Lesbian and Heterosexual Women's Implicit Responses to Gender Figures.

This study explored how heterosexual and lesbian women differ in their implicit sexual responses. Previous research indicates that heterosexual women have physiological and implicit responses to both genders, whereas lesbian women show stronger responses to their preferred gender. This study used two implicit measures: the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST), both of which were novel in this context. We recruited 33 heterosexual and 25 lesbian women. Both IRAP and FAST were successful in differentiating the two sexual orientations as a group. The results confirmed that heterosexual women exhibit positive responses to both genders, while lesbian women show stronger, category-specific responses to their preferred gender. These findings align with previous research and provide further insight into the nuanced differences in sexual orientation responses among women.

Gynecologic health care for LGBTQIA+ people.

Gender relations are a set of socially determined norms and rules that assign values, characteristics, and expectations to individuals based on their biological sex. These aspects also influence the clinician-patient relationship, since it has been for a long time based on cisheteronormativity. However, this attitude alienated the LGBTQIA+ community from health services. Global and specific gynecologic care needs to be offered to the LGBTQIA+ population, which has demands for sexual and reproductive health care. In this narrative review, we bring conceptual aspects, gender identity and expression, sexual history, screening for cancer and other care to the community.

Evaluating the Screening and Enrollment of People at Risk of HIV in Mexico's Preexposure Prophylaxis Demonstration Project, 2018-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Screening tools in which participants self-report sexual behaviors can identify people at risk of HIV acquisition for enrollment in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We compared enrollment outcomes (ie, receiving PrEP vs being excluded by a counselor or declining PrEP) in Mexico's PrEP demonstration project and evaluated the validity of a 4-criteria PrEP eligibility tool in which participants self-reported risk behavior-having condomless anal sex, transactional sex, a partner living with HIV, or a sexually transmitted infection-as compared with PrEP eligibility assessed by a counselor. METHODS: We recruited men who have sex with men and transwomen who were offered PrEP services in Mexico. We characterized participants according to enrollment outcome and identified underlying factors through logistic regression analyses. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the self-reported risk criteria, using the counselor's risk assessment as the point of reference. RESULTS: Of 2460 participants, 2323 (94%) had risk criteria of HIV acquisition according to the 4-criteria tool; 1701 (73%) received PrEP, 247 (11%) were excluded by a counselor, and 351 (15%) declined PrEP despite being considered eligible by the counselor. Participants who were excluded or who declined PrEP were less likely to report HIV risk behaviors than those who received PrEP, and participants who declined PrEP were more likely to be transwomen (vs men who have sex with men) and aged ≤25 years (vs >25 y). The 4-criteria risk tool had high sensitivity (98.6%) and low specificity (29.8%). CONCLUSION: The screening tool identified most participants at risk of HIV acquisition, but counselors' assessment helped refine the decision for enrollment in PrEP by excluding those with low risk. Public health strategies are needed to enhance enrollment in PrEP among some groups.

Evaluation of Mpox Knowledge, Stigma, and Willingness to Vaccinate for Mpox: Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Among Sexual and Gender Minorities.

BACKGROUND: The 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak positioned the condition as a public health emergency of international concern. By May 2023, Brazil ranked second globally in the cumulative number of mpox cases and deaths. The higher incidence of mpox among gay and other men who have sex with men in the current mpox outbreak deepens the stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities (SGM). This might worsen the structural barriers impacting access to health services, which ultimately leads to undertesting and underreporting of cases. There are no data available on mpox knowledge and stigma in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate mpox knowledge, stigma, and willingness to vaccinate for mpox among SGM, and to describe sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional, internet-based survey was conducted in a convenience sample of adults (aged >18 years) living in Brazil recruited through advertisements on dating apps, social media, referral institutions for infectious diseases websites, and mass media (October-November 2022). We compared participants' characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis using chi-square test or Fisher exact test for qualitative variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative variables. RESULTS: We enrolled 6236 participants: 5685 (91.2%) were cisgender men; 6032 (96.7%) were gay, bisexual, or pansexual; 3877 (62.2%) were White; 4902 (78.7%) had tertiary education; and 4070 (65.2%) reported low or middle income. Most participants (n=5258, 84.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that "LGBTQIA+ individuals are being discriminated and stigmatized due to mpox." Mpox awareness was 96.9% (n=6044), and 5008 (95.1%) were willing to get vaccinated for mpox. Overall, 324 (5.2%) reported an mpox diagnosis. Among these, 318 (98.1%) reported lesions, 178 (56%) local pain, and 316 (99.4%) sought health care. Among participants not reporting a diagnosis, 288 (4.9%) had a suspicious lesion, but only 158 (54.9%) of these had sought health care. Compared to participants with no diagnosis, those reporting an mpox diagnosis were younger (P<.001), reported more sex partners (P<.001), and changes in sexual behavior after mpox onset (P=.002). Moreover, participants diagnosed with mpox reported more frequently being tested for HIV in the prior 3 months (P<.001), living with HIV (P<.001), currently using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (P<.001), and previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results point to high mpox knowledge and willingness to vaccinate among SGM in Brazil. Participants self-reporting mpox diagnosis more frequently reported to be living with HIV, STI diagnosis, and current pre-exposure prophylaxis use, highlighting the importance of an mpox assessment that includes comprehensive sexual health screenings. Efforts to decrease stigma related to mpox among SGM are necessary to avoid mpox underdiagnosis.

Reproductive plans and knowledge of assisted reproductive techniques among lesbian women: an international survey study.

OBJECTIVE: Lesbian couples must resort to adoption or donated semen to achieve parenthood, the latter usually involving assisted reproductive technology. The aim of this study is to assess homosexual women's knowledge about assisted reproductive techniques, the importance of perceived genetic and gestational relationships for their future mother-child bond, as well as their reproductive plans. METHODS: This is an observational study based on an anonymous survey disseminated online in several countries on different continents, addressed to homosexual women. RESULTS: From the 549 participants, most reported being well informed about reproductive options including assisted reproductive technology. The majority want to be a mother as part of a couple, mainly through assisted reproduction or step adoption of their partner's child. The importance of a genetic or gestational relationships with their future child varies greatly between women. Among the sampled women, pregnancy was believed to have a slightly greater impact on the future mother-child connection compared to genetics. CONCLUSIONS: Homosexual women are well informed about the assisted reproductive technology treatments. The majority considers it important to become a mother as a couple, mainly through assisted reproduction or step adoption of their partner's child. The importance given to gestation or genetic mother-child relationships varies greatly between women, and it seems they believe pregnancy may have a slightly greater impact on the future mother-child connection compared to genetics.

"Mi viaje": Procesos de revelación y aceptación de la orientación sexual en las familias / "My journey": Processes of disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation in families

Resumen Según el informe realizado por la Asociación Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersex (ILGA) en el año 2017, menos del 25 % de los territorios del planeta reconocen a la población Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transexuales e Intersexuales (LGBTI+) y, de igual forma, aún hay numerosos países, en su mayoría del continente africano, que penalizan, discriminan y rechazan la homosexualidad. Además, diferentes estudios han evidenciado que para muchas familias es difícil separarse de la tradición heteronormativa y aceptar la orientación sexual de un hijo gay o una hija lesbiana o bisexual. Esta investigación buscó comprender el proceso de revelación y aceptación de la orientación sexual en 15 familias con integrantes gays, lesbianas y bisexuales en Cali-Colombia, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada y una línea de tiempo denominada Mi viaje en la que los participantes plasmaban sus narrativas en dibujos. En el presente estudio participaron 15 familias, las cuales estuvieron conformadas tanto por hijos/as entre los 19 y 26 años como por padres/cuidadores entre 41 y 64 años. A partir del análisis temático de las entrevistas realizadas de manera individual, se evidencia que los procesos de revelación de la orientación sexual se generan durante la adolescencia temprana, media y tardía, y la madre fue aquella integrante de la familia a quien le revelaron en un primer momento. Además, se presentan las formas a través de las cuales se dio la revelación, que fueron directas o indirectas y en algunos casos derivaron en secretos familiares. Se concluye que los procesos que atraviesan las familias frente a la revelación y aceptación de la orientación sexual de un hijo gay o una hija lesbiana o bisexual cuentan con fases dinámicas que pueden presentarse en distintos momentos y de diferentes formas, según las características particulares de cada familia y su contexto.

Abstract According to the report carried out by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in 2017, less than 25 % of the territories of the planet recognize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (the LGBTI + population) and, in the same way, there are still numerous countries, mostly from the African continent, who penalize, discriminate and reject homosexuality. In Colombia, between the years 2016, 2017 and until February 2018, 139 homicides of LGBTI+ people were reported. Additionally, in several of its cities, among which are Barranquilla, Medellín, Bogotá and Cali, there has been violence by the National Police against LGBTI+ people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. In this regard, 21 cases have been reported between 2008 and 2017, of which two were against gay men and three against lesbian women. In addition, in Valle del Cauca, 195 homicides were reported up to the year 2017 which were related to the sexual orientation and gender identity of the victims, specifically located in the city of Santiago de Cali, in which nine murders were reported, four of which were gay men, two lesbian women and three trans women (Colombia Diversa, 2018). Furthermore, different studies have shown that it is difficult for many families to separate from the heteronormative tradition and accept the sexual orientation of a gay son or a lesbian or bisexual daughter. This research sought to characterize the process of disclosure and acceptance of sexual orientation in 15 families with gay sons and lesbian and bisexual daughters in Cali-Colombia, using a semi-structured interview and a timeline called My Journey in which the participants reflected their narratives in drawings. The research was qualitative, with a narrative design by topics (Hernández, Fernández & Baptista, 2014). The results are articulated to the macro project called "Family dynamics in the process of disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation of gay sons and lesbian daughters in the city of Cali-Colombia" In the present study, 15 families participated, which were made up of both children and parents / caregivers. From the thematic analysis of the interviews carried out individually, the descriptions made by the families of the moment in which the sons and daughters revealed their sexual orientation are mentioned. This moment corresponds to early, middle and late adolescence, and the mother was the one to whom the sexual orientation was revealed at first. In addition, the forms through which the revelation was given are presented, which were direct or indirect and, in some cases, led to family secrets. It is concluded that the processes that families go through in the face of the disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation of a gay son or a lesbian or bisexual daughter have dynamic phases that can occur at different times and in different ways depending on the particular characteristics of each family and its context. It is recommended to promote associations of families and friends united in favor of gender diversity, in such a way that they are configured as elements for decision-making in public policies and actions, which generate care routes for other families that require guidance in any of the stages they are going through and that can provide social support to gay sons, lesbian daughters and their families. From the field of health professionals who accompany families in affirmative processes, it is necessary to strengthen training with a gender perspective and in future studies address the experiences of families with transgender members, taking into account their specific needs and from an intersectional perspective.

Mental and sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between lesbian and bisexual women and gay and bisexual men in Mexico.

COVID-19 had implications for sexual minorities who faced challenges due to situations related to their sexual orientation. The objective of this article was to analyze the differences in sexual and mental health experiences between lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) and gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Mexico in the context of the pandemic. An online survey captured the mental and sexual health experiences of a total of 932 participants consisting of 720 GBM and 212 LBW with a mean age of 30.5 years. Regarding mental health, women reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and a greater possibility of suicidal ideation. Regarding sexual health, men were more likely to use drugs during sexual intercourse, have problems getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI), and have had STI during the lockdown. These findings identify particularities that each group faced, which can inform recommendations for public policies addressing specific sexual and mental health problems during and after the current pandemic.

Body satisfaction of lesbian and bisexual Brazilian women: Indicators of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, and identity processes.

This article examined the association between body satisfaction and sexual identification among lesbian and bisexual women, since these factors help to understand the cultural background of the objectification of female bodies in Latin cultures. Women who identify as lesbian (N = 239) and bisexual (N = 60) completed demographic data and measures of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, lesbian and bisexual identity difficulties, and body satisfaction. We performed a three-stage hierarchical multiple regression to explore how variables relate to body satisfaction. The results suggest that self-esteem plays a key role, explaining 20.4% of the variance in body satisfaction. We discussed the psychosocial and cultural aspects involved in the relationship between the variables, and social and aesthetic pressures on women's bodies. This study contributes to discussions on psychosocial aspects associated with body satisfaction among Brazilian lesbian and bisexual women.

Attitudes Toward Lesbians, Gay Men, and Their Rights in a Sample of Ecuadorian Cisgender Men and Women.

Since 1997, Ecuador has undergone a series of changes to ensure family rights to sexual minorities. However, there is still limited research regarding attitudes toward them. This study focused on the attitudes toward lesbians (L), gay men (G), and their rights. A sample of 318 cisgender Ecuadorians who responded to an online survey was recruited. Analyses indicated that men, heterosexuals, who practice their religion, attend more frequently to religious services, and identify as conservative showed higher levels of prejudice against LG as well as less support toward their rights. Further, participants who did not have LG acquaintances, friends, family members, and those who did not know any LG parented family showed less support toward these populations. Multiple regression analyses indicated that believing that a person's sexual orientation is learned significantly predicted the attitudes measured in our study. Implications of these findings to help reduce prejudice against LG individuals are discussed.

Sexual micropolitics: twisting lesbiana and cuir (queer) genealogies in contemporary Mexico City.

This article explores the circulation of the terms lesbiana and queer (cuir) in Mexico City. More particularly, I discuss how de ambiente and la diversidad sexual, which capture the spirit of queer politics, predominated in the 1990s and early 2000s, to be surpassed by lesbiana in the 2010s, in lesbian communities. While the circulation of lesbiana parallels, permeates, and impregnates cuir genealogies too, I suggest here that its continuity, and stronger resurgence in the 2010s, relates to acute attention to structural violence in the region, particularly in the face of feminicides. At such moment young activists "twist" lesbiana genealogies to give place to new terms such as lesboterrorism. I pay particular attention to lesboterrorismo, a new theoretical formulation young activists developed in the midst of militarization, gore capitalism, and graphic violence against women's bodies. This paper is informed by ethnographic fieldwork I have conducted since 2000, including participant observation, 40 qualitative interviews with women participating in lesbian spaces in Mexico City, and the review of newspapers.

Imaginários Morais no Discurso Midiático Sobre o Uso da Inseminação Caseira por Mulheres Lésbicas / Moral Imaginaries on the Media Discourse on the Use of Homemade Insemination by Lesbian Women / Imaginarios Morales en el Discurso Mediático Sobre Uso de la Inseminación Domiciliaria por Mujeres Lesbianas

O presente artigo objetiva refletir sobre o discurso moral midiático produzido em torno da Inseminação Caseira e seu uso como tecnologia reprodutiva por casais de mulheres lésbicas. Esta é uma modalidade reprodutiva autônoma, que consiste em uma autoinseminação de baixo custo, feita com o uso de material biológico de doador não anônimo. Para esta reflexão, utilizou-se cinco obras midiáticas produzidas por canais de comunicação de grande alcance no cenário nacional, analisadas sob a ótica da análise do discurso. Foram traçadas cinco categorias analíticas: apresentação textual-imagética das obras; narrativa das mulheres tentantes; discursos promovidos pelos ditos especialistas; e representação da figura do doador. Conclui-se pela necessidade de estímulo ao debate acerca da inseminação caseira realizada por mulheres lésbicas, de modo que tanto profissionais da área da saúde como a sociedade de uma forma geral não se baseiem apenas em discursos morais condenatórios ditos científicos, como aqueles propagados pela grande mídia em relação à Inseminação Caseira. Soma-se a isso a importância em garantir visibilidade para os relatos das mulheres que estão se submetendo à inseminação caseira, compreendendo-as enquanto protagonistas da produção de sua saúde sexual e reprodutiva e projetos parentais e que, por isso, devem ter seus discursos e experiências legitimados.

The present article aims to reflect on the media moral discourse produced around Homemade Insemination and its use as a reproductive technology by lesbian couples. This is an autonomous reproductive modality, which consists in a low-cost self-insemination performed with the use of biological material from a non-anonymous donor. This reflection was made using five media works produced by communication channels of great reach in the Brazilian scenario, analyzed from the point of view of discourse analysis. Five analytical categories were drawn: textual-imagetic presentation of the works; narrative of women trying to conceive; speeches promoted by the so-called experts; and representation of the donor figure. We conclude that it is necessary to stimulate the debate about homemade insemination performed by lesbian women, so that both health professionals and society in general do not rely only on condemning moral speeches called scientific, such as those propagated by the media in relation to Homemade Insemination. Added to that it is important to ensure visibility of the reports of women who are submitting themselves to homemade insemination, understanding them as protagonists of the production of their sexual and reproductive health and parental projects and that, therefore, they must have their speeches and experiences legitimated.

Este artículo pretende reflexionar sobre el discurso moral mediático producido sobre la Inseminación Domiciliaria y su uso como tecnología reproductiva por parejas lesbianas. Se trata de una modalidad reproductiva autónoma, que consiste en una autoinseminación de bajo coste realizada con el uso de material biológico de donante no anónimo. Para esta reflexión, se utilizaron cinco obras mediáticas producidas por canales de comunicación de gran alcance en Brasil analizadas desde la perspectiva del análisis del discurso. Se trazaron cinco categorías analíticas: presentación textual-imagen de las obras; narración de las mujeres que intentan; discursos promovidos por los llamados especialistas; y representación de la figura del donante. Se concluye por la necesidad de estimular el debate sobre la Inseminación Domiciliaria realizada por mujeres lesbianas, de manera que tanto los profesionales de salud como la sociedad en general no se basen apenas en los discursos morales condenatorios de los científicos, como los propagados por la gran prensa sobre Inseminación Domiciliaria. A esto se suma la importancia de garantizar la visibilidad de los relatos de las mujeres que hacen la Inseminación Domiciliaria, entendiéndolas como protagonistas de la producción de su salud sexual y reproductiva y de sus proyectos parentales y debe tener sus discursos y experiencias legitimados.

Experiences of Violence Against Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Lesbophobia and biphobia are manifestations of homophobic violence directed at lesbian and bisexual women that results in daily violation of rights and social exclusion. AIM: To describe experiences of the violence against lesbian and bisexual women in Brazil. METHODS: Sequential mixed methods study was carried out in 2 stages. In the first one, quantitative, an electronic questionnaire was applied to women from all regions, with questions about sociodemographic characteristics, self-identification and lesbophobic and biphobic events. In the second one, qualitative, lesbian, and bisexual women were interviewed face to face about the violence suffered. OUTCOMES: The chi-square test was applied to compare violence against lesbian and bisexual women (type of violence, place of aggression, gender and age range of the aggressor, bond with the aggressor, repetition of violence, and denunciation of violence) and the content analysis for qualitative data (main categories of analysis were events of violence, denunciation, and consequences of violence). RESULTS: The report of violence was present in 65% of the answers. There was a predominance of psychological violence (39.8%), in the public environment (63%), practiced by men (73.2%), by strangers (66.2%) and repeatedly (82%). Lesbian women, compared to bisexuals, were more prone to violence in the public environment (59.5% vs 39.5%) and with repetition (84.3% vs 60.6%). The narratives explained intimidating experiences in the family environment (insults, threat of suicide or homicide and false imprisonment) and public (harassment, beatings, and rape). Discriminatory attitudes, insults, and refusal of service in restaurants and bars were recurrent. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The data provide information that can serve to improve policy initiatives to reduce these episodes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study of mixed methods, with national coverage, on lesbophobia and biphobia events in Brazil. Future studies should include women underrepresented in this research as trans women, non-white, less educated, and from the most distant regions of the country. CONCLUSION: Lesbophobic or biphobic event has harmful repercussions for multiple aspects of these women's lives, including mental health. Rufino AC, Filho CEWBdeC, Madeiro A. Experiences of Violence Against Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Brazil. Sex Med 2022;10:100479.

Mental Health and Life Satisfaction on Chilean Gay Men and Lesbian Women: The Role of Perceived Sexual Stigma, Internalized Homophobia, and Community Connectedness.

The Minority Stress Model has proposed that connectedness to a specific minority community may be a protective factor for stigmatized groups. This study evaluated the mediational role of connectedness with the gay men's and lesbian women's community on the relationship between two minority stressors (internalized homophobia and perceived sexual stigma) with anxiety-depressive symptomatology and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 467 Chilean self-identified as gay men (57%) and lesbian women (43%). Results revealed that the two minority stressors were associated with anxiety-depressive symptomatology, but only internalized homophobia was associated with life satisfaction. The mediation hypothesis was partially supported by the relationship between internalized homophobia and life satisfaction. Unexpectedly, we found a negative association between connectedness with the gay men's and lesbian women's community and life satisfaction. This finding introduces a view that contrasts with the literature, which proposes that connectedness with the specific community would be a protective factor against sexual stigma.

"Somos contra la 'queer-ificacíon'"/"We reject the queer-ification of lesbianism": lesbian political identity and anti-queer politics among Mexican lesbians and queer Chicanas-Latinas.

This essay provides a critical personal reflection contemplating a 2006 Mexico City-based cross- border dialogue in which sharp divisions emerged between a set of Mexicana lesbianas-declaring their pro-lesbian feminist and anti-queer politics-and a set of queer Chicanas- Latinas-pronouncing their queer women of color politics. The vexing exchange occurred on the eve of the 3rd annual Marcha Lésbica, an explicitly radical lesbian feminist political gathering and at the time the largest public action of its kind to be held in Latin America. I draw new insights about key historical and contemporary lesbian political identity issues by reviewing how Mexican lesbian politics informed by feminism and critiques of neoliberalism produced challenges to the U.S. based participants. I reframe the value of the lesbian Mexicanas' "anti- queer" proclamation, an affective statement especially unpopular in that period given the provincializing glance at lesbian politics and identity in the U.S. Finally, I revisit this difficult moment to historicize how lesbian remains a freighted category of political identity for Chicanas-Latinas who abide by women of color and trans coalitional politics, while it also opens up affinities for meaningful though precarious cross-border identifications. This multilayered reflection argues for a situated understanding of the meanings that can be ascribed to lesbian identity and politics, which are highly contingent upon spatio-temporalities. Thus, the category "lesbian" is replete with instructive energies whether as an affective critique of queer epistemologies that move along a Global North to Global South axis, or as a reminder of the limits of coalitional politics built across nation-state borders.

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español de la Escala de Intimidad Emocional en personas heterosexuales, gais y lesbianas en pareja / Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Emotional Intimacy Scale with heterosexual, gay and lesbian individuals in couple relationships

Resumen: La Escala de Intimidad Emocional (EIE) es un instrumento de auto-informe que evalúa la intimidad emocional en relaciones cercanas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la EIE para su uso en personas heterosexuales, gais y lesbianas involucradas en una relación de pareja. La muestra incluyó 883 personas chilenas (404 hombres y 479 mujeres; 565 heterosexuales y 318 homosexuales), entre 18 y 72 años. Mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, se replicó la estructura unidimensional de la escala logrando un buen nivel de ajuste a los datos, mientras que el análisis multigrupo reveló que la EIE-E (versión en español) es invariante según sexo y orientación sexual. Los índices de consistencia interna mediante el alfa de Cronbach y McDonald Omega fueron apropiados y se observó una asociación positiva entre la intimidad emocional y la satisfacción con la relación de pareja. Finalmente, se identificó que las mujeres lesbianas evidencian mayores niveles de intimidad que el resto de los grupos. Se concluye que la EIE-E es un instrumento apropiado para el estudio de la intimidad emocional en personas que se encuentran en una relación de pareja, sean estas hombres o mujeres heterosexuales, gais o lesbianas.

Abstract: The Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIE) is a self-report instrument that assesses emotional intimacy in close relationships. The aim of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the EIE for its use in heterosexual, gay and lesbian people who are currently involved in a couple relationship. The sample consisted of 883 Chileans, (404 men and 479 women; 565 heterosexuals and 318 homosexual), between the ages of 18 and 72. Using a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the one-dimensional structure of the scale was replicated, achieving a good fit to the data, while the multi-group analysis revealed that the EIE-E (Spanish version) is invariant according to sex and sexual orientation. The internal consistency indices using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald Omega were appropriate, and a positive association was observed between emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Finally, results showed that lesbian women showed higher levels of intimacy relative to the other groups. It is concluded that the EIE-E is an appropriate instrument for the study of emotional intimacy in people who are in a couple relationship, be they heterosexual men or women, gays or lesbians.

My body. My politics. An exploration of body image and health in Barbadian sexual minority women.

There is a dearth of research on how pervasive Western stereotypes of the ideal body affect non-heterosexual women, and this body of research shrinks even further when considering sexual minority women in the Caribbean. This study aimed to uncover how negotiations between identity, desire, and body politics are being navigated and experienced by sexual minority women in Barbados, along with examining concerns about body image, the impact of societal expectations, and the consequences of these expectations on physical and mental health. Using a qualitative methodology that employed a semi-structured guide, thirteen women were interviewed over the course of a year. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes that centered around the interconnectivity of desire and presentation as it related to body image; distancing from Western influences and grappling with local body ideals; and the ways in which layered events and identities have resulted in complicated relationships with food. A selection of identified community needs is also offered in conclusion.

Psychometric evaluation of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) among cisgender gay men and cisgender lesbian women.

Despite increasing empirical interest in muscle dysmorphia (MD), a dearth of research has assessed this construct in sexual minority populations. In particular, the psychometric properties of one of the most widely used measures of MD symptoms-the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI)-have not been evaluated in sexual minority populations despite emerging evidence suggesting differential risk for MD symptoms across sexual orientation groups. In this study, we assessed the psychometric properties of the MDDI in a sample of 715 cisgender gay men and 404 cisgender lesbian women ages 18-50 years who participated in a large-scale national longitudinal cohort study of sexual and gender minority adults. The factor structure of the MDDI was examined in each sample using a two-step, split-sample exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approach. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure in both samples, which were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, results supported the internal consistency reliability and convergent validity of the MDDI subscales in both samples. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that the MDDI is an appropriate measure of MD symptoms among cisgender gay men and cisgender lesbian women.

Adolescence and Suicide: Subjective Construction of the Suicidal Process in Young Gay and Lesbian Chileans.

The association between suicide risk and sexual minority status can be understood from the perspective of the social determinants of health, an approach that requires the development of culturally sensitive knowledge. The aim of this study was to characterize young gay and lesbian people's subjective construction of their experience of having lived and survived a suicidal process. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed as products based on life events. In the participants' accounts, we identified hostile contexts associated with suicide, trajectories associated with gay/lesbian identification processes, and milestones related to victimization experiences as part of the intentionality and rationality of suicide.

Análise do processo e dos conflitos éticos da implementação da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral LGBT no município do Rio de Janeiro / Analysis of the process and ethical conflicts in the implemetation of the National Policy on Comprehensive Health of LGBT in the city of Rio de Janeiro / Análisis del proceso y conflictos éticos en la implemetación de la Politica Nacional de Salud Integral de LGBT en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro

O Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e suas políticas são regidos por princípios norteadores, porém, o acesso universal não é garantia do atendimento das demandas de todos. As políticas públicas voltadas aos LGBT foram criadas para combater o preconceito, a discriminação e a exclusão. Em 2011, foi instituída a Política Nacional de Saúde Integral LGBT (PNSI LGBT) entretanto, a carência de informações sobre a implementação desta no Rio de Janeiro-RJ evidencia as dificuldades de atender essa população. Esta Tese objetivou analisar o processo de implementação e os conflitos éticos envolvidos da PNSI LGBT, no município do Rio de Janeiro, através da perspectiva do acesso aos serviços de saúde. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura e abordagem metodológica qualitativa por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores, profissionais de saúde e usuários LGBT. As entrevistas foram gravadas e os dados analisados numa perspectiva hermenêutica dialética. A revisão da literatura ressaltou as demandas específicas de saúde LGBT, e os desafios que a PNSI LGBT enfrenta para sua plena implementação, além de ainda ser pouco explorada. As narrativas foram agrupadas em quatro categorias abordando as questões de vínculo; percepções a respeito da orientação sexual e identidade de gênero; demandas para a atenção integral à saúde LGBT; e as questões éticas sobre justiça, igualdade e equidade no acesso à saúde LGBT. As entrevistas demonstraram como os gestores, profissionais de saúde e usuários percebem o acesso à saúde da população LGBT, e o quanto a PNSI LGBT ainda é pouco conhecida. Percebeu-se a ausência de desdobramentos práticos para a implementação da PNSI LGBT por parte do poder público, uma dubiedade dos entrevistados em reconhecer discursos discriminatórios, ou mesmo a importância da identificação da orientação sexual e da identidade de gênero no acesso à saúde, o que acarreta a invisibilização das demandas LGBT. As narrativas apontaram para um atendimento aparentemente não discriminatório, embora reconheçam que o preconceito não atinge todos da mesma forma. Houve a percepção de que as pessoas LGBT são previamente identificadas pelos profissionais de saúde como portadores do vírus HIV, sendo um estigma infelizmente ainda persistente. Evidenciou-se nas narrativas conflitos éticos relacionados à garantia do direito à saúde; da igualdade no acesso e no atendimento; e da equidade, reconhecendo que a saúde deve ser ofertada na medida das necessidades das pessoas, respeitando sua diversidade. A PNSI LGBT foi percebida no que compete ao eixo do acesso à saúde, entretanto ela ainda necessita de estratégias que promovam desdobramentos práticos para sua plena implementação, capazes de promover e garantir o direito à saúde, rompendo a perspectiva equivocada de que a igualdade universal no acesso seria suficiente e sinônimo de equidade.

The Unified Health System (SUS) and its policies are governed by guiding principles, however, universal access is not a guarantee of meeting everyone's demands. Public policies aimed at LGBT were created to combat prejudice, discrimination and exclusion. In 2011, the National Policy on Comprehensive Health of LGBT (PNSI LGBT) was instituted, however, the lack of information about its implementation in Rio de Janeiro-RJ highlights the difficulties of serving this population. This Thesis aimed to analyze the implementation process and the ethical conflicts involved in the PNSI LGBT, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, through the perspective of access to health services. A systematic review of the literature and qualitative methodological approach was carried out through semi-structured interviews with managers, health professionals and LGBT users. The interviews were recorded and the data analyzed in a dialectic hermeneutic perspective. The literature review highlighted the specific demands of LGBT health, and the challenges that the PNSI LGBT faces for its full implementation, in addition to being still little explored. The narratives were grouped into four categories addressing bonding issues; perceptions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; demands for comprehensive care for LGBT health; and ethical questions about justice, equality and equity in LGBT healthcare access. The interviews showed how managers, health professionals and users perceive access to health care for the LGBT population, and how little is known about the PNSI LGBT. It was noticed the absence of practical developments for the implementation of the PNSI LGBT by the public power, a dubiousness of the interviewees in recognizing discriminatory discourses, or even the importance of identifying sexual orientation and gender identity in access to health, which leads to the invisibility of LGBT demands. The narratives pointed to an apparently non-discriminatory service, although they recognize that prejudice does not affect everyone in the same way. There was a perception that LGBT people are previously identified by health professionals as having the HIV virus, which is unfortunately still a persistent stigma. It was evident in the narratives ethical conflicts related to the guarantee of the right to health; equality in access and care; and equity, recognizing that health should be offered according to people's needs, respecting their diversity. The PNSI LGBT was perceived in terms of the axis of access to health, however it still needs strategies that promote practical developments for its full implementation, capable of promoting and guaranteeing the right to health, breaking with the mistaken perspective that universal equality in the access would be sufficient and synonymous with equity.

El Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y sus políticas se rigen por principios rectores, pero el acceso universal no es garantía de atender las demandas de todos. Las políticas públicas dirigidas a LGBT se crearon para combatir los prejuicios, la discriminación y la exclusión. En 2011, se instituyó la Política Nacional de Salud Integral de LGBT (PNSI LGBT) todavía, la falta de información sobre su implementación en Rio de Janeiro-RJ destaca las dificultades para atender a esta población. Esta Tesis tuvo como objetivo analizar el proceso de implementación y los conflictos éticos involucrados en la PNSI LGBT, en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro, a través de la perspectiva del acceso a los servicios de salud. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura y enfoque metodológico cualitativo a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas a directivos, profesionales de la salud y usuarios LGBT. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y los datos analizados en una perspectiva hermenéutica dialéctica. La revisión de la literatura destacó las demandas específicas de la salud LGBT y los desafíos que enfrenta la PNSI LGBT para su plena implementación, además de ser aún poco explorada. Las narraciones se agruparon en cuatro categorías que abordan cuestiones de vinculación; percepciones sobre orientación sexual e identidad de género; demandas de atención integral a la salud LGBT; y cuestiones éticas sobre la justicia, la igualdad y la equidad en el acceso a la salud LGBT. Las entrevistas mostraron cómo los gestores, profesionales de salud y usuarios perciben el acceso a la salud de la población LGBT, y lo poco que se sabe sobre la PNSI LGBT. Se percibió la ausencia de desarrollos prácticos para la implementación de la PNSI LGBT por parte del poder público, un recelo de los entrevistados en reconocer discursos discriminatorios, o incluso la importancia de identificar la orientación sexual y la identidad de género en el acceso a la salud, lo que conduce a la invisibilidad de las demandas LGBT. Las narrativas apuntaron a un servicio aparentemente no discriminatorio, aunque reconocen que los prejuicios no afectan a todos de la misma manera. Existía la percepción de que los profesionales de la salud identificaban previamente a las personas LGBT como portadoras del VIH, lo que sigue siendo un estigma persistente. Se evidenció en las narrativas conflictos éticos relacionados con la garantía del derecho a la salud; igualdad en el acceso y la atención; y equidad, reconociendo que la salud debe ser ofrecida de acuerdo a las necesidades de las personas, respetando su diversidad. La PNSI LGBT fue percibida en términos del eje del acceso a la salud, aunque necesita estrategias que promuevan desarrollos prácticos para su plena implementación, capaces de promover y garantizar el derecho a la salud, rompiendo con la perspectiva equivocada de que la igualdad universal en el acceso sería suficiente y sinónimo de equidad.

Vivências de atendimentos ginecológicos por mulheres lésbicas e bissexuais: (in)visibilidades e barreiras para o exercício do direito à saúde / Experiences of gynecological care by lesbian and bisexual women: (in)visibility and barriers to the exercise of the right to health

Resumo Embora lésbicas e mulheres bissexuais tenham sido incluídas nas políticas de saúde, na busca por uma atenção integral e que inclua o reconhecimento da diversidade sexual, a discriminação persiste nos espaços de atenção à saúde, especialmente nas consultas clínicas. Este trabalho, de vertente qualitativa, teve por objetivo discutir, a partir das percepções e vivências dessas mulheres, as relações estabelecidas nas consultas ginecológicas, abordando especificamente a (não) revelação da condição de lésbica/bissexual, as experiências com exames e orientações pertinentes à sexualidade e as dificuldades de negociação de condutas. A produção dos dados empíricos deu-se por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com doze lésbicas e cinco mulheres bissexuais. Os resultados apontam para a invisibilidade bissexual no contexto clínico, para as dificuldades na consulta ginecológica tanto para lésbicas quanto bissexuais e para o temor das mulheres quanto à exposição da orientação sexual, bem como o não reconhecimento de sua sexualidade. Nesse sentido, as consultas em ginecologia continuam centradas em pressupostos heteronormativos, preponderando aspectos reprodutivos em detrimento dos aspectos sexuais da vida.

Abstract Although lesbian and bisexual women have been included in health policies, in the search for comprehensive care, including the recognition of sexual diversity, discrimination persists in health care spaces, especially in clinical consultations. Based on the perceptions and experiences of these women, this qualitative study discusses, the relationships established in gynecological consultations, addressing the disclosure of the status of being lesbian/bisexual, experiences with exams and guidelines relevant to sexuality and the difficulties of negotiating conduct. The production of empirical data took place through semi-structured interviews with twelve lesbians and five bisexuals. The results point to bisexual invisibility in the clinical context. Difficulties in gynecological consultation involve fears regarding the exposure of sexual orientation, as well as the non-validation of their sexuality. Consultations in gynecology remain centered on heteronormative assumptions. Thus, they operate with a preponderance of reproductive aspects to the detriment of sexual aspects of life.