Search Results (188)

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, or Queer (LGBTQ) students with disabilities face unique challenges in the educational environment, and educators must provide support based on intersectionality. However, research on LGBTQ students in special needs education is limited, and the extent of educators’ awareness and support is not well documented. Therefore, this study explored the awareness, knowledge, and support practices of special needs school educators regarding LGBTQ students. We conducted a nationwide survey of educators in special needs schools in Japan, and 2024 valid responses were analyzed using multiple correspondence and cluster analyses. The results revealed that many educators lacked an understanding of basic LGBTQ terminology and may have been unaware of their discriminatory behaviors. Additionally, most educators had never encountered LGBTQ students with disabilities, potentially hindering these students’ opportunities to seek support. Furthermore, educators who had received LGBTQ training reported higher awareness and being more proactive in supporting LGBTQ students than those who had not. Thus, training may be associated with support-related attitudes. This highlights the need for ongoing training programs that address LGBTQ identity and disability, considering their intersectionality. These preliminary findings suggest the potential for creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ students with disabilities; nevertheless, structural barriers remain. Full article

There has been a growing trend of young people coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in recent years. Research on the relationship between LGBTQ grandchildren and their grandparents is limited and primarily focuses on the grandchildren’s perspective. This pilot study seeks to understand the relationship between grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren, from the grandparents’ perspective. Six Israeli grandparents were interviewed using a qualitative methodology, guided by a semi-structured interview protocol. Analysis of the interviews revealed three main themes: grandparents’ exposure to the grandchildren’s sexual orientation and their gender identity; the shattering of the grandparents’ dream and concern for the grandchild; and the relations between the grandparents and their LGBT grandchildren. The research findings in this pilot study indicate that the relations remained close and did not change following disclosure of the sexual orientation. However, some grandparents needed time to resume their regular relationship. The insights learned from the research findings regarding the process undergone by the grandparents upon discovering their grandchildren’s sexual orientation can help professionals treat and counsel family members, when necessary, how to bridge the gaps, and rebuild the relations between the grandparent and the grandchild, as these relations are important for the well-being of both. Full article

The literature details the healthcare needs of migrant people living with chronic illnesses and the consequent economic, social, and healthcare needs of their caregivers. Similarly, some studies have underscored the social and healthcare needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex individuals, including diverse sexual and gender identities under the “+” symbol) adults living with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. This narrative review presents the context of migrant 2SLGBTQIA+ unpaid caregivers and how their intersecting identities influence their caregiving roles for family members with chronic illnesses. In this article, caregivers are defined as family members or chosen families who provide unpaid support that may last for three months or longer for people living with chronic illnesses. Most studies and policies overlook 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants who are also unpaid caregivers of individuals living with chronic illnesses, leaving them unsupported through discrimination at the intersection of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and ableism, forcing them to remain vulnerable to increased emotional and physical strain. There is a presence of pervasive systemic barriers, including a lack of training and education among social and healthcare providers, about the needs of migrant 2SLGBTQIA+ unpaid caregivers. Additional challenges stem from inadequate policies and insufficient targeted resources, particularly for caregivers from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds. The findings of this study highlight the necessity for a call to action to address these gaps and improve support systems for these highly marginalized communities. Full article

Cervical cancer remains one of the main causes of female mortality, especially in middle- and low-income countries, despite efforts towards the implementation of global vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of this study was to review and compare the most recently published international guidelines providing recommendations on cervical cancer screening strategies among average and high-risk women. Thus, a comparative review of guidelines by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC), the Cancer Council Australia (CCA), and the European Guidelines (EG) was conducted. There is an overall agreement regarding the suggestions made for women younger than 21 and those older than 65, with all guidelines stating against routine screening, with the exceptions of CTFPHC and CCA that expand the age group to up to 70 and 75 years, respectively. Continuation of screening in older women is also suggested in those with a history of a precancerous lesion and those with inadequate screening. Most guidelines recommend routine screening at 30–65 years, while the WHO advises that screening should be prioritized at 30–49 years. HPV DNA testing is the method of choice recommended by most guidelines, followed by cytology as an alternative, except for CTFPHC, which refers to cytology only, with self-sampling being an acceptable method by most medical societies. Agreements exist regarding recommendations for specific groups, such as women with a history of total hysterectomy for benign reasons, women with a complete vaccination against HPV, individuals from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities and women with multiple sexual partners or early initiation of sexual activity. On the other hand, the age group of 21–29 is addressed differently by the reviewed guidelines, while differentiations also occur in the screening strategies in cases of abnormal screening results, in women with immunodeficiency, those with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrole and pregnant women. The development of consistent practice protocols for the most appropriate cervical cancer screening programs seems to be of major importance to reduce mortality rates and safely guide everyday clinical practice. Full article

Coming out has been found to be associated with favorable long-term social and psychological outcomes among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. It is therefore important to understand the system of social and psychological factors that predict degree of outness in this population. The integrative theoretical model proposed in this article postulates that social factors (e.g., exposure to minority stressors, access to social support) trigger changes in sexual identity, which in turn determine one’s degree of outness. The model is tested in two cross-sectional survey studies (Study 1 [N = 295]) and Study 2 [N = 156]) of LGB people in the United Kingdom. Discrimination and general social support were directly and positively associated with outness and indirectly through the mediation of sexual identity processes. LGB social support was indirectly associated with outness through sexual identity processes. Interventions should focus on facilitating access to varied social support and on preventing or alleviating sexual identity threat in the face of minority stressors. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the living arrangements of many college students in the United States, potentially impacting their academic development, which plays a critical role in their mental health. At the start of the pandemic, university closures led to an abrupt transition from face-to-face instruction to online instruction, which may have caused significant challenges for college students, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others who identify as having a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBTQ+). To identify academic challenges and associated protective factors, we examined LGBTQ+ college students’ social support from family and friends, the parent–child relationship quality, and their associations with academic challenges during the first months of the pandemic. The results of online surveys indicated that LGBTQ+ college students (N = 408; Mean Age = 20.4 yrs) who reported less family support and worse relationship quality with their parents perceived that academics had become relatively harder than before the pandemic. In contrast, friend support was unrelated to perceived academic challenges. These findings underscore the potentially protective role of supportive and high-quality relationships with family. The findings also provide insight into how universities could support students’ academic success during other temporary academic breaks and sudden, unplanned disruptions, such as hurricanes or other weather-related events, which is essential in promoting LGBTQ+ college students’ mental health and academic success. Full article

The coronavirus pandemic shaped challenges for marginalized groups. Specifically, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people experienced community-building constraints, notably in predominantly rural regions. People are also navigating digital geographies, or online social environments, in novel ways to develop virtual communities in the face of prejudice, discrimination, and potential trauma. Through a minority coping approach, the present study explored LGBTQ+ people’s experiences navigating the dynamics of digital geographies during the pandemic while residing in socially conservative, highly rural physical spaces where they may be exposed to vicarious trauma. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, data were gathered from 43 LGBTQ+ identifying individuals between 19 and 59 years old (M/SD = 27.7/9.2) between October 2020 and January 2021. Nearly 14% identified as transgender, nonbinary, or queer individuals, 35% as bisexual individuals, and 21% as people of color including Hispanic/Latina/o. Thematic analysis of the narratives described participants’ exposures to online discrimination and stigmatization of minority groups (racial and/or sexual/gender minority groups) during the COVID-19 pandemic, institutional constraints to identity expression, utilizing social technologies to manage their identities, and negotiating digital strategies to promote social ties. Findings emphasize improving marginalized people’s experiences with digital geographies through identity affirmation and community relationship-building to offset potentially traumatic experiences. Furthermore, service providers can utilize the findings to tailor effective virtual LGBTQ+ community programming to support underserved, marginalized populations. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable protein is underway. This debate is often framed as a choice between two competing agrifood futures: the “no cow” and “clean cow” perspectives. The former comes from alternative protein advocates, while the latter aims to support practices, discourses, and livelihoods associated with regenerative ranching. The findings presented reveal greater nuance than what this simplistic dichotomy suggests. This paper utilizes data collected from fifty-eight individuals in California and Colorado (USA). Participants in the sample were identified by their attendance at various events focused on sustainability in protein production and includes a subsample of regenerative farmers who self-identified as persons of color, disabled or differently abled, and/or part of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) community. The sample features a range of viewpoints associated with regenerative livestock and non-livestock protein production. The data support arguments aligned with “clean cow” framings, as determined by the anticipated scope of sustainable protein transformations. However, the paper cautions against solely relying on this frame without further interrogating its contours. It particularly notes that the values of specific “clean cow” actors and networks mirror key aspects of “no cow” perspectives. These similarities are especially evident among upstream actors like investors, corporate interests, and government sponsors. For these individuals and networks, the “no” versus “clean” distinction—despite suggesting radically different agrifood futures—overshadows underlying shared concerns that align with core elements of the status quo. A case is also made for greater reflexivity and, thus, inclusivity as we think about who is included in these debates, as the data tell us that this shapes how we frame what is at stake. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the world’s population ages, the growing number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) will undoubtedly continue to impose social and economic challenges. Informal caregivers play a crucial role in providing essential support for individuals with ADRD. However, there is limited research that investigates the psychosocial functioning of caregivers (partners) from minoritized groups. Methods: This study aimed to explore the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) caregivers of individuals with ADRDs. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven caregivers of partners diagnosed with ADRDs. Three themes were identified based on reflexive thematic analysis: (i) experiencing familial alienation; (ii) fear about the future; and (iii) finding strength in the face of adversity. Results: The research highlighted difficulties reported by LGBTQ+ caregivers, while also showing how such caregivers cope. The findings provide a basis for developing targeted interventions for caregivers from minoritized groups. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for policy and intervention development concerning LGBTQ+ caregivers’ mental and physical health outcomes. Full article

Background: Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in young people, and these include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum, which are often asymptomatic but with the potential for transmission. In addition, certain risk behaviors, such as the use of dating apps, pornography, and substance use, reduce adherence to barrier methods, especially in men, thus facilitating the spread of these infections. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between the use of dating apps, drug and pornographic material consumption, and STI history in university students of the health sciences. Results: The sample consisted of 730 participants. The results indicated that individuals who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported significantly higher rates of dating app use, drug use, and pornography consumption compared to those who identified as heterosexual. Also, these groups showed lower adherence to contraceptive and protective methods. A statistical analysis revealed a relationship between the use of dating apps and increased sexual risk behaviors, suggesting that the accessibility of these platforms could influence the frequency and type of sexual contact. Conclusions: The increase in the prevalence of STIs in recent years has highlighted the urgency of strengthening prevention and sexual health promotion strategies, especially in young and high-risk populations. This study emphasizes the need for early and targeted interventions in high-risk groups to reduce the incidence of STIs and promote responsible sexual health practices. Full article

Attitudes toward sexual and gender minority people is a generative field of study leading to theoretical and practical advances. Adding to this body of literature, we sought to investigate relationships between attitudes toward different sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) minority groups. University student participants (N = 495) were asked to rate 11 targets using a 101-point feeling thermometer scale. The targets included trans, bisexual, asexual, and polyamorous men and women, along with lesbians, gay men, and gender non-conforming persons. Heterosexual men and women targets were included for comparison. Analyses addressed two main question areas: (1) Were the various SOGI minority targets rated similarly/differently? (2) Do ratings of the targets differ as a function of target and participant demographic characteristics? Generally, SOGI ratings were favourable (78–85%) except for polyamorous targets (66%). While there were some statistically significant rating differences between some SOGI targets (e.g., lesbians were rated more favourably than asexual women; 85% versus 83%, respectively), data reduction analyses (i.e., Principal Components Analysis) with the 11 SOGI target ratings supported the possibility of aggregating attitudes into a single SOGI target group variable. The second research goal involved exploring whether ratings differed as a function of participant characteristics, including sexual orientation, gender, and religiosity. The analysis revealed that attitudes significantly differed based on all three participant factors. In general, those who rated the targets most favourably were those who were queer, women, or not-at-all religious. However, the SOGI target gender did not result in differences in target ratings (e.g., asexual women and asexual men were equal). The findings further the literature on attitudes toward various SOGI minorities, providing support for the theory that there is a latent factor underlying perceiver attitudes toward SOGI minorities and indicating a need to consider demographic characteristics of social perceivers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Social support is essential to development, mental and emotional health, and reducing risk for psychological distress. Youth are exposed to various opportunities for socialization with peers, including through social media. Strong online social networks may be most critical for youth from isolated communities, including those from rural areas or LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc.) youth. With this study, we investigated associations between social media use and online social support among adolescents. Additionally, we compared the online experiences of rural and urban youth. We also examined associations between online social support and psychological functioning and investigated whether the strength of these relationships was moderated by community type (rural versus urban). Finally, we evaluated the online experiences of LGBT+ youth. Methods: Two hundred seventy-five participants (ages 13–19) from seven high schools located in either rural or urban communities completed a paper and pencil survey on their mental health, social media use, and online social support. Results: Social media use was positively associated with online social support. Rural youth were found to report greater social media use and online social support compared to urban youth. Online social support was not associated with depression or anxiety; community type (rural versus urban) did not moderate the strength of these relationships. LGBT+ youth in rural communities reported greater social media use and support online compared to LGBT+ youth in urban communities. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the potential positive benefits of social media use as it is related to perceptions of social support among online friends. They demonstrate that interactions online may contribute to stronger support networks within adolescents, particularly among vulnerable youth. Findings suggest social media may increase accessibility to social support for youth who may be at risk for social isolation. Full article

Narrative therapy and expressive writing interventions have been found to improve health and wellbeing among vulnerable populations; however, few have been conducted with young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and those of other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+). This study aimed to determine how young LGBTQ+ people in Australia might make meaning of themselves and their experiences through life writing and the implications for health and wellbeing. A study was conducted with 20 LGBTQ+-identifying participants, aged 16 to 20, in or around Melbourne, Australia. The participants attended one of two writing workshops held at a public library in Melbourne in October 2019 and February 2020, where they were taught creative nonfiction writing techniques. They were asked to submit pieces of life writing (“narratives”) and reflections about participating in the study. Fifteen participants submitted one or more narratives in response to a prompt, and 10 participants provided reflections. Thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify themes that emerged. The participants’ processes of meaning-making were analysed using a performativity lens. This article explores the theme “sex and relationships” that emerged and the related sub-themes. The participants’ writing provided insights into sociocultural norms, discourses, and tropes, including those present in school-based sexuality education and in the media, that may impact the developing sexual subjectivities of young LGBTQ+ people in Australia. Engaging in life writing provided an outlet for developing self-knowledge, agency, and subjectivity. The findings can be used to promote the use of creative, youth-centred and queer-affirming practices and interventions for LGBTQ+ youth in school and community settings, including peer support and community health approaches. They indicate the need for de-pathologising the medicalised risk- and prevention-based interventions for LGBTQ+ youth in health and education research and policy, particularly around sexual and mental health. Full article

This article provides findings from a small-scale project undertaken to understand the student experience of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus (LGBTQ+) student community in a large post-92 university in England. Focus groups were conducted with students that explored areas of student life, including support, the campus environment, and belonging. A social constructivist theoretical perspective underpins the article. Students develop common knowledge via social processes that are powerfully influenced by cultural factors that are constantly in a state of flux. The article also rejects essentialist delineations of LGBTQ+ gender and sexuality and subscribes instead to a Butlerian framework of identity where behaviours associated with gender and sexuality are instruments of regulatory regimes. Even within a university culture that is inclusive and welcoming, opportunities were not always provided for LGBTQ+ students to speak about their personal lives and identities authentically, and university classrooms did not always feel like safe places for students. Whilst staff were generally helpful and supportive to their LGBTQ+ students, many lacked the knowledge and skills to confidently meet the needs of these students, particularly those identifying as trans and non-binary. The recommendations include calls for universities to commit to high-quality mandatory training for staff so that trans and non-binary students in particular are supported by staff appropriately equipped to support their needs. Full article