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Black LGB Experiences

This research is open access. Anyone can access it easily with a quick search on Google Scholar, at no cost to themselves.

I highly recommend looking up Lisa Bowleg’s research if this is an area of interest for you. Personally, I’m a huge fan.

Bowleg, L. (2013). “Once you’ve blended the cake, you can’t take the parts back to the main ingredients”: Black gay and bisexual men’s descriptions and experiences of intersectionality. Sex Roles, 68(11-12), 754-767.

Abstract: Although Black gay and bisexual men have written eloquently about the intersections of race, gender, and sexual identity in anthologies such as Brother to Brother and In the Life, empirical studies of intersectionality with men, and Black gay and bisexual men in particular are rare. This qualitative study examined descriptions and experiences of intersectionality in individual interviews with 12 U.S. Black self-identified gay (n = 9) and bisexual (n =3) men in Washington, DC. Participants ranged in age from 21 and 44 (M = 36.33) and were predominantly highly educated and middle income. Research questions were: (1) How do participants describe and experience intersections of race, gender, and sexual identity?; (2) How do social processes shape their social identities?; (3) What are their challenges due to intersections of race, gender, and sexual identity?; and (4) What are the perceived benefits of these intersections? Analyses highlighted four key themes: (1) explicit and implicit descriptions of intersectionality; (2) the primacy of identities as Black and/or Black men first; (3) challenges such as negative stereotypes, racial microaggressions in mainstream and White LGB communities, heterosexism in Black communities, and gender role pressures to act “masculine”; and (4) perceived benefits such as psychological growth, liberation from traditional gender role or heteronormative expectations, and the freedom that being outsiders or “never being comfortable” confers in terms of exploring new opportunities and experiences. These findings imply that intersectionality can be expanded to incorporate the strengths/assets of intersectional identities in addition to oppression based on interlocking social identities.

Bowleg, L. (2008). When Black+ lesbian+ woman≠ Black lesbian woman: The methodological challenges of qualitative and quantitative intersectionality research. Sex roles, 59(5-6), 312-325.

Abstract: The notion that social identities and social inequality based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, and sex/gender are intersectional rather than additive poses a variety of thorny methodological challenges. Using research with Black lesbians (Bowleg, manuscripts in preparation; Bowleg et al., Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2008; Bowleg et al., Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology 10:229–240, 2004; Bowleg et al., Journal of Lesbian Studies, 7:87–108, 2003) as a foundation, I examine how these challenges shape measurement, analysis, and interpretation. I argue that a key dilemma for intersectionality researchers is that the additive (e.g., Black + Lesbian + Woman) versus intersectional (e.g., Black Lesbian Woman) assumption inherent in measurement and qualitative and quantitative data analyses contradicts the central tenet of intersectionality: social identities and inequality are interdependent for groups such as Black lesbians, not mutually exclusive. In light of this, interpretation becomes one of the most substantial tools in the intersectionality researcher’s methodological toolbox.

The following paper isn’t psychology but still goes along with the topic.

Sullivan, L. L. (2000). Chasing Fae: The Watermelon Woman and Black Lesbian Possibility. Callaloo, 23(1), 448-460.

Excerpt: Cheryl Dunye's 1996 film, The Watermelon Woman, is a groundbreaking, and rulebreaking, film. The first feature film made by a black lesbian filmmaker (McAlister), the film employs both deconstructive and realist techniques to examine the way that identity in contemporary U.S. culture is shaped by multiple forces, primarily race, gender, and sexual orientation. Encouraging viewers to consider the unstable, complex, and often contradictory nature of identity, the film is humorous yet politically engaging. In this paper, I consider the ways that the film works simultaneously to represent and to decenter the identity and history of a figure most invisible in the textual production of the dominant culture--the black lesbian.

#bisexuality #gay #bisexual #black LGBT #sexuality #sexuality research #research #intersectionality #racism #resilience #homonegativity #microaggressions #black gay #black bisexual #black lesbian #black wlw #black mlm #the watermelon woman

Living with HIV

The following research is open access. A quick Google Scholar search should allow you to have access to this research for free.

Audet, C. M., Wagner, L. J., & Wallston, K. A. (2015). Finding meaning in life while living with HIV: validation of a novel HIV meaningfulness scale among HIV-infected participants living in Tennessee. BMC psychology, 3(1), 15.

Abstract: People living with HIV who maintain a positive outlook on their future may manage stress better than those who do not, leading to improved coping behaviors and better health outcomes. While studying 125 HIV+ adults participating in two clinical trials of expressive writing we assessed their HIV-specific meaningfulness of life with a short, unidimensional scale (the HIVMS). The HIVMS had a strong Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) and acceptable test-retest reliability (0.70). HIVMS scores were strongly correlated with measures of perceived control, optimism, and psychological well-being. Participants with lower HIVMS scores had higher probability of non-adherence to antiretroviral medication, suggesting a decreased ability to manage their illness successfully. Neither the control nor expressive writing intervention groups showed increased HIVMS scores. Future research is necessary to determine the effect of HIV meaning on long-term health outcomes and to develop interventions that can significantly improve a person’s perception of their meaning in life.

French, H., Greeff, M., & Watson, M. J. (2014). Experiences of people living with HIV and people living close to them of a comprehensive HIV stigma reduction community intervention in an urban and a rural setting. SAHARA-J:, 11(1), 105-115.

Abstract: HIV stigma remains high globally. Although there is a selection of HIV stigma reduction interventions discussed in the literature, there is a paucity of research about the effectiveness of these interventions. This study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of people living with HIV (PLWH) and people living close to them from six designated groups during and after having undergone a comprehensive HIV stigma reduction community intervention in both an urban and a rural setting. Attention was focused on their expressed experiences of the workshop and projects executed. A qualitative interpretive description approach was used. PLWH as participants were selected through purposive voluntary sampling and through snowball sampling for the people living close to them. Recruitment was from both urban and rural settings in the North West Province, South Africa. Data collection was via in-depth interviews with 23 PLWH and 60 people living close to them from specific designated groups. The data were thematically analysed through manual open coding. The results from the urban and rural settings were pooled, as there were no noteworthy differences in the themes between them. The results indicated that there was an increase in knowledge in all the groups, as well as experiences of enhanced relationships and of being equipped with leadership skills in order to go out into the community and being part of HIV stigma reduction actions. The intervention in its comprehensive nature was found to have been successful and promising for future use in reducing HIV stigma.

Kalichman, S. C., Hernandez, D., Cherry, C., Kalichman, M. O., Washington, C., & Grebler, T. (2014). Food insecurity and other poverty indicators among people living with HIV/AIDS: effects on treatment and health outcomes. Journal of community health, 39(6), 1133-1139.

Abstract: Health disparities in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as well as the demands of long-term medication adherence have meant the full benefits of HIV treatment are often not realized. In particular, food insecurity has emerged as a robust predictor of ART non-adherence. However, research is limited in determining whether food insecurity uniquely impedes HIV treatment or if food insecurity is merely a marker for poverty that interferes more broadly with treatment. This study examined indicators of poverty at multiple levels in a sample of 364 men and 157 women living with HIV recruited through an offering of a free holiday food basket. Results showed that 61 % (N = 321) of participants had experienced at least one indicator of food insecurity in the previous month. Multivariate analyses showed that food insecurity was closely tied to lack of transportation. In addition, food insecurity was associated with lacking access to ART and poor ART adherence after adjusting for neighbourhood poverty, living in an area without a supermarket (food desert), education, stable housing, and reliable transportation. Results therefore affirm previous research that has suggested food insecurity is uniquely associated with poor ART adherence and calls for structural interventions that address basic survival needs among people living with HIV, especially food security.

#sexuality research #sexuality #research #psychology #AIDS #HIV #poverty

“Paraphilias”

The following research is open access. A quick Google Scholar search will give you access to the research for free.

Giami, A. (2015). Between DSM and ICD: Paraphilias and the transformation of sexual norms. Archives of Sexual Behavior, May 2015. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10508-015-0549-6

Abstract: The simultaneous revision of the two major international classifications of disease, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases, serves as an opportunity to observe the dynamic processes through which social norms of sexuality are constructed and are subject to change in relation to social, political, and historical context. This article argues that the classifications of sexual disorders, which define pathological aspects of “sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges or behaviors” are representations of contemporary sexual norms, gender identifications, and gender relations. It aims to demonstrate how changes in the medical treatment of sexual perversions/paraphilias passed, over the course of the 20th century, from a model of pathologization (and sometimes criminalization) of non-reproductive sexual behaviors to a model that reflects and privileges sexual well-being and responsibility, and pathologizes the absence or the limitation of consent in sexual relations.

I have not read this article yet, but from my understanding, it’s about how sexuality that differs from heterosexual, vanilla sex has been historically pathologized when it shouldn’t necessarily be.

#sexuality research #sexuality #research #psychology #paraphilias #hypersexuality #kinks #fetishes

Virginity/Sexual Inexperience

This research is open access. You should be able to do a quick Google Scholar search and access it for free.

Haydon, A. A., Cheng, M. M., Herring, A. H., McRee, A.L., & Halpern, C. T. (2014). Prevalence and predictors of sexual inexperience in adulthood. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43, 221-230. Retrieved from: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10508-013-0164-3

Abstract: The emergence of partnered sexual behavior represents an important developmental transition. However, little is known about individuals who remain sexually inexperienced well into adulthood. We used data from 2,857 individuals who participated in Waves I–IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and reported no sexual activity (i.e.,oral-genital,vaginal,or anal sex) by age 18 to identify, using discrete-time survival models, adolescent sociodemographic, biosocial, and behavioral characteristics that predicted adult sexual inexperience. The mean age of participants at Wave IV was 28.5 years (SD=1.92). Over one out of eight participants who did not initiate sexual activity during adolescence remained abstinent as young adults. Sexual non-attraction significantly predicted sexual inexperience among both males (aOR=0.5) and females (aOR=0.6). Males also had lower odds of initiating sexual activity after age 18 if they were non-Hispanic Asian, reported later than average pubertal development, or were rated as physically unattractive (aORs=0.6–0.7). Females who were overweight, had lower cognitive performance, or reported frequent religious attendance had lower odds of sexual experience (aORs=0.7–0.8)while those who were rated by the interviewers as very attractive or whose parents had lower educational attainment had higher odds of sexual experience (aORs=1.4–1.8). Our findings underscore the heterogeneity of this unique population and suggest that there are a number of different pathways that may lead to either voluntary or involuntary adult sexual inexperience. Understanding the meaning of sexual inexperience in young adulthood may have important implications for the study of sexuality development across the life course.

(I personally was very excited about that last one because asexuality isn’t discussed much in research)

#sexuality #sexuality research #research #psychology #virgin #virginity #adult virgin #asexuality #abstinence

Sex Around the World

The following is a resource that is open access. it provides research about sexuality in countries across the world. Please note that it does not seem to have been updated in 15 years; regardless, it was tell you interesting facts about the history of the way sexuality was perceived in the country of your choice.

https://kinseyinstitute.org/collections/archival/ccies.php

Intimacy

The following papers are open access. A quick Google scholar search will grant you access to these articles for free, though a link has also been provided.

Please note that these writers are from Iran. This means that they not only have a different cultural lens, but also sometimes their translations are a little difficult to read. Be patient; regardless of the grammatical errors, we can still learn much about the similarities between our culture and theirs.

Donyadari, P., & Yousefi, Z. (2015). Predicting commitment among married women: Intimacy, passion, sexual satisfaction, Big Five Personality factors, attachment styles, and happiness. International Journal of Education and Psychological Research, 4 (1), 35-38. Retrieved from http://ijepr.org/doc/V4_Is1_March15/ij9.pdf

Abstract: This study investigated the relationships between five personality factors, attachment styles, intimacy, passion, happiness and sexual satisfaction with commitment among mother’s center of Isfahan. We surveyed125 volunteer women who had registered in mother’s center of Isfahan using Sexual satisfaction inventory, Sternberg’s Triangular love scale, Subjective Happiness scale and Big five Inventory–10 (BFI-10). The data was analyzed by statistical methods including Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions. The results showed that commitment was significantly and meaningfully associated with intimacy, passion, happiness, sexual satisfaction and extraversion. Passion and extraversion can predict sexual satisfaction.

Shahhosseini, Z., Hamzehgardeshi, Z., & Souraki, M. K. (2014). The effects of premarital relationship enhancement programs on marriage strength: A narrative review article. Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, 1 (3), 62-72. Retrieved from http://docplayer.net/15849264-The-effects-of-premarital-relationship-enrichment-programs-on-marriage-strength-a-narrative-review-article.html

Abstract: Strengthening marriage relationship includes a body of programs focusing on boosting the couples' common understanding, honesty, trust, empathy and coordination. Premarital consultation along with the couples' relationship enrichment can result in their improved relationship. The current study aims to analyze the studies conducted on consultation programs for marriage relationship enrichment and marriage strength.

#sexuality research #sexuality #research #psychology #intimacy #personality #passion #Iran

Cybersexuality

The following paper is available through open access. A quick Google Scholar search will give you access to the article for free, though I have also provided a link.

Orosz, G., Szekeres, A., Kiss, Z. G., Frarkas, P., & Roland-Levy, C. (2015). Elevated romantic love and jealousy if relationship status is declared on Facebook. Frontiers of Psychology, 6, Article 214. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341541/pdf/fpsyg-06-00214.pdf

Abstract: Declared relationship status on Facebook can serve as a public commitment and as an extra layer of a couple’s security. However, the question arises: do those who report the relationship status feel stronger romantic love and jealousy toward their partners than those who do not share such information publicly? To test this assumption, profile information and questionnaire data of romantic love and jealousy were gathered from 292, 230 females) respondents that were in a relationship. Our results suggest that announcing the relationship status is associated with elevated romantic love and jealousy. Therefore, being “Facebook official” can be interpreted as a tie-sign indicating that the couple is “out of the market,” and can promote their unity as a “digital wedding ring.”

#sexuality research #sexuality #research #psychology #cybersexuality #Facebook #Facebook official #relationships

Sexual Development in Adolescence

All of the following research papers are open access. A quick Google Scholar search will allow you to access and read them for free. Links are also provided.

Arrington-Sanders, R., Morgan, A., Ogunbajo, A., Trent, M., Harper, G., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2015). The role of Sexually Explicit Material (SEM) in the sexual development of Black young same-sex-attracted men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44, 597-608. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408764/pdf/nihms681003.pdf

Abstract: Youth may use SEM (print, video and Internet) to supplement school- and family-based sex education and as models for sexual behaviors. Even comprehensive sex education gives little attention to sexual relations of YMSM, especially for those of color. We describe the role SEM plays in the sexual development of a sample of AA YMSM.

Cuffee, J. J., Hallfors, D. D., & Waller, M. W. (2007). Racial and gender differences in adolescent sexual attitudes and longitudinal associations with coital debut. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41, 19-26. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(07)00110-3/pdf

Abstract: Delay of sexual debut is an important strategy in reducing the risk of negative adolescent health outcomes. Race and gender are known to be related to sexual behavior and outcomes, but little is known about how these characteristics affect sexual attitudes. This article examines differences in coital and pregnancy attitudes by gender and race, the influence of attitudes on transition to first coitus for each subgroup, and implications for prevention.

#sexuality #sexuality research #psychology #porn #gay men #research

Religion and Sexuality

All of the following research is open access. A quick Google Scholar search will give you access to this research for free. Links are also provided.

Barry, C. M., Willoughby, B. J., & Clayton, K. (2015). Living your faith: Associations between family and personal religious practices and emerging adults’ sexual behavior. Journal of Adult Development. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10804-015-9209-2

Abstract: As emerging adults recenter (Tanner and Arnett in Debating emerging adulthood: Stage or process? Oxford University Press, New York, pp 13–30, 2011) their relationships with their family, they may retain some values and behaviors, while they disregard others temporarily or even for good. In the current study, we investigated whether emerging adults’ personal and family religious practices contribute to sexual intercourse within and outside a committed relationship cross-sectionally and over 1 year. College students completed questionnaires (NT1 = 779; N T2 = 538). Using hierarchical logistic regressions on sexual intercourse within and outside a committed relationship at Time 1, family and personal religious practices predicted sexual intercourse within and outside a committed relationship; the family × personal religious practices interaction was also significant. Hierarchical logistic regressions showed that for Time 1 virgins (N = 286), only sexual permissive attitudes predicted sexual intercourse within and outside a committed relationship at Time 2. Thus, the current study’s findings supported this important developmental shifting that promotes emerging adults’ individuation.

Meladze, P., & Brown, J. (2015). Religion, sexuality, and internalized homonegativity: Confronting cognitive dissonance in the Abrahamic religions. Journal of Religion and Health. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10943-015-0018-5

Abstract: This research was aimed at investigating how religious beliefs and internalized shame predicted homonegativity. An online survey, which consisted of a self-report questionnaire assessing religious orientation, internalized shame, and internalized homonegativity, was completed by 133 Caucasian and Asian gay men. The respondents also were asked to write a short answer in which they had to explain how they integrated their religion and sexual practices. The quantitative analyses of data demonstrated no significant difference in internalized homonegativity among the two cultural groups. Internalized homonegativity was predicted by the main Abrahamic faiths (i.e. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) and internalized shame. Qualitative analysis showed that gay men who adhere to a monotheistic religious faith follow a different path to reconciling their religion and homosexuality compared to gay men who adhere to Philosophical/New Age religions or to gay men who have no religious faith. The implications of these findings as well as directions for future research studies were discussed.

#religion #sexuality #sexuality research #psychology #homonegativity #internalized homophobia

Ethics and Sexuality in Psychology

This research is open access and will cost you nothing. Go to Google Scholar to download and read the articles.

Capawana, M. R. (2016). Intimate attractions and sexual misconduct in the therapeutic relationship: Implications for socially just practice. Cogent Psychology, 3(1), 1194176.

Abstract: Sexually intimate behavior between psychologists and their clients, supervisees, and students proposes a serious problem within psychology and related fields, although ethical codes related to this issue are contentious. Deleterious outcomes for those involved are often extensive and multifaceted. Additionally, clients from disenfranchised backgrounds may be at a heightened vulnerability to therapist exploitation due to increased power differentials. The discussion focuses on implications for training, supervision, and practice with regard to the therapeutic relationship and applications to minority populations. Recommendations are posited to help practitioners distinguish between sexual attractions and intimate behaviors and address them in ethical, socially just practice. Clients may also benefit from a deeper understanding of such issues.

Mustanski, B. (2011). Ethical and regulatory issues with conducting sexuality research with LGBT adolescents: A call to action for a scientifically informed approach. Archives of sexual behavior, 40(4), 673-686.

Abstract: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adolescents experience disparities in mental and sexual health. There is also a lack of research on this population relative to other adolescents, which limits our ability to effectively address these health disparities. Researchers may unfortunately avoid conducting research with this population because of anticipated or actual experiences with difficulties in obtaining IRB approval. A case example is provided to illustrate the ethical and regulatory issues related to research with LGBT adolescents. Relevant U.S. federal and local regulations related to research on sexual and mental health with adolescents is then reviewed. Data are presented demonstrating that requiring parental consent for LGBT youth under age 18 would likely alter study result. Data are also presented on participants’ appraisals of the risks and discomforts associated with research participation. The provision of such empirical data on the risks of research participation is consistent with the goal of moving the IRB process of risk/benefit assessment from being entirely subjective to being evidence-based. Finally, recommendations are provided on how to approach these issues in IRB applications and investigators are called to help to build a corpus of scholarship that can advance empirical knowledge in this area.

#sexuality #sexual research #ethics #psychology

Sexuality Training in Psychology

I’ve decided I’m going to start posting research that I’ve read in classes and that are freely available online.

First topic: Sexuality training

Dr. Rachel Needle, Sex Therapist (n.d.). In Careers in Psychology.org. Retrieved from http://careersinpsychology.org/interview/dr-rachel-needle/

A brief interview with a sex therapist to inform on what the job entails.

#research series #sexuality research #sexuality #sexuality training #psychology #sex therapy

nckolvr

Sex is not a goddamn performance. Sex should feel as natural as drinking water. It should not require confidence. Sex should happen, because the moment is ripe. Ripening lips, ripening labia, ripening cock, ripening pupils, ripening state of being. Ripe and augmented and brimming. Your energy goes to your pumping heart, then to every external nerve, then to theirs, on fire. You bask, roll, play in it. You sigh, moan, laugh. It’s not about being “good in bed.” It’s about being happy. One should never worry if they’re doing it “correctly.” Sex is not factual. I don’t want your cookie-cutter sex, I don’t want your meticulously crafted, calculated, fool-proof fuck. I don’t want a show. I want you. Let your instincts, urges and whims define that. It’s enough. What do most girls like? Forget about it. Statistics are meaningless when there’s only one. Hello, here’s me. Here’s you. Don’t worry about taking it too slow. We got time. We got infinite rhythms, combinations, possibilities. Explore each fuck. Take our time. We can do a different one later. Don’t worry about making me come. I’m here. Right where I want to be. I am overwhelmed by wanting; you don’t have to convince me. I want you because I like you. So don’t put on a front. Don’t taint this. I’m frustrated—it’s just authenticity I want. It’s originality. It’s passion. It’s joy. Don’t say that something I like is ugly. Don’t compare yourself to the rest. You will live and die with and within your experiences like everyone else. If someone thinks you are amazing, they are not wrong. Their universe is as real as any other; it is forged through perception. I don’t care if you accidentally slammed my head into the wall, if you slipped out, if my arm cracked, if the delightful pressure of your wet lips on my anything made a silly sound. There is no right way and no wrong way. “Good in bed,” what. You’re good in my bed. I’m pleased you’re there. I feel it suits you. Shove your technique. Let your memory swallow it. Fuck me like you’d fuck me, fuck me like you feel. This isn’t a test.

(via deadsleep)

writingsofamadame

sayaye

It is not enough to simply say, “I love you.” Nor is it enough to give love to your spouse in the way to which you feel most accustomed…. You learn to give your spouse love in a way he or she finds most emotionally valuable and powerful.

The Meaning of Marriage, Timothy Keller (via pureblyss)

This is really beautiful.

(via feefeern)