Sex and relationships education, sexual health, and lesbian, gay and bisexual sexual cultures: Views from young people

This article draws on three small-scale studies with young people in two cities in the UK, which sought to gather views on sex and relationships education (SRE) and sexual health, and included those who self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Participants were involved in detailed self-completion surveys and/or in-depth interviews/focus groups. Each project elicited data about respondents’ views on SRE (at school) and how this included/excluded LGB young people. The article also looks at influences on sexual activity, conceptualisations/understandings of sexual health and ‘safe sex’, and expectations in relation to safer sex. This aids understanding about the existence of dominant ‘sexual cultures’ and their influence on young people’s attitudes towards sexual health, including views on/experiences of ‘risk behaviours’, and (unequal) access to services. The article concludes with recommendations for good practice, and future research, highlighting the importance of an equalities and human rights foundation for learning about sex and relationships, for both young and old, and people of all sexual identities/experience

Connected lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities? A scoping study to explore understandings and experiences of ‘community’ among LGBT people

This study examined understandings and experiences of LGBT communities, and assessed implications for health and wellbeing, employing a literature review, online survey and indepth interviews and discussion groups. LGBT communities are often understood as communities of ‘identity’ or ‘interest’. Study participants frequently used the term community to refer to groups of LGBT people (known to one another or not), whether physical, online or imagined through (shared) feelings of ‘belonging’. The study highlighted three key elements/foundations to LGBT communities: place/space, (shared) identity, and (to a lesser extent) politics. Participants and existing evidence highlights the importance of shared experiences of stigma/discrimination, and a resulting sense of ‘connection’. This does not negate the need to acknowledge/address diversity and inequality or exclusion. Safe spaces were identified as key to avoid ‘self-censorship’ regularly employed in wider society, though participants engaged with other LGBT people for a variety of reasons. Sensing/experiencing ‘community’ had clear links to reported wellbeing, including combating isolation, heightening confidence and self-esteem, and sometimes improving/maintaining physical health. However, potential ‘risks’ related to elements of community were also identified (e.g. alcohol/drug consumption). Caution is needed when the term ‘community’ is used in the singular and/or when it is assumed that LGBT people are more alike than not

Salary Determinants of Entry-Level Academic Economists and the Characteristics of Those Hired on the Tenure Track

This paper examines the entry-level labor market for academic economists and investigates the determinants of market salaries. The focus is on the effects of tenure and nontenure track jobs and departmental ranking that are based upon faculty research productivity. The results reveal that the market works differently depending upon whether the hiring department is ranked in terms of research productivity. Being hired on the tenure track significantly influences academic salaries in both ranked and unranked departments. The paper also analyzes the impact of observable characteristics of individuals and hiring departments on the probability of being hired into tenure track positions.Economists; Labor Markets; Salaries; Salary

#FreshersToFinals : From freshers’ week to finals: Understanding LGBT+ perspectives on, and experiences of, higher education

There is a lack of (UK) evidence exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) perspectives within, and about, higher education. The #FreshersToFinals project was undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University to address this gap. The project consisted of two elements: a literature review, followed by a small consultation with LGBT+ students, young people and staff members working with them. Seven overarching themes were identified in the data, and are explored in the final report. The report was launched at a one-day conference entitled Supporting LGBTQ students at university at Sheffield Hallam University on Friday 24th July 2015

Invasion Potential and Overwintering Biology of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the United States

Several native species of Lauraceae (e.g. sassafras) in the southeastern United States are being eradicated by laurel wilt disease. Laurel wilt is caused by a highly invasive and cryptic ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, and its fungal symbiont. The symbiont pathogen is spread during colonization of native Lauraceae. Xyleborus glabratus and the pathogen are remarkably effective at colonizing and killing healthy populations of Lauraceae in a brief time period. Control methods have been unable to slow the spread of laurel wilt disease and X. glabratus populations have been spreading into northern latitudes. Presently, cold temperatures may be the only factor limiting establishment of the beetle in interior populations of sassafras. Empirically derived physiological data from this study were combined with climatic, microhabitat, and host data to model the invasive potential/hazard rate of X. glabratus and laurel wilt in sassafras forests of the United States. Sharing this model data will help land managers, forest health specialists, urban foresters, and landowners make informed proactive management decisions regarding laurel wilt disease