Defining Pleasure: A Focus Group Study of Solitary and Partnered Sexual Pleasure in Queer and Heterosexual Women

Solitary and partnered sexuality are typically depicted as fundamentally similar, but empirical evidence suggests they differ in important ways. 

We investigated how women's definitions of sexual pleasure overlapped and diverged when considering solitary versus partnered sexuality. Based on an interdisciplinary literature, we explored whether solitary pleasure would be characterized by eroticism (e.g., genital pleasure, orgasm) and partnered pleasure by nurturance (e.g., closeness). 

Via focus groups with a sexually diverse sample of women aged 18-64 (N = 73), we found that women defined solitary and partnered pleasure in both convergent and divergent ways that supported expectations. Autonomy was central to definitions of solitary pleasure, whereas trust, giving pleasure, and closeness were important elements of partnered pleasure. Both solitary and partnered pleasure involved exploration for self-discovery or for growing a partnered relationship. 

Definitions of pleasure were largely similar across age and sexual identity; however, relative to queer women, heterosexual women (especially younger heterosexual women) expressed greater ambivalence toward solitary masturbation and partnered orgasm. 

Results have implications for women's sexual well-being across multiple sexual identities and ages, and for understanding solitary and partnered sexuality as overlapping but distinct constructs.

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By:  Goldey KL1,2, Posh AR1, Bell SN3, van Anders SM4.

• 1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
• 2Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, USA.
• 3Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
• 4Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, Programs in Neuroscience and Reproductive Sciences, Science, Technology, and Society Program, Biosocial Methods Collaborative, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. smva@umich.edu. 
• Arch Sex Behav. 2016 Mar 23.

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Scrutinizing Immutability: Research on Sexual Orientation and U.S. Legal Advocacy for Sexual Minorities

We review scientific research and legal authorities to argue that the immutability of sexual orientation should no longer be invoked as a foundation for the rights of individuals with same-sex attractions and relationships (i.e., sexual minorities). 

On the basis of scientific research as well as U.S. legal rulings regarding lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) rights, we make three claims: 

• First, arguments based on the immutability of sexual orientation are unscientific, given what we now know from longitudinal, population-based studies of naturally occurring changes in the same-sex attractions of some individuals over time. 
• Second, arguments based on the immutability of sexual orientation are unnecessary, in light of U.S. legal decisions in which courts have used grounds other than immutability to protect the rights of sexual minorities. 
• Third, arguments about the immutability of sexual orientation are unjust, because they imply that same-sex attractions are inferior to other-sex attractions, and because they privilege sexual minorities who experience their sexuality as fixed over those who experience their sexuality as fluid. 

We conclude that the legal rights of individuals with same-sex attractions and relationships should not be framed as if they depend on a certain pattern of scientific findings regarding sexual orientation.

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By:  Diamond LM1, J Rosky C2.

• 1 Department of Psychology , University of Utah.
• 2 S. J. Quinney College of Law , University of Utah. 
• J Sex Res. 2016 Mar 17:1-29. 

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Place Matters: Contextualizing the Roles of Religion & Race for Understanding Americans' Attitudes About Homosexuality

As laws and policies related to homosexuality have evolved, Americans' attitudes have also changed. Race and religion have been established as important indicators of feelings about homosexuality. However, researchers have given almost no attention to how county characteristics shape Americans' attitudes. 

Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling techniques, we examine how personal characteristics and the religious and racial context of a county shape feelings about homosexuality drawing on data from the American National Election Survey and information about where respondents reside. 

We find that African Americans initially appear less tolerant than other racial groups, until we account for the geographical distribution of attitudes across the nation. 

Additionally, once we consider religious involvement, strength of belief, and religious affiliation African Americans appear to have warmer feelings about homosexuality than whites. Drawing on the moral communities' hypothesis, we also find that the strength of religiosity amongst county residents heightens the influence of personal religious beliefs on disapproving attitudes. 

There is also a direct effect of the proportion conservative Protestant, whereby people of all faiths have cooler attitudes towards homosexual individuals when they reside in a county with a higher proportion of conservative Protestants. 

Finally, we do not find any evidence for an African American cultural influence on attitudes.

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By:  Adamczyk A1, Boyd KA2, Hayes BE3.

• 1John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, USA. Electronic address: AAdamczyk@jjay.cuny.edu.
• 2Department of Sociology, Philosophy, and Anthropology, The University of Exeter, UK.
• 3Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, USA. 
• Soc Sci Res. 2016 May;57:1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Feb 8.

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A Model for Lesbian, Bisexual & Queer-Related Influences on Alcohol Consumption & Implications for Policy & Practice

Research consistently reports higher rates of problematic drinking among lesbian, bisexual and queer women than among heterosexual women, but relatively little research has identified underlying factors. 

Within this context, the aim of the present study was to qualitatively explore the sociocultural influences on alcohol consumption among lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Australia. An ethnographic study including in-depth interviews and 10 sessions of participant observation was conducted with 25 Australian lesbian, bisexual and queer women. 

Analysis of transcripts and fieldnotes focused on lesbian, bisexual and queer-related influences on alcohol consumption. Three lesbian, bisexual and queer-related factors were identified that influenced alcohol use: (1) coping, (2) connection and (3) intersections with lesbian, bisexual and queer identity. Most participants reported consuming alcohol to cope with discrimination or to connect with like-minded others. Alcohol use had positive influences for some women through facilitating social connection and wellbeing. Women with a high lesbian, bisexual and queer identity salience were more likely to seek lesbian, bisexual and queer community connection involving alcohol, to publicly identify as lesbian, bisexual and queer and to experience discrimination. National policies need to address underlying causes of discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer women. 

Alcohol policies and clinical interventions should acknowledge the impact of discrimination on higher alcohol consumption amongst lesbian, bisexual and queer women compared with heterosexual women, and should utilise health promotion messages regarding safe drinking that facilitate lesbian, bisexual and queer social connection.

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By:  McNair R1, Pennay A2,3, Hughes T4, Brown R5, Leonard W6, Lubman DI7.

• 1 Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne , Australia.
• 2 Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne.
• 3 Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, and Turning Point, Fitzroy , Australia.
• 4 School of Nursing, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago , USA.
• 5 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University , Burwood , Australia.
• 6 Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne , Australia.
• 7 Turning Point and Eastern Health Clinical School , Monash University , Fitzroy , Australia.
• Cult Health Sex. 2016 Apr;18(4):405-21. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2015.1089602. Epub 2015 Oct 14. 

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Perceived Social Support in the Lives of Gay, Bisexual & Queer Hispanic College Men

In this qualitative study, we examined the sources and nature of social support reported by 24 gay, bisexual and queer Hispanic college men at a small liberal arts college and a large university in the USA. 

We identified four themes of support across the interviews: Shared experiences (46%), Protector (42%), Support in the air (33%) and Gradual support (29%). Shared experiences included support from those who had previous experience with the lesbian, gay or bisexual community. Protector indicated a type of support that was psychologically, emotionally or physically protective in nature. Participants also reported receiving indirect support such as nonverbal behaviours or indirect gestures of endorsement and caring (support in the air). Participants reported that many of their network members came to support them gradually over time (gradual support). Within each theme we found support from both women and men, who provided support in gender-consistent ways. 

Our results highlight that despite continued prejudice and discrimination in society, sexual and racial/ethnic minority men have strongholds of support from men and women in their lives that enable them to navigate their development successfully.

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By:  Rios D1, Eaton A2.

• 1 Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies , University of Houston-Clear Lake , Houston , USA.
• 2 Departments of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies , Florida International University , Miami , USA. 
• Cult Health Sex. 2016 Mar 4:1-14

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Seven videos that give hope for LGBTI rights around the world

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Qualitative Study of Cervical Cancer Screening among Lesbian and Bisexual Women and Transgender Men

BACKGROUND:

Lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women, as well as transgender men, are less likely than their heterosexual and female-identifying counterparts to access cervical cancer screening services. Although numerous factors that influence receipt of cervical screening have been identified, several gaps in research and knowledge merit additional research.

OBJECTIVE:

The aims of this study were to examine cervical cancer screening behaviors of LBQ women and transgender men using American Cancer Society guidelines as the standards for comparison and to determine factors that influence participation in cervical cancer screening.

METHODS:

A convenience sample of 21- to 65-year-old LBQ women and transgender men was recruited from the Internet and community events. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews and open-ended questions on an online questionnaire. A deductive-inductive content analysis approach was used.

RESULTS:

The sample was mostly non-Hispanic white women who identified as lesbian. Most were routine cervical cancer screeners. Eighteen factors/themes were identified in the data and were contextualized within a health services theoretical framework.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that although some factors overlap with the general female population, there are other areas that are specific to LBQ women and transgender men. Creating welcoming and inclusive healthcare environments is particularly important to facilitating cervical screening among LBQ women.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Nurse leaders can modify clinical environments, and clinical nurses can be educated to provide safe care for LBQ women and transgender men.

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By:  Johnson MJ1, Nemeth LS, Mueller M, Eliason MJ, Stuart GW.

• 1Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Dr Johnson); College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Drs Nemeth, Mueller, and Stuart); and Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, California (Dr Eliason).
• Cancer Nurs. 2016 Feb 8.  

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Queer Phenomenology, Sexual Orientation, and Health Care Spaces: Learning From the Narratives of Queer Women and Nurses in Primary Health Care

Queer phenomenology as an interpretive framework can advance health research by illuminating why primary health care providers (HCPs) must move beyond definitions of sexuality as a set of reified identity formations indexed to normative gender, gender of partner, and sexual and reproductive practices. Our interviews with queer women participants and primary care nurses offer an implicit critique of heteronormative health care space, temporality, and power relations, as they form the lived experiences of our participants. We conclude by pointing to the limits of our methodology in exposing the larger relations of power that dictate experiences of heteronormative health care.

…In emphasizing interview conversations as research findings, we risk capitulating to the naïve conclusion that if only health care providers were better intentioned, or were informed of better beliefs to hold, or changed their attitudes, all could be made well. These small examples of power relations illustrate that both patients and providers frequently find themselves struggling in networks of possibility and constraint that are not within the control of any one individual. Historically, phenomenology started from the lived experience of the subject, bracketing genealogical enquiry into their conditions of possibility. Yet to the extent this is a criticism of mainstream phenomenological traditions, it need not apply to feminist phenomenology, which has always insisted on both the philosophical value of the perspective of the perceiving subject and the cultural, historical, and political specificity of lived experience:

Feminist phenomenology can show how we have the bodily experiences that we do given the social and historical structures of which we partake—and how our bodies are not mere constructs, epiphenomena of ideological systems, but the encumbered and thick nexus of meaning (often implicit) through which sociality, historicity, materiality and subjectivity intertwine. Bodies (speaking, thinking, feeling, objectified subjects) are, then, more than mere objects. Bodily experience can be the ground of our awareness of social structures of oppression and the site where complicity, subversion or resistance are enacted. (Al-Saji, 2010, pp. 32–33)

For us, a phenomenological methodology is a politically astute, feminist project only if it performs this double gesture: close reading of the experiential narratives of queer women and health-care providers within heteronormative health care spaces and an analysis of how those narratives express forms of experience laden with history, gender, and power.

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/Jhmwt5

By:  Cressida Heyes  PhD^a*, Megan Dean  MA^b & Lisa Goldberg  RN PhD^c

• ^a Department of Philosophy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• ^b Department of Philosophy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
• ^c Faculty of Health Professions, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 

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LBGTQ Populations and the Health Care System

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LGBTQ Addiction Recovery

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Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Police Reporting among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults in Colorado: Comparing Rates of Cisgender and Transgender Victimization

Research indicates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at high risk of victimization by others and that transgender individuals may be at even higher risk than their cisgender LGBQ peers. 

In examining partner violence in particular, extant literature suggests that LGBTQ individuals are at equal or higher risk of partner violence victimization compared with their heterosexual peers. As opposed to sexual orientation, there is little research on gender identity and partner violence within the LGBTQ literature. 

In the current study, the authors investigated intimate partner violence (IPV) in a large sample of LGBTQ adults (N = 1,139) to determine lifetime prevalence and police reporting in both cisgender and transgender individuals. 

Results show that more than one fifth of all participants ever experienced partner violence, with transgender participants demonstrating significantly higher rates than their cisgender peers. Implications focus on the use of inclusive language as well as future research and practice with LGBTQ IPV victims.

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By:  Langenderfer-Magruder L1, Whitfield DL2, Walls NE2, Kattari SK2, Ramos D3.

• 1University of Denver (http://www.du.edu/), CO, USA llangen2@du.edu.
• 2University of Denver, CO, USA.
• 3One Colorado, Denver, CO, USA. 
• J Interpers Violence. 2016 Mar;31(5):855-71. doi: 10.1177/0886260514556767. 

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