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To show LGBTQ+ support, look beyond Pride Month

A study by Cornell University researchers found that LGBTQ+ employees and customers perceive allyship gestures more authentically when displayed outside Pride Month. The study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to allyship is not effective, highlighting the importance of timing in shaping perceptions.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·TypeSurvey·DateJan 20, 2026

Gender and beliefs shape homophobic attitudes

A UNIGE team discovered that heterosexual individuals' interpretations of scientific data on sexual orientation are influenced by their own frame of reference, leading to both positive and negative attitudes towards homosexuality. The study found that religiosity plays a significant role in shaping these attitudes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeNews article·DateFeb 11, 2025

US efforts to collect LGBTQ+ data among Medicaid patients is a ‘foundational step towards health equity'

A new commentary in JAMA explains the benefits and barriers of CMS' recommendations to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions into Medicaid applications. The guidance aims to improve health equity by collecting self-reported SOGI data from 88 million adults enrolled in Medicaid, but limitations include non-represe...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 2024

New research shows sexual minority adults more willing to use digital health tools for public health

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that sexual minority adults are more willing to use digital health tools for screening and tracking compared to heterosexual adults. The study, which analyzed data from a COVID-19 survey, highlights the need for diverse populations to be considered in the developme...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2024

Uptake of HIV prevention medication doubles with mix of digital health interventions, study finds

A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

Interpersonal and structural stigma toward sexual minority youth create mental health challenges, increased suicide risk

A recent study found that LGB youth experience more interpersonal discrimination and are four times more likely to attempt suicide. Structural stigma also plays a significant role in their mental health burden. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions against discrimination and awareness of structural stigma

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateJul 6, 2023

Some ‘allies’ don’t want gay neighbors

A new study by Northwestern University found that the absence of legal protections for sexual minorities increases stigma among both allies and those who reject homosexuality. Even fully accepting individuals may reject their gay neighbors, highlighting the importance of legal inclusion in reducing prejudice.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSociological Research Online·DateMar 6, 2023

New study examines links between parents’ income and sexual orientation of their children

A new study published in Evolutionary Psychology examines the relationship between parental income and the sexual behavior of their adult children. The research found that children from low-income families had higher frequencies of same-sex attraction, while those from high-income families had lower frequencies.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

Sex role flexibility is key to the evolution of homosexual partnerships in termites

A new study published in PNAS found that female and male Japanese termites can flip sex roles to form stable same-sex pairs. The researchers discovered that this 'sex role flexibility' allows same-sex pairings to evolve, enabling termites to survive and thrive.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

What predicts parents' desire for more children? And do heterosexual parents want more children than same-sex parents?

A new study by Dr. Geva Shenkman Lachberg found that there are no differences between same-sex parents and heterosexual parents when it comes to their desire for more children. The ideal number of children in families surveyed was around three, similar to the national average.

SourceReichman University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Which teens are more likely to vape? Research shows surprising patterns across race and sexuality groups

A new study found dramatic differences in vaping prevalence across racial and sexual orientation groups. Black girls who identify as lesbian were more likely to vape than their heterosexual counterparts, while white girls who identify as lesbian were at lower risk. The findings suggest targeted e-cigarette marketing may contribute to t...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 23, 2022

Autistic individuals are more likely to be LGBTQ+

A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autistic adults are less likely to identify as heterosexual and more likely to experience a diverse range of sexual orientations. The research found no differences in likelihood of contracting STIs or age of first sexual activity between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAutism Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2021

Do you think you’re exclusively straight?

A University of Sydney study found that reading informational articles on the nature of sexual orientation can change how people interpret their underlying feelings. This led to a significant increase in reported non-exclusive heterosexuality, with participants being more willing to engage in same-sex activities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2021

Bisexual orientation in men

A study of over 500 men found a U-shaped function in genital and self-reported arousal to erotic stimuli, suggesting a continuum of male sexual orientations. Bisexual-identifying men exhibited smaller differences in arousal between male and female stimuli compared to heterosexual and homosexual men.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Brain scans on movie watchers reveal how we judge people

Researchers used brain scans to explore unconscious biases in movie watchers, finding that the brain is naturally biased towards people who are like us, but also against those who are different. The study suggests that our brains can be influenced by learned knowledge and external factors, changing how we perceive others.

SourceAalto University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 24, 2019

Teachers' views on LGBQ students are changing

A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.

SourceSpringer·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateOct 4, 2018

What kind of sex do German men have at 45?

A large-scale study in Germany found that nearly ten percent of gay men had engaged in vaginal sex with women in the past three months, challenging traditional notions of sexual orientation. Additionally, a significant percentage of heterosexual men were found to have had non-traditional sex practices, including oral and anal sex.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalSexual Medicine·DateOct 2, 2018

Homosexual termite regicide

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that male Japanese termites form same-sex pairs when females are absent, allowing them to survive and potentially reproduce. This behavior is believed to be an adaptive strategy for future reproduction in the absence of females.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 18, 2016

Study identifies psychological traits associated with homophobia

A new study found that psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms are risk factors for homophobia, while depression and neurotic defense mechanisms lower the risk. The study included 560 Italian university students and aims to address the long-standing debate about whether homosexuality is a disease.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 8, 2015

Bugs not gay, just confused

Research at Tel Aviv University suggests that homosexual behavior in insects and spiders is often a case of mistaken identity. In most cases, males mistake other males for females due to lack of time and energy to inspect their mates' gender. This behavior lacks potential benefits like procreation and can be costly.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 21, 2013