ABSTRACT Participation within gay communities can foster belonging but also intraminority stigma, potentially leading to avoidance, smaller social networks, and worse mental health. Guided by temporal intersectional minority stress theory and intraminority gay community stress theory, this cross-sectional study examined age differences in gay-specific intraminority stigma experiences, community involvement, and their associations among 2,159 gay men aged 19–79 years (M age = 40.49, SD = 13.43). Compared to younger gay men, older gay men experienced more age stigma from other gay men, but less stigma related to body size/shape, gender expression, race/ethnicity, and nonconformity to mainstream community norms. However, older gay men with lower socioeconomic status (SES) and higher weight reported more intraminority socioeconomic and body stigma, respectively, relative to their younger counterparts. Intraminority body stigma was negatively associated with community involvement among gay men under 30 and positively associated among gay men over 59. Additionally, older gay men with lower status in gay spaces (i.e., lower masculinity, lower SES, higher weight, non-White, non-Democrat) experienced more intraminority gender expression stigma and less community involvement, but less acutely than their younger counterparts. Longitudinal and intersectional research is needed to better understand the clinical implications of intraminority stigma for the psychosocial well-being of gay men across the lifespan.

ABSTRACT Since the enactment of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) in Nigeria, many studies have shown its deleterious effects on LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. This review synthesizes existing literature on the health and social consequences of the SSMPA. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist, searches were conducted across 10 databases, yielding 720 records. Following independent screening by two reviewers and a consensus process, 15 studies were selected, with three additional studies identified through reference hand-searching. Eighteen studies, including one high-quality gray literature study, were included. Research in this area focused disproportionately on gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men, leaving significant gaps concerning the experiences of lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender persons in the country. An inductive thematic analysis revealed four themes: a) Pervasive stigma and discrimination; b) Multiple forms of violence; c) Lack of dignified access to care; d) Health disparities, particularly poor mental health, and maladaptive coping. Findings demonstrate the SSMPA has significant health and social consequences for LGBTQ+ Nigerians. Public health efforts aimed at mitigating health disparities must consider the impact of relevant legislation. Further, repealing the SSMPA must be paired with decolonizing and unlearning the normative beliefs about gender and sexuality.

ABSTRACT Across Europe, Muslims are generally portrayed as opposing homosexuality; however, recent studies have shown that the relationship between Muslims and homosexuality is more complex. In this study, we try to further understand how Islamic religiosity shapes Dutch Muslims’ (multilayered) perspectives on sexual orientation (and, connectedly, sexuality and gender identity) in the Netherlands, while taking an intersectional perspective particularly regarding people’s gender, generation, parenthood, and professional role. Applying this approach, the study endeavors to provide a nuanced and detailed understanding of how Muslims follow and/or negotiate religious interpretations, discourses, and beliefs regarding homosexuality, and which sources they draw from. Drawing on 33 in-depth interviews with Moroccan and Turkish Dutch Muslims in a racialized context, we find that (conflicting) religious interpretations, respect for one`s free choice, and Islamophobia play an important role in Muslims’ perspectives on homosexuality, in terms of both challenging and reconciling societal expectations and religious teachings.

ABSTRACT Navigating the internet can be a multifaceted experience for LGBTQ+ individuals, with the potential to support or harm wellbeing. Online spaces offer access to supportive communities, which can provide a variety of benefits. However, online spaces can also expose LGBTQ+ internet users to anti-LGBTQ+ hate and harassment, in addition to exclusion and discrimination from LGBTQ+ communities themselves. However, the nuances of online dynamics and their effects on wellbeing remain underexplored, particularly through the lens of Social Identity Theory (SIT). The present study addresses the research gap through exploring the online experiences of LGBTQ+ adults, focusing on social interactions and group dynamics. Results from a qualitative survey of 136 participants identified complex inclusionary and exclusionary dynamics, strongly affecting participants’ appraisal of their own identity, feelings toward LGBTQ+ others, and their sense of belonging both online and offline. While SIT offers considerable explanatory power for online experiences, the study identifies limitations in its overall applicability. The study’s findings highlight the internet’s dual role in nurturing and harming LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion.

ABSTRACT Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) clients often receive suboptimal mental health care. LGBTQ+ clinical competence self-report measures have been developed to assess therapists’ knowledge and attitudes and subjective self-perceived skills and performance. However, therapist self-perceived assessments of their skills and performance have been found to be biased. Observational measures of LGBTQ+ competence are needed to more objectively evaluate therapists’ skills and performance. The objective of this exploratory pilot study was to develop and assess the coding reliability of observational measures of therapists’ competence with LGBTQ+ clients. The observational measure developed and tested in this study consisted of 29 items that corresponded to 29 expected competencies applicable to LGBTQ+ competent and ethical therapy. On-line initial consultations between 43 therapists and a simulated client were video recorded. Two trained self-identifying LGBTQ+ coders observed the video-recordings and used the 29 items to rate the LGBTQ+ competencies of these 43 therapists. We generated item proportions and kappa statistics. This preliminary study suggests that 13 measures of LGBTQ+ clinical competence were operationally defined to be observable, measurable, and reliably coded. Future research is warranted to both confirm and expand on this conclusion to advance evidence-based approaches to improve the mental health care for LGBTQ+ clients.

ABSTRACT Sexual minority women (SMW) may be at increased risk for certain types of disordered eating compared to their heterosexual peers. Negative emotional reactivity is associated with disordered eating in general samples of adults, and negative emotional reactivity to minority stress (NERMS) is associated with poorer psychological outcomes among racially/ethnically minoritized groups. However, NERMS has rarely been studied among sexual minority individuals. The purpose of the current study was to examine individual differences in NERMS as a predictor of disordered eating among SMW. One hundred and thirty-two adult cisgender SMW completed measures of disordered eating (i.e. cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating), an adapted measure of heterosexist discrimination experienced over the past 12 months, and a measure of NERMS (operationalized as the elevation in each participant’s negative affect after watching a video-based minority stress induction). Results revealed that NERMS directly and positively predicted uncontrolled eating and emotional eating, but not cognitive restraint, over and above the effect of heterosexist discrimination. NERMS did not moderate the association between heterosexist discrimination and any of the disordered eating outcomes. NERMS mediated the association between discrimination and emotional eating. Researchers should continue to examine NERMS as a predictor of psychopathology among sexual minority individuals.

ABSTRACT Research shows online homophobia is a significant concern for LGBTQ+ adolescents and youth globally, with bystanders being recognized as important in bullying situations. However, there is a lack of literature on the role of bystanders in preventing online homophobic bullying, especially among adolescents and youth. The current scoping review aims to review existing peer-reviewed articles and gray literature from January 2000 to June 2025 that focus on the role of bystanders and their responses in online homophobic bullying among adolescents and youth (aged 11 to 25 years). Nine Electronic databases were searched (i.e. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, & PsycINFO) to identify relevant articles. The findings from the review demonstrate that adolescents who witness online homophobic bullying often perceive these actions as potentially normal peer behavior. The findings stress the importance of developing new intervention strategies, revising outdated homophobic bullying measurement scales, and encouraging more qualitative, mixed-method, and intersectional studies on this topic. The review highlights the need for structured programs that promote constructive bystander responses dedicated to dealing with online homophobic bullying.

ABSTRACT Although same-sex marriage and adoption have been legally recognized in Mexico through several rulings by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, public attitudes toward these rights remain contested. Despite gradual increases in support, empirical studies in Mexico examining macro-social and individual factors shaping public opinion are still limited. Using data from the CNEP 2024 post-electoral survey (N = 1,205), this study analyzes the effects of sociodemographic, political, and media-related variables on support for both rights. Results show that being female, younger, more educated, having a lower income, voting for Jorge Álvarez Máynez, and active social media use were positively associated with support for both rights. In contrast, religiosity and voting for Claudia Sheinbaum affected only support for adoption. The findings partially align with theoretical expectations about gender roles, modernization, and network contagion, while contradicting others, such as the role of income and the limited influence of religiosity. The results are discussed within the broader theoretical framework that informs this area of research.

ABSTRACT Slovakia is one of the countries with the lowest rates of LGBTQ+ acceptance and high rates of hostility in the EU. LGBTQ+ people report stress from rejection and fears for their safety. Slovakia lacks legal recognition of same-sex marriage, partnerships, or kinship rights for sexual minorities. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of LGBT parents and children raised by LGBT parents in Slovakia. Specifically: (1) their perceptions of the societal context and (2) the identity maintenance strategies they use to navigate both LGBT and parental identities. Thirty-two parents and four (former) children participated in either semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpreted through Social Identity Theory. Participants described frequent instances of heteronormativity, both from outgroups and ingroups, which presented barriers either to starting a family, or to conducting family life. Strong identification with the parental identity contributed to overcoming heteronormative barriers. Mostly participants used strategies of social comparison, such as reframing the basis of comparison or the comparison group. Strategies of social mobility were experienced negatively, and strategies of social competition reflected the agency in reducing obstacles.

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between workplace bullying and mental health outcomes among gay and bisexual (GB) male workers in Japan, based on the minority stress framework. Prior research has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other populations with diverse sexual orientations are more vulnerable to mental health problems and suicide, yet few studies have focused specifically on workplace bullying as a distal stressor. Using an anonymous web-based survey conducted in 2020, data were collected from 1,202 employed GB men aged 20–69. Logistic regression analyses, including Firth’s penalized likelihood method for rare events, assessed associations between bullying and psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, adjusting for sociodemographic, employment, and workplace factors. Results showed that 8.8% of respondents reported bullying due to sexual orientation. Bullying was significantly associated with higher odds of psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. These associations remained significant after controlling for confounders. The findings indicate workplace bullying is not only linked to psychological distress but also extends to suicide-related behaviors. This highlights the urgent need for organizational interventions, legal protections, and inclusive workplace cultures in Japan. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and address intersectionality to strengthen empirical evidence and policy relevance.