Sexual Racism on Geosocial Networking Applications and Identity Outness Among Sexual Minority Men in the US

Although the use of geosocial networking (GSN) applications for relationship seeking is prevalent among sexual minority men (SMM), SMM of color may be vulnerable to sexual racism online. Little is known about how sexual racism relates to SMM of color's identity outness, which is integral to the minority stress model and the focus of this study. Eighty SMM, recruited through social media (53.7% racial/ethnic minority), reported their experiences of race-based discrimination on GSN apps and identity outness. Chi-squared and Fisher's tests examined differences in race-based discrimination online by participants' race/ethnicity. A factorial MANOVA was performed on outness to family, peers, and healthcare providers. Nearly one-third of participants experienced race-based discrimination online. Higher percentages of SMM of color experienced race-based discrimination than White SMM. SMM who experienced race-based discrimination online reported lower outness to family than those who had not. Post-hoc analyses revealed that Asian SMM reported consistently lower outness than other groups. Our findings resonated with the mediation framework of minority stress, suggesting that sexual racism online may be a distal stressor that contributes to the group-specific process of identity outness. This also illustrated the importance of addressing sexual racism on GSN apps to buffer existing stress with outness among SMM of color.

A positive correlation between daily spiritual practice and reduced depressive symptoms among older adults: evidence from a nationally representative survey among the Indian population

BACKGROUND

This study explored the factors associated with daily spiritual experiences of older adults and the association of daily spiritual experiences with major depressive disorder among older Indian adults.

METHODS

Data for this study were derived from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave-1. The sample size was 31 464 older adults age 60 years and above. Daily spiritual experience was assessed from four items (Cronbach's alpha: 0.89) adapted from the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES). Major depressive disorder was calculated using the Short Form Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF). Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to fulfil the objectives of the study.

RESULTS

A proportion of 87.46% of older adults reported daily spiritual experiences in the study. Women had higher odds of spiritual experiences than men (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.243; confidence interval (CI): 1.041-1.484). Older adults with higher education, those who were retired, those who reported community involvement or were physically active or belonged to the richest wealth quintile had higher odds of having daily spiritual experiences in comparison to older adults from the poorest wealth quintile. Further, older adults with daily spiritual experiences had significantly lower odds of major depressive disorder (aOR: 0.810; CI: 0.681-0.964) than older adults who did not report daily spiritual experiences.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that daily spiritual practices can be a strategy to reduce major depressive symptoms and improve mental health and wellbeing of older adults, and future studies are warranted on this direction.

Older Black Lesbians' Needs and Expectations in Relation to Long-Term Care Facility Use

There is a dearth of long-term care research that focuses on the expectations and experiences of older sexual minority (SM) adults. That research dwindles further when examining subgroups within that population such as older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to explore older Black lesbians' needs and expectations in relation to the utilization of long-term care (LTC) facilities. We conducted secondary data analysis using data from 14 focus groups that discussed health and aging with older Black lesbians. Transcriptions were analyzed in NVivo using deductive content analysis and structural coding. Three themes were identified in relation to needs and expectations for LTC facility use: (1) consideration or established plans to utilize a LTC facility, (2) concern for care facility environment, and (3) a desire to build one's own community. These findings illustrate how older Black lesbians are planning for a potential need for LTC, their concerns about utilizing LTC, and alternative approaches to avoid LTC use. There remains a continued need for LTC communities that are inclusive and supportive of SM older adults as well as more SM-only communities where older adults can live openly and authentically.

An Assessment of Racial and Ethnic and Sexual Identity Centrality and Smoking Behavior

Although evidence indicates that identity centrality, or identity importance, can serve as a positive coping mechanism regarding well-being, less is known if it can also buffer against health risk behaviors like cigarette smoking. This study uses an intercategorical intersectional approach using data from 1,571 Black and Latino/a sexual and gender minority adults in the Social Justice Sexuality Project to assess the relationship between sexual and racial and ethnic identity centrality and smoking patterns. Relative risk ratios from multinomial logistic regressions highlight three findings. First, there is no evidence of a significant association between identity centrality and smoking behavior nor evidence of a significant interaction effect between racial and ethnic and sexual identity centrality. Once models were adjusted for education, the association between centrality and smoking was no longer significant. Second, results indicate that education, gender identity, familial support and outness were significant predictors of smoking behaviors. Third, results suggest that there are significant differences across the intersection of race and ethnicity and sexual identity in relative risk of smoking. In addition, findings highlight elevated risk of engaging in more casual behaviors of smoking as opposed to heightened smoking behavior among both Black and Latino/a sexual minority adults.

Too Manly and Too Straight? Perceived Sexual Orientation of Black and White Men and Women

Using data from an online survey assessing perceptions of 12 target¹ photos of Black and White males² and females, the current study examined a moderated mediation model of sexual orientation perceptions (N = 310). Results indicated that perceived masculinity/femininity was not a mediator in the association between target gender and perceived sexual orientation. Black male targets were perceived to be more heterosexual than White male targets, Black female targets were perceived as less heterosexual than White female targets, and Black targets were perceived as more masculine than White targets. These findings may indicate rigid gender- and sexuality-related expectations for Black men. Black women who are perceived as gay may be more at risk of related interpersonal harm than White women. Black sexual minority individuals may face challenges in navigating identity concealment or disclosure. Future research should explore the potential antecedents and consequences of perceptions of Black individuals' sexual orientation.

Comparing the Partnering, Minority Stress, and Depression for Bisexual, Lesbian, and Gay Adults from Religious Upbringings

Minority stress impacts the mental health of bi+ individuals (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer), similar to gay and lesbian individuals. Bi+ individuals may have difficulty accessing social supports for mitigating minority stress. A religious upbringing may complicate this process. This study sought to compare a survey sample of bi+ individuals (n = 153) and their gay/lesbian (n = 231) peers from religious families on minority stress factors, depression, and partnering. Results highlighted differences between gay/lesbian and bi+ individuals in partnering and LGB community connection with bi+ group reporting more minority stressors. Bi+ individuals in same-gender partnerships reported lower parent rejection and being more out than those who were single or in different-gender partnerships. Family religiosity was associated with family rejection; however, it did not directly predict minority stress factors or depression for bi+ individuals. Implications for future research are discussed in light of the distinctions emerging between gay/lesbian and bi+ adults.

Pathways to Well-being among LGBT adults: Sociopolitical Involvement, Family Support, Outness, and Community Connectedness with Race/Ethnicity as a Moderator

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) experience disparate levels of psychological distress due to marginalization, yet there are also opportunities for community connectedness and sociopolitical involvement in identify-specific issues and organizations, which may improve psychological well-being. This study contributes to intersectional research on LGBT psychological well-being by locating LGBT community connectedness as a mediator of the associations between well-being and (a) LGBT sociopolitical involvement and (b) being out as LGBT among a sample of predominately LGBT-identified adults in the United States and Puerto Rico (n = 4940) across four racial/ethnic identity groups: non-Hispanic Black, Latinx/Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and other races/ethnicities. Analyses revealed that separate models were operating across racial/ethnic identity groups. Path analysis further showed that LGBT community connectedness mediated (either partially or fully) the effects of both LGBT sociopolitical involvement and outness on well-being. Direct effects on well-being were also found for family support across all groups and for outness only among the non-Hispanic White and other races/ethnicities groups. Community leaders and practitioners should seek to create opportunities for LGBT sociopolitical involvement and other activities that may facilitate feeling connected to LGBT community as part of efforts to promote LGBT well-being.

The dual contingencies of ethnoraciality: Status-context disparities in health information sources among sexual minorities

Researchers often explore health (care) beliefs as a function of individual characteristics; yet, few consider the role of context in shaping both beliefs and the behaviors that are informed by them. As a sociopolitical construct, ethnoraciality provides a concerning source of bias in studies of health (care) beliefs because it inhabits both individual and contextual forms. This study examines whether the ethnoracial context of the residential area where sexual minorities live is associated with a particular health (care) belief - sources of trustworthy health information - and considers how ethnoracial group membership status differentiates these ecological associations drawing on mediation and moderation models. Using data from the 2010 Social Justice Sexuality Project, our analysis shows that sexual minorities who live with high concentrations of Latinos and Whites are less likely to rely exclusively on medical professionals for trustworthy health information than those who live with high concentrations of Blacks. Moreover, exclusive reliance on medical professionals for health information among Black and Latino sexual minorities is stronger in co-ethnic communities (predominately Black and Latino areas, respectively). The analysis also documents status and contextual differentials and status-context contingencies of reliance on the Internet, social networks, and multiple agents ("triangulation") as sources of health information. Findings suggest that place-based co-ethnic networks may facilitate disease prevention among Black and Latino sexual minorities by improving the quality of their relationships with sick role gatekeepers and breaking down the silos of the medical complex. The study concludes by considering the value of a place-based approach to alleviating health disparities among sexual minorities vis-à-vis the health care system.

Relationship Status and Drinking-Related Outcomes in a Community Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women

Although marriage tends to be protective against hazardous drinking among women in the general population, few studies have compared drinking rates, levels, or problems based on relationship status among sexual minority women (SMW; lesbian, bisexual). We examined associations between relationship status (committed relationship/cohabiting; committed/not cohabiting; single) and past-year drinking outcomes using data from a diverse sample of 696 SMW interviewed in wave 3 of the 17-year longitudinal Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The mean age of SMW in the sample was 40.01 (SD = 14.15; range 18-82). A little more than one-third (37%) of the sample was white, 36% was African American, and 23% Latina; 4% reported another or multi- race/ethnicity. Compared to SMW in committed cohabiting relationships, single SMW were significantly more likely to be heavy drinkers. SMW in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report alcohol-related problem consequences, and both single SMW and those in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report one or more symptoms of potential alcohol dependence. Findings underscore the importance of exploring relationship factors that may influence drinking and drinking-related problems among SMW.

Considering the Role of Nativity in the Health and Psychological Wellbeing of Black LGBT Adults

Recent scholars have underscored how the experiences of LGBT people of color cannot be fully understood by considering only the independent contributions of race and sexual orientation. Framed by an intersectional lens, the current study seeks to address this gap in understanding by considering the role of nativity on the health and wellbeing of Black sexual minority adults; we also examined the moderating effects of family support and racial community climate on this relationship. Using national data from the Social Justice Sexuality Project (N = 2,166), we discovered that foreign-born Black LGBT adults had similar levels of psychological wellbeing and physical health as their native counterparts; family support and racial community climate did not moderate this relationship. Our findings did, however, substantiate the importance of family and community support for all Black LGBT adults, regardless of immigration status. Implications of this finding, in addition to directions for future intersectional work on racial minority LGBT people, are discussed.

Race/Ethnicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among LGBT Older Adults

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Few existing studies have addressed racial/ethnic differences in the health and quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Guided by the Health Equity Promotion Model, this study examines health-promoting and health risk factors that contribute to racial/ethnic health disparities among LGBT adults aged 50 and older.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We utilized weighted survey data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. By applying multiple mediator models, we analyzed the indirect effects of race/ethnicity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) via demographics, lifetime LGBT-related discrimination, and victimization, and socioeconomic, identity-related, spiritual, and social resources.

RESULTS

Although African Americans and Hispanics, compared with non-Hispanic Whites, reported lower physical HRQOL and comparable psychological HRQOL, indirect pathways between race/ethnicity and HRQOL were observed. African Americans and Hispanics had lower income, educational attainment, identity affirmation, and social support, which were associated with a decrease in physical and psychological HRQOL. African Americans had higher lifetime LGBT-related discrimination, which was linked to a decrease in their physical and psychological HRQOL. African Americans and Hispanics had higher spirituality, which was associated with an increase in psychological HRQOL.

IMPLICATIONS

Findings illustrate the importance of identifying both health-promoting and health risk factors to understand ways to maximize the health potential of racially and ethnically diverse LGBT older adults. Interventions aimed at health equity should be tailored to bolster identity affirmation and social networks of LGBT older adults of color and to support strengths, including spiritual resources.

Relationship of Religiosity and Spirituality to Hazardous Drinking, Drug Use, and Depression Among Sexual Minority Women

Using data from Wave 3 of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study (N = 699), we explored whether religiosity and spirituality were associated with risk of hazardous drinking, drug use, and depression among sexual minority women (SMW; i.e., lesbian, bisexual) and possible differences by race/ethnicity. Participants were more likely to endorse spirituality than religiosity, and endorsement of each was highest among African American SMW. We found no protective effect of religiosity or spirituality for hazardous drinking or drug use. An association initially found between identifying as very spiritual and past-year depression disappeared when controlling for help-seeking. Among SMW with high religiosity, African American SMW were more likely than White SMW to report hazardous drinking. Latina SMW with higher spirituality were more likely than White SMW to report drug use. Results suggest that religiosity and spirituality affect subgroups differently, which should be considered in future research on resiliency among SMW.

Individual, social and community-level predictors of wellbeing in a US sample of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals

In the last decade, increased attention has been paid to the physical and mental health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. However, despite this surge of research, scant literature addresses factors associated with wellbeing among members of this population. Using data from the US Social Justice Sexuality Survey, this study examines predictors of wellbeing in a sample of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Results indicate that higher levels of wellbeing are predicted by education, older age and a greater sense of connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Additionally, although health insurance did not have a significant impact on wellbeing, increased general health was associated with greater wellbeing, as was perceived comfort of the healthcare provider regarding the respondent's sexual identity. These findings can inform multi-level intervention with transgender and gender non-conforming persons to promote their wellbeing, as well as guide policies and practices around healthcare provider training. Future research should further examine the interconnected predictors of wellbeing among members of this population.

Religiosity as a protective factor for hazardous drinking and drug use among sexual minority and heterosexual women: Findings from the National Alcohol Survey

OBJECTIVE

Despite research documenting disparities in risk for alcohol-related problems among sexual minority women, few studies explore potential protective factors within this population. This study examines how religiosity may function as a protective or risk factor for alcohol-problems or other substance use among sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals.

METHOD

Data from 11,169 women who responded to sexual identity and sexual behavior questions from three population-based National Alcohol Survey waves (2000, 2005, 2010) were utilized for analyses of religiosity in relation to lifetime drinking, past year hazardous drinking, and past year drug use.

RESULTS

Religiosity was significantly greater among exclusively heterosexual women compared to all sexual minority groups (lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual women who report same sex partners). Lesbians reported the lowest rates of affiliation with religions/denominations discouraging alcohol use. Past year hazardous drinking and use of any illicit drugs were significantly lower among exclusively heterosexual women compared to all sexual minority groups. High religiosity was associated with lifetime alcohol abstention and was found to be protective against hazardous drinking and drug use among both sexual minority and heterosexual women. Reporting religious norms unfavorable to drinking was protective against hazardous drinking among exclusively heterosexual women but not sexual minority women.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings reveal the importance of considering sexual minority status in evaluation of religion or spirituality as protective among women. Future studies should explore religiosity in the context of other individual and environmental factors, such as positive identity development and community-level acceptance, which may be salient to resiliency among sexual minorities.