Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

In The Eyes Of God: The Role Of Religion In The Lives Of Lgb Persons, Brandon Solis

Sociology Senior Seminar Papers

Religion and sexuality have long been conflicting in the lives of LGB Persons. If someone were to identify as Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual, a conflicting understanding of religion may be present. This conflicting identity may be the cause of the negative perception of God that is examined in this study. Previous literature discusses the ways that religion has impacted the lives of LGB individuals; It has made the attempt to explain how religion may affect the mental health of participants or has tried to understand the stigma surrounding LGB individuals. In this study, I examine the extent to which sexual …

Assimilating Through Consumption: A Rhetorical History Of The Early Years Of The Advocate, Cora Beth Butcher-Spellman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis uses analysis of constitutive rhetoric and queer archival methods to examines how The Advocate used assimilationist rhetoric and consumerist rhetoric in fundamentally anti-democratic ways to consolidate the form of ideal gay consumer-citizenship. Focusing on the first three years of the publication, I utilize queer theory and theories of citizenship and political economy to explain how The Advocate’s rhetoric and mainstream success allowed the publication to normalize a limited and politically weak gay identity. This thesis argues The Advocate’s rhetoric of exclusion, authority, and consumerism were three central features shaping ideal gay consumer-citizenship as most available to people who …

An Inconsistent God: Attachment To God And Minority Stress Among Sexual Minority Christians, Adam David Anthony Maughan

Masters Theses

Having a secure Attachment to God (ATG) has been found to be related to better mental health and well-being for Christian individuals and has been shown to have a buffering effect against stressful life events for this population. However, the ATG literature has failed to examine the experiences of Christians who also identify as sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, same-sex attracted, or another non-exclusively heterosexual identity). Sexual minority Christians (SMCs) experience unique minority stressors related to prejudice, discrimination, and stigma associated with their sexual identities, and this minority stress has negative implications for their mental health and well-being. …

Perceptions Of Care & Patient-Provider Communication By Varying Identity Groups In A Collegiate Health Clinic, Yewande O. Addie, Tatiana Maser, Cecilia Luna, Casey Rayfield, Kelli R. Agrawal

Patient Experience Journal

LGBTQ patients experience discrimination and poor access to quality health care, but there is little inquiry on the experiences of LGBTQ patients in student health clinic. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of patient-provider communication (PPC) among sexual and gender minority patients, especially those who have intersecting minority identities, in a student healthcare setting. An online survey measured PPC using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) and contextual questions regarding identity and perceptions of judgment. Analysis tested intersectional variance in both. A convenience and snowball sample of 102 respondents, 18+, that utilized health services at a public …

Prep Use And Barriers To Use Among Adult And Young Sexual Minority Men In The United States, Thomas Whitfield

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved for all individuals 13 years of age and older in May 2018. However, research pertaining to uptake has mostly focused on adult sexual minority men (SMM), leaving out many barriers and facilitators that may exist for those under 18 years of age. Two of the most important precursors leading to PrEP uptake identified in prior research are the perception of self as a PrEP candidate and having intentions to begin PrEP. Developmental and dual processing theories suggest that individuals who are younger make behavioral decisions differently from those who are older. Developmental theories suggest that, …

"Made Of Queer Magic": Understanding The Experiences Of Pregnancy For Queer Women, Lindsey Rogers

Doctoral Dissertations

Queer families are deciding to use donor insemination or medically assisted reproductive treatments to become pregnant and start their families. Previous research indicates that the process of using medically assisted reproductive treatments may be a stressful experience for queer families due to cisheteronormativity within the system. In addition, research has also revealed that stress during the process of conceiving can impact mental health experiences during pregnancy. However, there is a lack of research on the specific mental health experiences of pregnancy for queer women. The present study used a qualitative research design guided by constructivist grounded theory to examine the …

Downtown Orono Pride, 2020, Madison Riley

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Photographs taken by University of Maine student Madison Riley documenting the "Pride Zoo" in downtown Orono, Maine, celebrating diversity in a time of quarantine, June 2020. Labels near each sculpture provide explanatory text about the history and meaning of the various Pride color schemes. Each display invited members of the public to take pictures with the sculptures or the Pride Progress flag display along the bridge, before posting it on social media with the hashtag, #OronoPride2020.

“I Went Into This As One Person, And Then Came Out A Totally Different Person”: Native Lgbtq2s+ Young Adults’ Conceptions Of Trauma, Rachel M. Schmitz, Ruby Charak

Psychological Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Intersecting sources of stigma influence harmful mental health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) young adults (YA) of color as they must manage multiple oppressions. Experiencing both mental health challenges and victimization, LGBTQ2S+ YA of color struggle with distinctive psychological traumas. There is a critical need to determine how certain groups of LGBTQ2S+ YA of color’s marginalized social statuses shape trauma understandings. Native LGBTQ2S+ people in general endure diverse forms of oppression and trauma, such as histories of colonialism, contemporary racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism. Understanding the subjective interpretations of violence and trauma among Native LGBTQ2S+ …

The Aids Virus And The Galvanization Of The Lgbtq Movement For Equality, Michael Ernest Wachowski

Graduate Theses

The LGBTQ community was greatly altered by the AIDS crisis and the organizations that were founded in the 1980s. AIDS would become associated with those of the gay community during the early years of the crisis. The government and leading health officials perpetuated the public’s ignorance about the relativity new disease leading to more misunderstandings and mishandlings of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The disease did not discriminate among people, however, and quickly spread throughout many of the communities in the U.S. Organizations with roots in the LGBTQ community established themselves during the 1980s to deal with not only the AIDS crisis, …

Workplace Supports For Lgbt Employees, Toby Burnham, Megan Paul

Umbrella Summaries

What are workplace supports for LGBT employees?

Workplace supports for LGBT employees are organizational policies and practices that are thought to improve the work experiences of LGBT employees and foster diversity within an organization. Although there isn’t one set of specific workplace supports for LGBT employees, one way of summarizing the contextual supports in the workplace is to categorize them as (a) formal LGBT-supportive policies and practices, (b) LGBT-supportive climates, and (c) supportive workplace relationships (Webster, Adams, Maranto, Sawyer, & Thoroughgood, 2017). Formal policies and practices that are supportive of LGBT employees include things like same-sex benefits coverage, LGBT resource …

Experiences Of Grace As Told By The Lgbtq Community, Nicholas A. Schollars

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Positive psychology has yielded rich insights about the nature of forgiveness and gratitude, but it is just beginning to broach the topic of grace. Theoretical evidence suggests grace is a crucial therapeutic factor in helping patients overcome shame, but empirical evidence is wanting. Because of the central role grace plays in Christianity, a qualitative exploration was conducted with a sample of participants identifying as either lesbian, gay, or bisexual, as well as Christian. Transcripts from 26 semi-structured interviews were coded and analyzed. Participants reported that their experiences of Divine Grace were related to their views about God’s nature. They reported …

Microaggressions: The Lived Experiences Of Lgbt Graduate Students At A Southern University, Amy Broadwater

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Established microaggression research highlights the internalized effects of microaggressive experiences. Microaggressions have been linked to PTSD, identity development difficulties, depression, low-self-esteem, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Research regarding members of the LGBT community suggests LGBT students face adversity in systems of higher education. In fact, existing literature iterates that among marginalized and underrepresented groups, that college climates are least accepting of people who are LGBT. Further research establishes that perceived negative campus climates can affect how well LGBT students do in the academic arena and could affect attrition if not dealt with by administration. Previous studies have highlighted LGBT undergraduate students’ …

Trans Health And Information Access, Stephen G. Krueger, Elaina Vitale

Dartmouth Library Workshops and Presentations

Trans people experience myriad barriers to appropriate healthcare; one of these is simple access to information. Where can providers and patients find reliable, up-to-date, freely available information on their transition and other healthcare issues? Stephen Krueger (Scholarly Publishing Librarian) and Elaina Vitale (Research & Education Librarian) will discuss these issues in the context of open access information.

Twinks, Jocks, And Bears, Oh My! Differing Body Ideals Among Gay Male Subcommunities, Samuel Fogarty

Honors Theses

Recent studies have focused on disordered eating psychopathology among gay men, particularly when oriented towards thinness or muscularity. Gay men are at increased risk of eating disorder symptoms when compared to heterosexual men and exhibit similar rates to women (Feldmen & Meyer, 2007; Frederick & Essayli, 2016; Siconolfi, Halkitis, Allomong, & Burton, 2009). However, the results remain muddled surrounding the topic of thinness- or muscularity-oriented eating psychopathology; the current study provides a potential response in subcultural gay appearance ideals. The present study examined the relationship between three gay subcultural appearance identities (twinks, jocks, and bears) and disordered eating attitudes and …

Cracks In The Bathroom Stall: A Discourse Analysis On Transgender Bathroom Usage At Garden Spot High School, Kirsten D. Corneilson

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In recent years, high schools across the country have seen the concern around transgender students using gendered facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, come to the forefront. Often, dissenters raise worries of privacy and of “catering to a minority,” no matter what decision is reached. At Garden Spot High School in New Holland, Pennsylvania, the site of this research, one such concern has led to a district-wide decision to eliminate gendered facilities and move to single-use facilities, in the name of preserving student privacy. Through the examination of historical precedent and discourse analysis, this paper examines how transgender surveillance …

Lgbtqc: Queer Perspectives On The Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities, Robert Burke

Anthropology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Cities are broadly conceived to be queer utopia when compared with rural spaces. While the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa fit this simplistic model in some ways, the region has several unique characteristics that warrant their own investigation. I argue that the social climate of the Quad Cities is generally perceived as welcoming and inclusive by the LGBTQ+ community. However, despite an assortment of community-building institutions, some find socialization and partner-seeking a bit difficult. Many advocate for investment in a variety of physical LGBTQ+ “third places” (public gathering places), which would yield a variety of benefits for this community. …

Coping Motives As A Moderator Of The Association Between Minority Stress And Alcohol Use Among Emerging Adults Of Marginalized Sexualities And Genders, Jeremy Ramos

Theses - ALL

Alcohol use and negative consequences are higher among individuals of marginalized sexualities and genders (MS/G), and emerging adults within this category face particular risks. According to Meyer’s (2003) minority stress model, the higher prevalence of alcohol use and negative consequences among MS/G is an attempt to cope with proximal/internal and distal/external minority stressors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether coping motives moderated the relationship between internal minority stress and alcohol use outcomes. We hypothesized that higher internal minority and emerging adult stressors would be positively associated with higher levels of drinking-related outcomes, and that coping would moderate …

Transgender Congruence And Sexual Satisfaction In Trans Masculine Adults: The Role Of Affirmative Sexual Partners, Tristan Karel Martin

Dissertations - ALL

Literature that addresses sexual issues pertaining to sexual satisfaction is often not inclusive and neglects transgender, specifically trans masculine, identities. The media frequently highlights physical transitions but ignores the distressing psychological effects of dysphoria on sexual satisfaction and the influence of sexual partners during sex. In this quantitative study informed by a systemic gender affirmative lens, trans masculine adults (N=1,041) responded to a questionnaire on their experiences of transgender congruence, sexual satisfaction, and affirmative sexual partners. Data analyses revealed diverse participant and partner demographics. The transgender congruence variable expressed group differences based on gender/sexual identity, age, and medical transition. An …

Making It Make Sense: Black Undergraduate's Negotiation Of Spiritual And Lgbtq+ Christian Identities Within The Black Church, Leah Davis

Honors Theses

For Black LGBTQ+ individuals, spirituality and sexuality can often conflict as the Black community tends to be more spiritual than other demographics and historically exhibited exclusivity towards the LGBTQ+ community. This research examines how Black LGBTQ+ youth at the University of Mississippi handle the intersectionality of race, spirituality, and sexuality and makes recommendations about ways to improve the lived experiences of Black LGBQT+ Christians and to promote LGBQT+ positive attitudes within the Black church. This research study was conducted using qualitative methods with purposeful sampling. The data yielded results that discovered Black youth identify with Christianity, engage in oppositional identity …

Insight Into Student Perceptions Of Lgbtqia+ Content Inclusion In Bsn Education, Kenny Sullivan, Jae Basiliere

Honors Projects

Previous research has indicated that LGBTQIA+ clients continue to receive discriminatory care from healthcare professionals. Undergraduate nursing students (n = 24) completed a survey inquiring about their perceptions of knowledge of this vulnerable population, their preparedness to provide care, and the education they received from their BSN program. Twenty-two students’ responses, 91.67%, indicate a need for further education on the provision of care to LGBTQIA+ patients. These students demonstrated discrepancies in their perceptions and the application of their knowledge. As such, nursing programs should begin to consider providing more thorough education on this vulnerable population to prepare student nurses with …

Media Impact On Public Opinion: Lgbtq Issues, Gabriel M. Galvan

Theses and Dissertations

This study’s research question asks what impact “new media” has on public opinion regarding LGBTQ issues. This study uses a survey conducted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on the student body on campus. Using an ordered logistic regression analysis to test for a variety of independent variables, this paper finds that the type of media has a minor impact in public opinion on LGBTQ issues. Other control variables include religiosity, race and ethnicity, perceived economic class, and political ideology. This research is grounded on the theory that media can have an impact on the political positions of …

What Recourse Do Vulnerable Immigrants Have?: Violations Of The Vawa Confidentiality Provisions And The Pursuit Of An Even Playing Field, Trevor S. Gallaway

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Abstract forthcoming.

A Textuary Ray Of Hope For Lgbtq+ Workers: Does Title Vii Mean What It Says?, Eduardo Juarez

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Abstract forthcoming.

Can We Have Our Cake And Eat It Too?: What Masterpiece Cakeshop And Religious Refusals Mean For Texas’S Adoption Bill, Nadeen Abou-Hossa

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Abstract forthcoming.

Perceived Adult Social Support During Adolescence And Well-Being Among Lgbtq-Identified Young Adults, Adrienne Macdonald

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Many youth, particularly those who are LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) face challenges during identity development including lack of social support and psychological maladjustment. These challenges are not typically experienced by the general population of youth. The goal of this study was to explore social support among LGBTQ youth and its relations to general well-being among LGBTQ-identified young adults through a mixed method design, including qualitative and quantitative information. This study found specific characteristics of supportive adults that were identified as beneficial for LGBTQ youth. In addition, this study explored specific situations where LGBTQ young adults found social support …

Lgbtq Training For Aquatic Employees: Impact On Attitudes And Professional Competencies, Austin R. Anderson, Eric Knee, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study examined the impact of a LGBTQ diversity training on the attitudes and professional competencies of aquatic employees within a campus recreational sports setting. While diversity training is often discussed as a key component of inclusive aquatic programming, little empirical research examining the outcomes associated with such trainings exists. As such, members of the research team developed, implemented, and evaluated a four-month long training program consisting of one in-person training session and monthly inclusion handouts discussing issues related to the inclusion of LGBTQ participants. A comparative quantitative research design was used to measure employee’s attitudes towards the LGBTQ population …

The Relationship Between Lgbtq+ Representation On The Political And Theatrical Stages, Brett V. Ries

Honors Thesis

This thesis examines the relationship between LGBTQ+ representation on the political and theatrical stages. During some decades, LGBTQ+ theatre was dictated by the politics of the time period. During other times, theatre educated and filled the silence when the government and society turned the other way. By examining LGBTQ+ plays, musicals, and political events over the past century, there are clear themes that emerge. In both the theatrical and political arenas, LGBTQ+ representation has been limited by a concept called “repressive tolerance.” Every step of progress has been met with another restriction, ranging from stereotypical caricatures to legal discrimination. In …

Bay Area Lgbtq+ Millennials: The Newest Generation Leading The Gay Civil Rights Movement, Sara Miyo Hall-Kennedy

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ millennials that influenced their participation in the gay civil rights movement in the Bay Area of California. Another purpose of the study was to explore and describe the recommendations LGBTQ+ millennials have for the future of the national gay civil rights movement.

Methodology: A qualitative analysis of the data from a combination of both social movements and symbolic interactionism theoretical perspectives was conducted. Data for this study was generated through the synthesis and triangulation of the thematic coding of 12 interviews conducted by …

“My Name Is My Identity”: Understanding Conceptualizations Of Gender Identity To Improve Measurement, Sage Volk

Honors Theses

Existing measures of gender identity have some inconsistencies that lead to researchers missing out on the comprehensive image of an individual’s gender. The purpose of the present study was to assess how individuals who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth conceptualize their gender identity. To understand which aspects are important to an individual’s gender identity, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four undergraduate students who identified as non-cisgender (e.g., transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, etc.). Results of the qualitative analysis identified two themes within conceptualizations of gender identity: (1) personal and (2) social. The importance of these …

Understanding The Work Experiences Of Gender And Sexual Minorities: Advances, Issues, And New Directions In Research, Marc Cubrich

Psychology from the Margins

Our understanding of the histories of psychology and LGBTQ+ activism have only recently begun to become increasingly intertwined. Psychological science has been used to influence a number of domains including mental health policy, laws and judicial rulings, and attitudes towards social issues. While psychological science has advanced our understanding of these domains, there remains a need for research that examines the experiences of underrepresented groups (e.g., women, racial minorities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, etc.) across distinct aspects of their working lives. Issues of heterosexism, or anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination, have received relatively little attention in industrial and organizational …