Intersexual and Intrasexual Differences in Mate Selection Preferences Among Lesbian Women, Gay Men, and Bisexual Women and Men.

Sex differences in mating strategies and partner preferences are well established. However, most research solely focused on heterosexual women and men. We examined the mate selection, marriage, and age preferences of a sample of lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men (LGB) who took part in an online dating survey. Additionally, we analyzed inter- and intrasexual differences in these preferences. A total of 710 participants rated the importance of 82 mate selection criteria and 10 marriage criteria, and they also indicated their age preferences and short-term and long-term relationship orientation. An exploratory factor analysis suggested 11 relevant domains of mate selection in the LGB sample, with sex, age, and long-term relationship orientation being relevant predictors of differences in these domains. We compared the LGB data with data collected from 21,245 heterosexual women and men on the same mate selection criteria. Results showed that the participants' sex was the most important predictor of differences in mate selection and marriage preferences, while intrasexual variables (sexual orientation and relationship orientation) explained only a small part of the variance. We incorporated the results into the current discussion about partner preferences and sexual orientation.

Cisgender Sexual Minority Women's Interest in Telemental Health Services: A Latent Class Analysis.

Introduction: Telemental health is increasingly recognized for its potential to overcome barriers like cost and stigma, particularly for marginalized groups. Sexual minority women in particular may benefit from increased access to telemental health services, due to the unique health disparities faced by this population. However, very little research thus far has assessed the telemental health preferences of this group. Methods: The present study surveyed 1,092 cisgender sexual minority women regarding their demographic information, mental health, and telemental health preferences, using the Prolific.co research platform. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify subgroups within the sample based on their responses to the survey. Results: Results revealed diverse attitudes toward telemental health, with some that prefer in-person sessions, whereas others show a strong interest in virtual options. Latent class analysis identified five groups, termed the Neutral, Ambivalent, Inclined, Inclined Related to Travel, and Averse groups. There were statistically significant differences between groups on measures of rurality, socioeconomic status, previous therapy experience, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, sexual minority women demonstrated interest in telemental health, especially individuals with mobility challenges and those living in rural areas. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of tailoring mental health services to diverse needs and suggests that telemental health could be a valuable tool in addressing health disparities among sexual minority women. Importantly, these data were conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research could examine how sexual minority women's attitudes toward telemental health have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic and how telemental health services could be tailored for marginalized subgroups.

Intimate partner violence in lesbian couples: A systematic review on the barriers to seeking help.

The process of seeking help for violence in lesbian couples is complex due to the variety of factors and actors that can be involved. It is a process in which the women may or may not take action to ask for some kind of support, depending on the stage at which they find themselves. However, even though women may realise that they are in a situation of mistreatment or abuse in their relationship with their partner or ex-partner, there may be barriers that hinder them from seeking help. This paper presents a systematic review of the barriers that lesbian women encounter in seeking help or accessing support systems when they are victims of intimate partner violence. Out of 139 studies reviewed, 120 were selected for further review, and 8 studies meeting the methodological inclusion criteria were finally selected. The results of this research show that psycho-social and legal barriers exist, which, within a system of oppression - heterosexist society - do not occur in isolation, but are inter-related, making it difficult for lesbian women victims of intimate partner violence to seek help or access support services. This review finds limitations in the literature reviewed and makes recommendations for future research.

The Effect of Education on Homophobia and Attitudes Toward Gay Men and Lesbian Women among Medical Faculty Students: A Turkish Sample.

Problem: Gay men (GMs) and lesbian women (LWs) can be exposed to misunderstanding, pressure, condemnation, obstructed access to public services, social isolation, and discrimination in many countries. They may also encounter various difficulties in accessing health services. Being GM and LW is generally unacceptable in Turkey, and both are perceived as abnormal. Medical students may require education on the subject of sexual orientation to improve their knowledge of and attitudes toward LGBT individuals, to help them remain neutral and avoid prejudice in providing health services for such individuals, and to ensure that such care is unbiased. Intervention: This one-group pretest-post-test design study was performed with third-year students at the Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Faculty (Samsun-Turkey) on 01-31 September, 2021. Three hundred twenty-five students took part. We evaluated students' attitudes toward homophobia and being GM and LW following a two-week multidisciplinary education program. The program included such topics as "Marginalization," "Interaction between cultures," "Sexual orientation," "Faith-based marginalization," "Sub-cultures," "Health protection," "Gender," and "Marginalized groups." For objective acquisition, we organized small group work, experience-sharing sessions (such as different orientation groups, different ethnic groups, and different behavioral templates), presentations, and panel activities. Context: Some circles in Türkiye regard LGBT individuals as representing an attack on national and spiritual values, and they are used as part of the political discourse. Studies are being performed in some medial faculties in Türkiye concerning the inclusion of subjects related to LGBT individuals in the educational curriculum. However, these studies have not yet assumed the form of a curriculum design including content, method, and testing. It is important for subjects concerning LGBT individuals to be considered more extensively in medical education in Türkiye, and for awareness of the rights of these individuals in the community and of combating discrimination to be improved. Outcome: We observed a significant decrease in students' homophobia after education. Significant decreases were observed in agreement with statements to the effect that being a GM or LW is a disease, that it can be treated, that people can be identified as GMs and LWs based on their behavior, and that they pose a major threat to society. Lessons Learned: It is unclear whether education aimed at all marginalized groups will produce different results to those of programs aimed specifically at GMs and LWs, but we think that applying programs directed toward discrimination and prejudice together will yield more effective results.

The Impact of Primary Care Providers' Bias on Depression Screening for Lesbian Women.

Primary care providers' (PCPs) implicit and explicit bias can adversely affect health outcomes of lesbian women including their mental health. Practice guidelines recommend universal screening for depression in primary care settings, yet the guidelines often are not followed. The intersection of PCPs' implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women may lead to even lower screening and diagnosis of depression in the lesbian population than in the general population. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between PCPs' implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women and their recommendations for depression screening in this population. PCPs (n = 195) in Kentucky completed a survey that included bias measures and screening recommendations for a simulated lesbian patient. Bivariate inferential statistical tests were conducted to compare the implicit and explicit bias scores of PCPs who recommended depression screening and those who did not. PCPs who recommended depression screening demonstrated more positive explicit attitudes toward lesbian women (p < .05) and their implicit bias scores were marginally lower than the providers who did not recommend depression screening (p = .068). Implications for practice: Depression screening rates may be even lower for lesbian women due to implicit and explicit bias toward this population. Training to increase providers' awareness of bias and its harm is the first step to improve primary care for lesbian women. Policies must protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Estimated likelihood of parenthood among sexual minority individuals associates with interpersonal vulnerability and traumatic outlook.

BACKGROUND: Lesbian women and gay men (LG) tend to report lower levels of parenthood aspiration than their heterosexual counterparts. While several variables have been suggested to explain this phenomenon, no study has investigated the potential mediating role of interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook in the association between sexual orientation and the estimated likelihood of parenthood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook mediate the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. METHODS: A sample of 435 childfree, cisgender Israeli participants, aged 18-49 years (M = 27.82, SD = 4.47), were recruited through convenience sampling. 192 participants self-reported as LG (64 lesbian women and 128 gay men). Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their estimated likelihood of parenthood, interpersonal vulnerability, and subjective traumatic outlook. Mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro. RESULTS: LG individuals reported a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood than their heterosexual counterparts. Interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook significantly mediated the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvement in the socio-political climate relating to sexual minority rights and access to fertility technologies, LG individuals are still more likely to report a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood in comparison to heterosexual individuals. Moreover, this gap appears to be partially mediated by interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook. The results contribute to the growing body of international research exploring family formation among sexual minority individuals and are relevant for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.

Feeling safe and content: Relationship to internalized sexual stigma, self-awareness, and identity uncertainty in Italian lesbian and bisexual women.

Research has linked feelings of safety and contentment to lower adverse mental health outcomes (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) in the general population. The current study aimed at exploring the relationship between safe/content positive affect and minority stress (e.g., internalized sexual stigma) in lesbian and bisexual women, considering the effect of potential mediators such as identity self-awareness and identity uncertainty. An online survey was administered to 400 Italian women (220 lesbian and 180 bisexual women), aged 18-40 years (M = 25.98, SD = 6.07). The results showed that lesbian women reported lower internalized sexual stigma and identity uncertainty and higher safe/content positive affect and identity self-awareness, relative to bisexual women. Higher internalized sexual stigma predicted lower safe/content positive affect, regardless of sexual orientation. Furthermore, identity self-awareness and identity uncertainty significantly mediated the relationship between internalized sexual stigma and safe/content feelings, thus confirming the protective role of sexual identity variables on lesbian and bisexual women's positive affectivity. Finally, univariate analyses suggested that lesbian women were more resilient than bisexual women in the face of minority stressors. The results contribute to the understanding of the differences between lesbian and bisexual women in their perception of salient identity categories. In addition, the findings highlight the relevance of protective factors (e.g., identity certainty, lesbian and bisexual positive identity) in ameliorating the adverse effects of minority stress and promoting positive affect and social adjustment in lesbian and bisexual women. Research and clinical implications and directions are discussed.

Debunking Lesbian Bed Death: Using Coarsened Exact Matching to Compare Sexual Practices and Satisfaction of Lesbian and Heterosexual Women.

The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of over 50 sexual practices in a national survey of heterosexual and lesbian women in relationships. Coarsened exact matching was used to create comparable samples of heterosexual (n = 2510) and lesbian (n = 283) women on six demographic factors, including relationship length. Heterosexual and lesbian women were equally likely to be sexually satisfied (66% heterosexual women vs. 68% lesbian women). Compared to heterosexuals, lesbians were more likely to report having sex 0-1 times per month (11% vs. 23%) and were less likely to report having sex greater than once per month (89% vs. 77%). Among women who had been in relationships for longer than 5 years, heterosexual women were less likely than lesbian women to report having sex 0-1 times per month (15%; 42%). This steeper drop in sexual frequency among lesbian women than heterosexual women has pejoratively been labeled lesbian bed death. Rather than accept the label "lesbian bed death" as characterizing these sexual relationships, we turn our attention to what we call lesbian bed intimacies: the myriad ways that lesbian women incorporate behaviors promoting emotional connection, romance, and mood setting, as well as relying on a wide variety of specific sexual acts (e.g., use of sex toys) and sexual communication. Compared to heterosexual women, lesbian women were more likely to usually to always receive oral sex during sex in the past month (28%; 47%) and to use sex toys in the past year (40%; 62%). In their last sexual encounter, lesbian women were more likely to say "I love you" (67%; 80%), have sex longer than 30 min (48%; 72%), and engage in gentle kissing (80%; 92%). These intimacies likely help explain why sexual satisfaction was similar in these groups despite notable differences in sexual frequency.

Culture-Specific Form of Stress Based on Sexual Orientation Among Childless Lesbian and Gay Individuals in China: Perceived Difficulties of Future Parenthood.

China's long historical and cultural traditions that overemphasize the continuity of the family bloodline have a profound impact on the desire to become parents. Indeed, many Chinese lesbian and gay (LG) individuals want to become parents, despite same-sex parenting being illegal in mainland China. Faced with a conflict between their sexual orientation and desire for parenthood, childless LG individuals in China experience additional stress. However, no empirical study has examined such stress, which has been termed perceived difficulties of future parenthood. The present study aimed to explore the influence of perceived difficulties of future parenthood on mental health and the moderating effect of parenting desire on the relationship between them among 737 childless Chinese LG individuals (216 lesbian women and 521 gay men). A new measure was developed consisting of four dimensions: restricted pathways, social discrimination, uncertain affective ties, and parental opposition. As predicted, perceived difficulties of future parenthood were associated with poorer mental health in the sample. However, the interaction effects between parenting desire and perceived difficulties of future parenthood on mental health were not significant. These findings highlight common existing perceived difficulties about future parenthood in childless LG individuals in China and their negative effects on mental health.

Measurement invariance of Female Sexual Function Index: a study with heterosexual and lesbian Portuguese women.

The Female Sexual Function Index is a powerful screening tool for female sexual dysfunction extensively used worldwide. Nonetheless, its factorial structure and psychometric properties have been tested almost exclusively with heterosexual samples. The current study aimed to testing the original factorial structure, reliability and temporal stability in two samples of women (heterosexual and lesbian), and to assess the measurement invariance across sexual orientation. An online sample of 752 Portuguese women (376 lesbian women and 376 heterosexual women) recruited between May 2012 and 2013 participated in the study and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the FSFI. For temporal stability, 30 Portuguese women were recruited online in May 2017. Confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and temporal stability were assessed independently for each sample. Measurement invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) was also assessed. Main findings for both samples corroborate the six-factor structure and revealed excellent levels of temporal stability, with Cronbach alphas and McDonalds Omega of .95 for heterosexual sample, and .96 for lesbian women sample. Results corroborate measurement invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) across sample type. Overall, the FSFI revealed a good-fit for the six-factor model in both heterosexual and women sample, with excellent levels of reliability and temporal stability, and showed measurement invariance across sexual orientation. These findings support the use of the FSFI with lesbian women.

Concurrent Daily Alcohol and Tobacco Use among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Women.

Background: Studies show that sexual minority women (SMW) report more hazardous alcohol use patterns and higher rates of tobacco use than exclusively heterosexual women. Despite the public health implications of drinking and smoking, especially when they co-occur, little is known about SMW's daily use patterns or the factors that may facilitate concurrent use. Objectives: The present study seeks to identify patterns of daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use among SMW and heterosexual women, including socio-environmental drinking contexts of concurrent use. Methods: Data come from a community sample of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women (N = 246) who completed up to 84 consecutive days of web-based reports about substance use. Results: Participants reported 4,012 drinking days (24%), 2,019 smoking days (12%), and 769 concurrent drinking and smoking days (5%). No differences were found between SMW and heterosexual women in the proportion of drinking days; however, SMW consumed more drinks on drinking days. SMW also reported a greater proportion of smoking days, more cigarettes smoked on smoking days, and a greater proportion of concurrent drinking and smoking days. Reciprocal daily relationships between alcohol and tobacco use were identified, and these relationships were strongest for bisexual women. Socio-environmental factors-including certain locations, situations, and companions-increased the likelihood of concurrent use for all women; however, few sexual identity differences were found in concurrent use contexts. Importance: Results expand our understanding about daily concurrent alcohol and tobacco use risk among SMW, and potentially inform treatment research to better address the unique experiences of this vulnerable group.

Nurses' perceptions of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To examine whether nurses' assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care is associated with their personal and professional characteristics and knowledge of homosexuality. BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a growing incidence of same-sex parenthood. Nurses administer health care to lesbian women from pregnancy planning through birth, providing consultation. Although there has been a shift in attitudes towards homosexuality, discrimination is still quite common. DESIGN: This research is part of a larger cross-sectional study carried out at women's healthcare centres, concerning nurses' perceived quality of perinatal care provided to lesbian women. METHODS: The study was conducted from December 2015-April 2016 at women's health centres in Israel encompassing 184 registered nurses who completed self-report questionnaires. They were assessed as to their knowledge of homosexuality and nurse-patient relationships and communication. The Squire checklist was used. RESULTS: Most (73.4%) had prior acquaintance with lesbian women; only 17.9% had been educated as to lesbian women's unique health needs; of these, 66.7% thought that they had been given professional tools for working with lesbian women; 60.4% were unaware of the importance of knowing the patient's sexual orientation. The average score on a homosexuality knowledge questionnaire was 10.4 on a scale of 0-17, indicating moderate levels of factual knowledge about homosexuality. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses' knowledge of homosexuality and assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care. In addition, nurses' personal and professional characteristics, such as place of birth, religiosity and familiarity with lesbian women, were related to their assessment of their relationships and communication. CONCLUSION: Nurses' knowledge of homosexuality and personal and professional characteristics were associated with their perceptions regarding relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Further training might broaden, refine rigid perceptions and contribute to advancing equal perinatal nursing care of lesbian women.

Femininity, masculinity, and body image in a community-based sample of lesbian and bisexual women.

This study expands the literature on body image among lesbian and bisexual women by examining the relationship between self-perceived gendered personality traits and expressions (i.e., sense of self in relation to cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity) and body satisfaction, a key body image construct. We used data from Wave 3 (2010-2012) of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study. The CHLEW includes a novel measure of gender expression, with masculinity and femininity as distinct but overlapping constructs. In the large analytic sample (N = 553), we found both similarities and differences in the association between femininity/masculinity and body image in lesbian and bisexual women. Bisexual women reported significantly lower body satisfaction than lesbian women. Higher masculinity was associated with greater body satisfaction in the full sample, but the association was stronger for bisexual than lesbian women. Femininity was positively associated with body satisfaction only for bisexual women. These findings suggest that masculinity and femininity play different roles in body satisfaction for lesbian and bisexual women and highlight the importance of disaggregating sexual identity in studies of sexual minority women's health. Clinicians should routinely ask about sexual identity and gender expression, especially when presenting concerns involve body image or disordered eating.

Attachment avoidance and parenthood desires in gay men and lesbians and their heterosexual counterparts.

Objective: We explored the desire to be a parent, attachment avoidance and their associations in a sample of gay men and lesbians and their heterosexual counterparts. Background: Previous research suggested a link between minority stress and higher attachment avoidance. However, the association between attachment avoidance and parenthood desires as a function of sexual orientation was not studied. Methods: The sample was composed of 883 community-dwelling participants (51.1% women, 30.57% identified as gay men and 14.15% as lesbians) that were recruited through convenience sampling. Results: Gay men and lesbians reported less desire to be parents than their heterosexual counterparts and higher attachment avoidance. However, the association between attachment avoidance and less desire for parenthood was moderated by sexual orientation, such that the correlation between attachment avoidance and lesser desire for parenthood was only found for heterosexual men and women. Conclusion: These findings pinpoint the potential vulnerability of gay men and lesbians to develop greater attachment avoidance and the impact of sexual orientation on the association between attachment avoidance and the desire to be a parent. The moderation effect is discussed in terms of the specific reproductive alternatives available to gay men and lesbians vs. the heterosexual population.

Relationship Status and Drinking-Related Outcomes in a Community Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women.

Although marriage tends to be protective against hazardous drinking among women in the general population, few studies have compared drinking rates, levels, or problems based on relationship status among sexual minority women (SMW; lesbian, bisexual). We examined associations between relationship status (committed relationship/cohabiting; committed/not cohabiting; single) and past-year drinking outcomes using data from a diverse sample of 696 SMW interviewed in wave 3 of the 17-year longitudinal Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The mean age of SMW in the sample was 40.01 (SD = 14.15; range 18-82). A little more than one-third (37%) of the sample was white, 36% was African American, and 23% Latina; 4% reported another or multi- race/ethnicity. Compared to SMW in committed cohabiting relationships, single SMW were significantly more likely to be heavy drinkers. SMW in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report alcohol-related problem consequences, and both single SMW and those in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report one or more symptoms of potential alcohol dependence. Findings underscore the importance of exploring relationship factors that may influence drinking and drinking-related problems among SMW.

Parenting desires, parenting intentions, and anticipation of stigma upon parenthood among lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women in Portugal.

We explored parenting desires, parenting intentions, and anticipation of stigma upon parenthood in a sample of 257 self-identified lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual childfree women in Portugal. No differences between the groups were observed concerning parenting desires. However, lesbian and bisexual women reported lower intentions to have children than their heterosexual counterparts. Although lesbian women considered themselves to have a higher chance of being victims of social stigma as mothers, this was not associated with their parenting desires. Furthermore, younger lesbian women intended to have children to a greater extent than did older lesbian women; relational status did not relate to lesbian women's parenting intentions, desires, or anticipation of stigma. Overall, this study contributes to knowledge about family formation processes among Portuguese women diverse in sexual identity.

Sexual minority women and parenthood: Perceptions of friendship among childfree and new parents.

Many individuals experience shifts in their friendship networks after becoming parents. The current study investigated the narratives of how a sample of sixty-six sexual minority women, most of whom do not yet have children but who expect to be parents in the future, perceive the changes in friendship networks following becoming parents. A thematic analysis uncovered three themes: (1) general expectations surrounding future parenthood and friendships; (2) changes in lifestyle and priorities; and (3) LGBTQ + community attachment. Further, the theme of general expectations surrounding future parenthood and friendships was largely represented among lesbian and queer women, while the theme of changes in lifestyle and priorities was predominately represented among lesbian women, and finally, the theme of LGBTQ + community attachment was shared among all sexual minority women in our sample across different sexual identities. We discuss the diversity of shared and non-shared narratives among sexual minority women, the intentionality in how friendship during parenthood is perceived, as well as why some themes were particularly prevalent among women with specific sexual identities.

Factors associated with relationship dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among lesbian adoptive couples.

Same-sex adoptive couples are increasingly visible, yet few studies have addressed relationship stability and dissolution among these couples. In this study, using a theoretical framework based on Investment Models and Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Theory, factors associated with dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among 27 lesbian adoptive couples were examined across two points. At Wave 1, all 27 couples were together; children were on average 3 years old. Results revealed that nearly one third broke up over 5 years (between Waves 1 and 2). Factors related to shorter relationship length and undermining coparenting at Wave 1 distinguished women who later broke up versus stayed together. Worse mental health at Wave 2 characterized women in dissolved rather than sustained relationships, even with comparable individual adjustment at Wave 1. Weaker parenting alliance and greater dissatisfaction with childcare divisions were reported by women no longer with their partners at Wave 2 as compared with those in enduring partnerships. This research has implications for understanding lesbian relationship dynamics and associations with individual adjustment.

Minority stress and inflammatory mediators: covering moderates associations between perceived discrimination and salivary interleukin-6 in gay men.

Physical health disparities by sexual orientation are widespread yet under-investigated. Drawing upon theories of biological embedding of social adversity, we tested whether minority stress (in the form of perceived discrimination) is associated with salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory mediator. Furthermore, we examined whether covering, a strategy involving downplaying a stigmatized social identity, modified this association. A community sample (N = 99) of gay men (n = 78) and lesbian women (n = 21) completed self-report measures of minority stress and identity management and provided saliva samples which were assayed for IL-6. Among gay men, results from generalized linear models supported a hypothesized interaction between perceived discrimination and covering, such that perceived discrimination was predictive of higher levels of IL-6 for those who engaged in less covering but not for those who engaged in more covering. This interaction was robust to a number of potential covariates (alcohol, medication, body mass index, race and age). Results for lesbian women suggested a different pattern: the only statistically significant association detected was between greater perceived discrimination and lower levels of IL-6. Findings from the current study point to an important role for inflammatory processes in understanding and remediating health disparities based upon sexual orientation that stem from exposure to prejudice and discrimination.

The attitudes of the undergraduate nursing students towards lesbian women and gay men.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students towards lesbian women and gay men. BACKGROUND: Nursing education in Turkey is conducted holistically; in other words, it is an integration of the physical, spiritual, mental and social realms. Students are therefore expected to not express any discrimination due to factors such as religion, language, race and gender. However, some serious problems still exist in terms of the practical applications of that philosophy. DESIGN: This study was descriptive. METHODS: This study included 964 students. The Attitudes towards Lesbian Women and Gay Men scale and a questionnaire were used to learn about the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students regarding gay men and lesbian women. RESULTS: Results of this study have indicated that the attitudes of religiously educated and/or conservative students towards lesbian women and gay men were negative. Female students from families with high incomes and highly educated families attended social activities and read more than other female students. The students with free life choice options expressed very positive attitudes towards gay men. CONCLUSION: The nursing education curriculum should cover information about patients with diverse sexual orientations and their absolute rights for equally optimal healthcare. Strategies to discourage traditional gender role stereotypes and educational and media experiences for better acceptance of sexual minorities need to be developed by educational policy makers. Antidiscrimination policies protecting lesbian women and gay men should be developed by the legislative authorities and then taught to students during their nursing education. Getting familiar with diverse sexual orientations might create awareness among nursing students and reduce their attitudinal and behavioural prejudices and biases. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To provide equal healthcare services for all patients, nurses must have accurate information about lesbian women, gay men and modify their attitude and behaviour accordingly.