Gay = STIs? Exploring gay and lesbian sexual health stereotypes and their implications for prejudice and discrimination

Author(s):  
Dylan R. Rice ◽  
Sa‐kiera T. J. Hudson ◽  
Nicole E. Noll
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan R. Rice ◽  
Sa-kiera Tiarra Jolynn Hudson ◽  
Nicole E. Noll

Gay men and lesbian women face health inequities as well as disparate treatment from healthcare providers. Stereotypes surrounding sexual health might contribute to these disparities. In five studies (N=1858), we explored sexual health stereotypes about gay men and lesbian women and their implications in prejudice/discrimination. In Studies 1, 2A, and 2B, we found people explicitly associated gay men with promiscuity and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more than lesbian women or straight men/women. Implicitly, both gay men and lesbian women were more associated with promiscuity and STIs than straight counterparts. In Studies 3A and 3B, we tested whether these associations have consequences—finding that people express more prejudice and discrimination towards gay men and lesbian women with STIs versus those with non-STIs or straight counterparts with either disease type. Taken together, the current research identifies some psychological factors that may underpin health disparities and healthcare barriers for gay and lesbian people.


Author(s):  
Cristina Giménez-García ◽  
Juan E. Nebot-Garcia ◽  
Estefanía Ruiz-Palomino ◽  
Marta García-Barba ◽  
Rafael Ballester-Arnal

Abstract Introduction The proactive role of women in sexuality has been socially invisible, especially in regard to pornography use. For this reason, this study aims to explore Spanish women’s sexual experiences regarding viewing, arousal, and discomfort as perceived by different types of pornography and based on the women’s sexual orientation. Methods Between January and March 2019, 2730 Spanish women between 18 and 44 years old (M = 24.16; SD = 6.04) completed a questionnaire about the consumption of heterosexual, gay, and lesbian pornography and the discomfort they felt when they were aroused by this type of material. Regarding their sexual orientation, 78.1% were heterosexual, 15.4% were bisexual, and 6.5% were lesbian. Results In general, more lesbian and bisexual women consume pornography than heterosexual women do. In any case, all of them consume and are aroused by pornographic content based on a sexual orientation that differs from their reported sexual orientation. Women experience discomfort when viewing pornography, regardless of their sexual orientation and the type of content. Particularly, the youngest women are associated with discomfort when viewing heterosexual pornography, although the discomfort of older bisexual women is associated with gay and lesbian pornography. Conclusions Regardless of their reported sexual orientation, women view and feel aroused by different types of pornographic content. In addition, this study reveals their associated discomfort, which could interfere with their sexual health. Policy Implications Sexual health strategies should include a more active role of women in sexuality, as well as a more flexible conception of their sexual orientation to prevent stigmatizing them.


1998 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meeking ◽  
Fosbury ◽  
Cummings ◽  
Alexander ◽  
Shaw ◽  
...  

2006 ◽  
Vol 175 (4S) ◽  
pp. 150-151
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S. Montgomery ◽  
Bishoy A. Gayed ◽  
Brent K. Hollenbeck ◽  
Stephanie Daignault ◽  
Martin G. Sanda ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
BETSY BATES
Keyword(s):  

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay L. Sheehan ◽  
Patrick W. Corrigan ◽  
Maya A. Al-Khouja ◽  

Abstract. Background: Past scholarly efforts to describe and measure the stigma surrounding suicide have largely viewed suicide stigma from the perspective of the general public. Aims: In the spirit of community-based participatory research (CBPR), the current study brought together a diverse stakeholder team to qualitatively investigate the suicide stigma as experienced by those most intimately affected by suicide. Method: Seven focus groups (n = 62) were conducted with suicide attempt survivors, family members of those who died by suicide, and suicide loss therapists. Results: Themes were derived for stereotypes (n = 30), prejudice (n = 3), and discrimination (n = 4). People who attempted suicide were seen as attention-seeking, selfish, incompetent, emotionally weak, and immoral. Participants described personal experiences of prejudice and discrimination, including those with health professionals. Conclusion: Participants experienced public stigma, self-stigma, and label avoidance. Analyses reveal that the stigma of suicide shares similarities with stereotypes of mental illness, but also includes some important differences. Attempt survivors may be subject to double stigma, which impedes recovery and access to care.


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