health
Stigma can increase stress for LGB people
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 17, 2011
Ongoing stigma and social inequality can increase stress and reduce well-being for lesbians, gays and bisexuals, even in the absence of major traumatic events such as hate violence, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
Researchers interviewed 57 sexual minority men and women in New York who were 18 to 59 years old about the stressors associated with how they identify themselves (link). They found that black and Latino LGB participants in particular were likely to characterize homophobia, racism and sexism as a source of stress that led to missed life opportunities, such as a quality education.
The study authors encourage policymakers to consider ways to help reduce stress for this population caused by social exclusion.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/hlbf1017.htm.
