How statewide LGB policies go from under our skin to "into our hearts": Fatherhood aspirations and psychological well-being among emerging adult sexual minority men

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106619/1/How statewide LGB policies go from under our skin to into our hearts Fatherhood aspirations and psychological well-being among emerging adult sexual minority men.pd

Positive Psychology and LGBTQ Populations

Extant research suggests that there are benefits and positive aspects of LGBTQ identities and relationships. For example, many sexual minorities report increased confidence, more positive self-regard, and greater empathy for others as a result of publicly and openly identifying as LGBTQ. Despite limited conceptualizations of LGBTQ issues within a positive psychological framework to date, exploring strengths and positive psychology can be useful for understanding many of the facets of LGBTQ identity that may have psychological benefit: freedom from socially restrictive views of gender expression and sexual identity; multiple psychological benefits from same-sex relationships and families including the emphasis on relationship equality and shared labor division, as well as expansive gender roles among children of LGB couples; and strengths gained through forming LGBTQ communities of support and participation in social justice movements

Patterns and Predictors of Disclosure of Sexual Orientation to Healthcare Providers Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals

The present study sought to identify patterns and predictors of disclosure of sexual orientation to healthcare providers among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. METHODS: Respondents were 396 self-identified LGB individuals ages 18–59, recruited from diverse community venues in New York City, with equal numbers of men and women and Whites, Blacks, and Latinos. Respondents were interviewed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. We assessed the relationships among disclosure of sexual orientation, demographic characteristics, health, and minority stress. RESULTS: Rates of nondisclosure to healthcare providers were significantly higher among bisexual men (39.3%) and bisexual women (32.6%) compared with gay men (10%) and lesbians (12.9%). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models predicting disclosure of sexual orientation indicated that patient age, level of education, immigration status, medical history, level of internalized homophobia, and degree of connectedness to the LGB community were significant factors, along with sexual identity. Nondisclosure of sexual orientation was related to poorer psychological wellbeing at one year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that interventions targeting sexual minorities ought to carefully tailor messages to subpopulations. In particular, interventionists and clinicians ought to be mindful of differences between bisexually- and gay/lesbian-identified individuals