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Parents struggle to discuss sex with LGBTQ teens

A Northwestern University study found that parents of LGBTQ teenagers face challenges discussing sexual health, including general discomfort and limited knowledge. The study emphasizes the importance of providing resources to help parents overcome these obstacles and establish supportive relationships with their children.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

Community factors and social connection may determine whether sexual minority parents view their community as tolerant versus supportive

A new study found that LGB parents' perceptions of community tolerance depend on the presence of supportive structures like legal protections, employer acceptance, and religious affirmation. However, these factors alone do not guarantee a supportive climate, as individual experiences can vary significantly.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 20, 2017

Parental sexual orientation and children's psychological well-being

A study of 21,103 children found no significant differences in emotional and mental health difficulties between those with lesbian or gay parents and those with heterosexual parents. However, children of bisexual parents experienced greater difficulties, which disappeared after accounting for minority stress among bisexual parents.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateNov 8, 2017

Sexual minority youth have higher rates of disordered eating behaviors

A new study found that sexual minority boys and girls are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits, with lesbian and bisexual girls facing a widening gap in rates. The study analyzed data from youth ages 12-18 and found disparities in disordered eating behaviors between sexual minority teens and their heterosexual peers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJul 21, 2016

Study finds higher rates of distress and impaired physical health among LGBT populations

A large-scale survey found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking, and smoking compared to heterosexuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners to address the unique health needs of this vulnerable population.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016

Study examines health, risks for gay, bisexual adults

A national study found lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults experience significant health disparities, particularly in mental health and substance use. The study suggests that minority stress, including exposure to interpersonal and structural discrimination, contributes to these health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016

Why is female sexuality more flexible than male sexuality?

A new evolutionary theory suggests women's sexual desires can change based on partner, reproductive status, and circumstances, reducing conflict in polygamous marriages. This theory may explain puzzles in human sex research, such as differences in female and male homosexuality.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 16, 2016

Young gay and bisexual men 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than older counterparts

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that young gay and bisexual men in the UK are significantly at risk of poor mental health compared to their older counterparts. The research reveals that these men are six times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm, as well as twice as likely to be depressed or anxious.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 26, 2016

What scientists know -- and don't know -- about sexual orientation

A comprehensive review of scientific research on sexual orientation reveals that non-heterosexual feelings are a small but nontrivial percentage of the population across cultures. The study suggests that biological and environmental factors jointly influence sexual orientation, with no evidence to support social learning or increased p...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateApr 25, 2016

Students binge drink less in locales with more affirmative LGBTQ school climates

A new study found that students who attend schools with programs and policies supporting LGBTQ youth are less likely to binge drink, regardless of their sexual identity. Living in states or cities with more affirmative school climates was associated with fewer binge drinking days for gay/lesbian and heterosexual students.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 29, 2016

UT study: 'Born this way' beliefs may not be the key to reducing homophobia

A recent University of Tennessee study suggests that the belief people are born with their sexual orientation is not the key to improving attitudes toward lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. Instead, it's what else they believe about sexual orientation that distinguishes them from those with negative or positive attitudes towards ga...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJan 4, 2016

Few gay teenage boys get tested for HIV

Research finds that only one in five gay and bisexual teen boys have been tested for HIV due to fears of recognition and lack of knowledge on where to get tested. Testing in schools is proposed as a solution to normalize the process, making it easier for young men to receive lifesaving medical care.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 26, 2015

Chapman University publishes research on friendship

The study examines how US adults rely on friends for expressive, instrumental, and companionate support, with findings suggesting similar numbers of friends across genders and sexual orientations. GLB individuals have similar numbers of friends as heterosexual men and women, and close friendships are linked to overall life satisfaction.

SourceChapman University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2015

The health effects of homophobia

A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS·DateJun 8, 2015

Shift to gay, lesbian, bisexual identities in early adulthood tied to depressive symptoms

A new study found that people who transitioned to same-sex attraction in early adulthood reported more depressive symptoms than those whose sexual orientations did not change or changed in the opposite direction. The study highlights the need for social support during periods of sexual identity transition.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 31, 2015