Add BrightSurf on Google Email

‘Gaybourhoods’ boost LGB voter turnout

LGB individuals vote more when living near other LGB people, with a 1.56 percentage point increase in voter turnout for every one percentage point increase in local LGB population density. This study, conducted in Sweden, tracked over 20,000 LGB individuals and nearly eight million heterosexual peers across four parliamentary elections.

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

Sexual minority individuals face higher cesarean risks

A new study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that sexual minority individuals have a 7% higher odds of primary Cesarean birth compared to completely heterosexual participants. Disparities were especially pronounced when labor was induced, raising concerns about potential provider bias and unequal interve...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateDec 11, 2025

Discrimination against LGBT+ individuals is a pervasive issue plaguing the veterinary profession, suggests new research

A new study from the University of Surrey and Royal Veterinary College found that over half of participants experienced or witnessed discrimination, with fears of negative repercussions hindering disclosure of identity. Those who were open about their identity reported feeling supported, highlighting the need for institutions to promot...

CUNY SPH expands curriculum with concentration in sexual and reproductive justice and health

The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy has launched a new master of public health concentration in sexual and reproductive justice and health. The program prepares students to address social, political, and economic forces shaping sexual and reproductive health outcomes through research, policy, law, leadership, an...

Residing in conservative states is impacting the mental health of US LGBTQIA+ students—national study suggests

A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Extreme weather events linked to HIV vulnerabilities among sex workers and sexually diverse men in Kenya

A new study finds connections between extreme weather events and HIV vulnerabilities, including increased transactional sex, reduced condom agency, and LGBTQ stigma. Researchers studied 21 sex workers and 15 gbMSM in Nairobi, Kenya, revealing interrelated links between climate change-related resource insecurities and HIV risk.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateMay 22, 2025

Study finds global downturn in bias against stigmatized groups

Researchers found significant decreases in self-reported bias against stigmatized groups, including age, race, body weight, skin tone, and sexual orientation. However, implicit bias trends varied across countries, with some seeing improvements while others experienced increases or stability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2025

Data from the Healthy Minds Study of 140 college campuses in the US suggests that religiousness may be protective against symptoms of depression in students, although less so in sexual minorities

The study found that religiousness may be protective against symptoms of depression in US college students, although the effect is weaker for those who identify as sexual minorities. The researchers analyzed data from 140 campuses and discovered a link between higher levels of religiosity and lower rates of depressive symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·DateMar 26, 2025

New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2025

Proximity and prejudice: Gay discrimination in the gig economy

University of Queensland researchers found gay discrimination prevalent in gig economy, affecting workers' interactions and ratings for tasks with close proximity requirements. The study highlights the need for infrastructure changes on online platforms to address this bias and promote a more inclusive labor market.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

Men who have sex with men in Europe still vulnerable to hepatitis A and B, highlighting need for public health action and support

Research analyzing European survey data from 113,884 men who have sex with men reveals that only 44% report being vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B. Strong public health support and creating an open environment are crucial to reduce outbreaks among MSM and eliminate hepatitis B.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Patients say access to health care is about more than just travel time and being seen quickly

A first-of-its-kind study assesses how closely patients' perceptions of network adequacy align with those of insurers. The survey found strong support for definitions related to timely access, specialty care, and mental health care, as well as broader concepts like public transportation access and cultural competency.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateOct 14, 2024

BU commentary: Project 2025 could become a ‘political reality that would upend medical practice’

A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 26, 2024

Study finds most at-risk populations for HIV discussing subject in negative, risky ways got most social media attention

Researchers analyzed over 6,400 tweets from young male Twitter users and found that posts using humor to stigmatize people or promote risky behaviors received more attention. The study's findings suggest that understanding how at-risk populations discuss HIV on social media can help design effective health campaigns to reach them.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalBMC Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Research spotlight: Health care discrimination and care avoidance due to patient-clinician identity discordance among sexual and gender minority adults

A study analyzing national data reveals that SGM adults are more likely to avoid healthcare due to perceived differences in identity with their clinicians. The study highlights the importance of diversifying the healthcare workforce and preventing discrimination against SGM patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Sexual and gender minority adults avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians and experiences of discrimination

A study found that sexual minority and gender minority adults are more likely to avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians, highlighting the need for affirming care. Health care discrimination scores were also higher among these groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender adults.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find parent and caregiver support linked to decreased depression and suicidal thoughts in LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ youth

A study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. However, those who reported parental support showed significantly reduced rates of these symptoms.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

First of its kind study shines light on LGBTQ+ farmer mental health

A new study reveals that LGBTQ+ farmers are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent compared to the general population. The research also found that queer farmers face specific challenges, including concerns about identity validation and access to mental health resources.

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

US sexual health curriculum could force LGBTQ+ students to seek potentially inaccurate education outside of school

A new study reveals that US sexual health curricula are leaving LGBTQ+ students without essential information, leading them to seek advice from unreliable sources. Experts argue that addressing this negligence could be life-saving and urge policymakers to include LGBTQ+ content in curricula.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2024

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 29, 2024

Teenagers need better reproductive health education to tackle parenthood fears

Two new studies by UCL researchers found that nearly half of teenagers are worried about having children due to fear, self-doubt, and lack of education on reproductive health. The studies also highlighted gaps in sex education, with many students expressing concerns about endometriosis, infertility, and the impact of lifestyle on ferti...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalHuman Fertility·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 12, 2024