQ students. Further, authors suggest ways in which school nurses can harness their expertise to be involved with GSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makayla Boyd
- Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heide R Cygan
- Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Booker Marshall
- Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Derrick Little
- Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mallory Bejster
- Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Krantz LB, MacDougall MC, Ehrlich S, Brinkman WB. The Impact of Statewide Enumerated Antibullying Laws and Local School Interventions on School Spaces, Physical Harm, and Suicide Attempts for LGBTQ Youth. LGBT Health 2024. [PMID: 38564182 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Our goal was to evaluate the impact of enumerated antibullying laws and local interventions on school affirmation, risk of physical threat or harm, and suicide attempts for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Methods: This study used cross-sectional data from three national sources that provided outcomes and potential predictors: (1) The Trevor Project National Survey 2022: based on the LGBTQ youth report, (2) Movement Advancement Project: presence of LGBTQ enumerated antibullying state laws, and (3) School Health Profiles 2020: statewide prevalence of school-level strategies to improve student wellness reported by school personnel. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models calculated the relative risks (RRs) for each outcome. Results: LGBTQ youth (n = 27,697) were surveyed. Youth were less likely to identify their school as nonaffirming in states with enumerated laws (RR: 0.97, confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-0.99) and in states with higher percentages of gay/straight alliances (GSAs) (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.97). Youth were less likely to report a history of physical threat or harm in states with more GSAs (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.97). Enumerated state laws were associated with a lower risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.77-0.87). Universal strategies/policies not specific to LGBTQ youth did not reduce risk of physical threat/harm or suicide attempts. Conclusions: Statewide enumerated antibullying protections and the presence of a GSA were associated with a decreased risk of poor outcomes among LGBTQ youth. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of recent legislative changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon B Krantz
- Divisions of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Melinda C MacDougall
- Divisions of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shelley Ehrlich
- Divisions of Biostatics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - William B Brinkman
- Divisions of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Millers R, Lewis C. To Show or Not to Show: Factors within the School Environment That Influence the Expression of LGBTQ Identities. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38394610 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2320240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Prejudice against LGBTQ people during their schooling years can be detrimental due to its long-term consequences. This includes the development of beliefs that the world is unsafe, which can perpetuate mental health struggles later in life. Fostering a school environment where LGBTQ people can express their identity can contribute to greater well-being. This qualitative study drew on interviews with 13 school graduates to examine the environmental factors within Australian schools that influenced LGBTQ students' expression of their identity. Drawing on Altman's conceptualization of oppression and liberation, this study found students typically experienced liberation in the form of acceptance and validation within their micro-environment at school. This micro-environment was composed of those close to the student, such as friends, allies, teachers, and other LGBTQ students who provided acceptance and validation, which enabled the student to express their identity regardless of oppression within the broader school environment. Oppression on the other hand originated from the invisibility of LGBTQ identities; the limited representation in curriculum and access to LGBTQ-specific resources and supports; concerns around gendered, gender-neutral, and safe spaces; and limited support from teachers. Based on the findings, implications are drawn to enhance both the micro and macro environment for LGBTQ school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle Millers
- School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
| | - Clifford Lewis
- School of Business, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
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Kidd KM, Mitchell K, Sequeira G, Mann MJ, Smith ML, Benton B, Kristjansson AL. Social Support for Rural Gender Diverse Youth Compared to Cisgender Peers. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:1132-1137. [PMID: 37715765 PMCID: PMC10841152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender diverse youth (GDY) experience higher rates of mental health concerns than their cisgender peers, but these can be ameliorated by feeling support from family, school, and community. Little is known about how youth perceptions of support vary by gender identity, especially for younger adolescents and those living in rural areas. METHODS Youth ages 12-19 years completed anonymous surveys including measures of perceived support and a two-step gender identity question. GDY (n = 206) were further categorized into binary and nonbinary gender identities. An additional 500 randomly selected cisgender youth were included for comparison. Multivariate analyses of variance with Tukey post hoc tests were employed to test GDY group differences while accounting for the interaction between scaled measures. RESULTS Cisgender youth had the highest perceived support across all support measures while youth who shared both binary and nonbinary aspects of their gender identity had the lowest rates of perceived support. The F tests for between-subject effects were statistically significant (p <.001) for all six support measures, and multivariate group testing was statistically significant with Wilks' λ 6.38(18,1621.17) = 0.82; p <.001. DISCUSSION Despite research demonstrating a strong association between perceived support and improved mental health outcomes, GDY in our sample had lower rates of perceived support at the family, school, and community levels. GDY with both binary and nonbinary gender identities had the lowest levels of perceived support. Further research is needed to see if this finding is consistent in other populations and to develop targeted interventions to improve perceived support for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie M Kidd
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, WVU Medicine Children's Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia.
| | - Kylerra Mitchell
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Gina Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael J Mann
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Megan L Smith
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Brandon Benton
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Kesler K, Gerber A, Laris BA, Anderson P, Baumler E, Coyle K. High School FLASH Sexual Health Education Curriculum: LGBTQ Inclusivity Strategies Reduce Homophobia and Transphobia. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:272-282. [PMID: 36930403 PMCID: PMC10764373 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Homophobic and transphobic beliefs that lead to bias-based harassment remain a critical concern for young people in the USA. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of an inclusive comprehensive sex education program (High School FLASH) on homophobic and transphobic beliefs. Data from this study come from a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the impact of High School FLASH on students' sexual behaviors and related outcomes with 20 schools in two U.S. regions (Midwest and South). Following the baseline survey, the 20 schools were randomly assigned to receive FLASH or a comparison curriculum. Ninth and 10th grade students completed follow-up surveys 3 and 12 months after the instructional period. We examined changes in homophobic beliefs using multilevel linear regression models in the full sample and two sub-groups: straight cisgender young people versus those who identified as not straight or cisgender. Mean scores on the homophobic and transphobic beliefs scale were statistically significantly lower among young people receiving FLASH relative to the comparison at both the 3- and 12-month timepoints (p-values for adjusted mean differences were < 0.01, n = 1357 and 1275, respectively). Specifically, FLASH's positive impact on reducing homophobic and transphobic beliefs was statistically significant for straight and cisgender youth at both survey follow-ups (p < 0.01, n = 1144 and p = 0.05, n = 1078, respectively); the effects for the LGBTQ sub-group reached statistical significance at only the final follow-up (p = 0.01, n = 197). Our results show that carefully designed, inclusive comprehensive sexual health education programs like High School FLASH can play a role in promoting better school climates for all youth by reducing beliefs that may lead to bullying, violence, and victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Kesler
- Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Andrea Gerber
- Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
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Di Stasio M, Alston L, Harley J. A Snapshot of Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs and Student Well-Being in Western Canadian High Schools. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 38:144-158. [PMID: 37188169 PMCID: PMC10176753 DOI: 10.1177/08295735231170337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs promote safer school environments for students. GSAs typically refer to student-led, teacher-supported school clubs that serve youth of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. This study investigated the relationship between students' awareness of school-based GSAs and their bullying experiences, mental health, self-determination, and relationships at school and home. Findings showed that LGBTQ2S+ students experienced higher rates of bullying and symptoms of depression and scored lower on self-determination subscales than cisgender heterosexual students. Interestingly, students who were aware of their school's GSA club scored higher on the self-determination subscales regarding family relationships and lower on bullying compared to students who were unaware of their school's GSA club. LGBTQ2S+ students had lower rates of comfort with their sexual orientation at home and school than their cisgender heterosexual students. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Harley
- McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill
University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Williams DY, Hall WJ, Dawes HC, Rizo CF, Goldbach JT. An Integrated Conceptual Model to Understand Suicidality among Queer Youth to Inform Suicide Prevention. SOCIETIES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:170. [PMID: 36714171 PMCID: PMC9878404 DOI: 10.3390/soc12060170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we apply and combine elements from four theoretical frameworks (i.e., Minority Stress Theory, Person-in-Environment and Risk and Resilience Framework, Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide, and Intersectionality) to explain the problem of queer youth suicide through our integrated conceptual model, Queer Prevention of Youth Suicidality Model (Queer-PRYSM). The need for this conceptual model is based on the current state of the literature, including mixed empirical findings on factors related to queer youth suicidality, no scholarly consensus on specific contributing factors regarding high rates of suicidality among queer youth (including queer youth subgroups), and the absence of a unifying theory to explain the queer youth suicide risk. To address these limitations in theory, evidence, and scholarship explaining suicidality among queer youth we present our integrated model with growing, current, relevant research with queer youth. Queer-PRYSM includes minority stressors specific to queer youth, mental health problems, interpersonal-psychological factors, socioecological factors (i.e., family, school, peers, and community), and intersectionality concepts. Queer-PRYSM is essential to understanding the relationship of distal and proximal risk and protective factors in queer youth suicide and developing evidence-informed suicide preventive interventions that can be incorporated into practice, policy, and system structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Yookong Williams
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - William J. Hall
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Hayden C. Dawes
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Cynthia Fraga Rizo
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Jeremy T. Goldbach
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MI 63130, USA
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8
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The Role of Perceived Gay-Straight Alliance Social Support in the Longitudinal Association Between Homophobic Cyberbullying and LGBTQIA Adolescents' Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:1388-1396. [PMID: 35258746 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01585-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been little research attention given to how Gay-Straight Alliances might mitigate mental health consequences associated with experiencing homophobic cyberbullying. To address this gap in knowledge, the purpose of this one-year longitudinal study was to investigate the moderating effect of perceived social support from Gay-Straight Alliances in the relationships among homophobic cyberbullying victimization and bystanding and depressive and anxiety symptoms among 466 LGBTQIA adolescents (Mage = 15.76; 52% female). The findings revealed that perceived social support was related negatively to homophobic cyberbullying involvement and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Homophobic cyberbullying involvement was related positively to depressive and anxiety symptoms. High perceived social support buffered against the depressive and anxiety symptoms resulting from homophobic victimization and bystanding among LGBTQIA adolescents but low levels and average levels did not moderate these associations. These findings highlight the importance of expanding Gay-Straight Alliances in schools.
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Rosenbach SB, Sherwood SH, Poteat VP, Yoshikawa H, Calzo JP. Benefits for immigrant‐origin and nonimmigrant‐origin youth of discussing immigration in gender and sexuality alliances. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B. Rosenbach
- Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development New York University New York New York USA
| | - S. Henry Sherwood
- Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development New York University New York New York USA
| | - V. Paul Poteat
- Department of Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Lynch School of Education and Human Development Boston College Chestnut Hill Massachusetts USA
| | - Hirokazu Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development New York University New York New York USA
| | - Jerel P. Calzo
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health San Diego State University San Diego California USA
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Day JK, Fish JN, Grossman AH, Russell ST. Gay-Straight Alliances, Inclusive Policy, and School Climate: LGBTQ Youths' Experiences of Social Support and Bullying. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2020; 30 Suppl 2:418-430. [PMID: 30861243 PMCID: PMC8063225 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) and school policies focused on support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning youth may reduce bias-based bullying and enhance social supports in schools. Using multivariate regression, we tested the relationship between youth reports of the presence of GSAs and LGBTQ-focused policies, independently and mutually, with experiences bullying and perceived support (n = 1,061). Youth reported higher classmate support in the presence of GSAs and higher teacher support in the presence of LGBTQ-focused policies; the presence of both GSAs and LGBTQ-focused policies was associated with less bullying and higher perceived classmate and teacher support. The findings indicate that GSAs and LGBTQ-focused policies are distinctly and mutually important for fostering safer and more supportive school climates for youth.
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11
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Colvin S, Egan JE, Coulter RWS. School Climate & Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescent Mental Health. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 48:1938-1951. [PMID: 31446586 PMCID: PMC10467362 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01108-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sexual/gender minority (Sexual/gender minority people are also referred to as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) youth are more likely than cisgender heterosexual youth to exhibit depressive symptoms and be victimized. School climate research indicates that the presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance (a Gay-Straight Alliance or Gender-Sexuality Alliance is also referred to as a GSA and is a youth group to support sexual/gender minority youth), a supportive school climate, and seeking help from teachers are associated with more positive mental health outcomes; however, they are not typically measured together. This study uses a survey that measures all four measures of school environment with a national sample of 240 sexual/gender minority high school students ages 14-18 (mean age 15.77) where 53% of participants had a Gay-Straight Alliance in their school. The sample is 53% cisgender, 100% sexual minority and 62% white. Adjusting for demographics and presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance, fewer depressive symptoms were associated with lower help-seeking intentions for suicidal thoughts. The presence of Gay-Straight Alliance was not statistically associated with past-month help-seeking intentions or behaviors. Additionally, a more supportive school climate was associated with lower anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, the presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance was not statistically associated with anxiety or depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that a supportive school climate and supportive school personnel may be important for supporting the mental health of sexual/gender minority students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Colvin
- Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Education, 3939 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - James E Egan
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Robert W S Coulter
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
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12
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Jacobsen J. Community influences on Mormon women with same-sex sexuality. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2017; 19:1314-1328. [PMID: 28398158 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1310928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The idea of community evokes a sense of belonging and connectedness with others. Community life can, however, be troublesome for those who are part of a community that rejects their sexual identity. This paper presents findings from a phenomenological study that involved in-depth interviews with 23 same-sex-attracted Mormon women. Themes emerged around community experience, including sub-themes related to influence of congregations and geographic location. In addition, themes of loss of community and the rebuilding of community were explored. Findings indicate the need to build safe community spaces in which women can safely integrate their religious and their sexual identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna Jacobsen
- a Barbara Solomon School of Social Work and Human Services , Walden University , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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Ng CK, Haines-Saah RJ, Knight RE, Shoveller JA, Johnson JL. "It's not my business": Exploring heteronormativity in young people's discourses about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues and their implications for youth health and wellbeing. Health (London) 2017. [PMID: 28629224 DOI: 10.1177/1363459317715776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Canada, the issue of creating safe and inclusive school environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students has been in the spotlight. Several researchers and advocates have pointed out the positive effects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-positive policy frameworks on the health and wellbeing of all young people. In this article, we take a critical approach to analyzing narrative findings from qualitative interviews conducted with youth in three communities in British Columbia, Canada: "the North," Vancouver, and Abbotsford. Using a Foucauldian Discourse Analytic Approach and Butler's concept of Citationality, our analysis suggested that although explicit homophobia was largely absent from youth discussions, young people discursively constructed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities and "communities" in ways that reified heteronormativity. Youth made references to sociopolitical discourses of libertarianism and liberalism and to homonormative stereotypes regarding gay masculinity. A few young people also alluded to egalitarian, queer-positive discourses, which appeared to interrogate structures of heteronormativity. Since studies suggest a connection between the existence of institutional supports for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students in schools and their mental and physical wellbeing, we conclude by considering the limitations and possibilities of these sociopolitical discourses in the struggle for sexual and gender equity, and how they might help frame future health-related, anti-homophobia policy frameworks in educational settings.
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