The purpose of this review is to evaluate the methodology of past and present research with female homosexuals and then to summarize the current state of knowledge in psychology and psychiatry. The data presented in this review have been derived predominantly from material abstracted in the Medicus Index (1900-1976) and Psychology Abstracts (1927-1976). This reviewer has established specific criteria by which all studies throughout this literature review will be examined. These are: sample size, sampling of experimental control groups, variable controlled (age, education, etc), how sexual orientation was determined, and tests and questionnaires employed, their reliability, validity, administration, and interpretation. It has been shown that both the clinical and nonclinical research populations are extremely biased. Historically and currently, the clinical researchers have utilized small and unspecified populations. This type of research is usually in the form of case studies and has been psychoanalytically oriented. Currently, clinical researchers have attempted to overcome the methodological problems by using control groups, standardized tests, statistical analysis of data, etc. However, adequate clinical studies have been few and their findings highly tentative. The most serious problem with the clinical research is sampling. Nonclinical research on the other hand, has used samples comprised of young, white, educated and middle class subjects. Researchers have attempted to find objective criteria that would discriminate between heterosexual and homosexual women, using projective techniques and self-report inventories, but their results are inconclusive. Data have shown, however, that there are significant differences between “butch” and “fem” lesbians and male homosexuals. Future research will need to determine the sex role "preference of both the homo sexual and heterosexual groups, otherwise differences between the two groups may be the result of a larger proportion of “butch” lesbians being compared to "fem" heterosexuals. The etiology of female homosexuality has been an enduring topic in psychology and psychiatry. To date, researchers have not found any genetic or hormonal characteristics associated with the phenomenon of homosexuality in women. Research focusing on the psychodynamic aspects of homosexuality have found that lesbians have poorer relationships with both parents, experience more interparent friction and less family security, feel less feminine, and are less accepting of the feminine role then heterosexual women. Although these are statistically significant differences between heterosexual and homosexual women it is unknown how, or even whether they affect the development of homosexuality. Female homosexuality has been considered by many mental health professionals as a disease, neurosis, or degenerative condition. The data have failed to show that female homosexuals are less well-adjusted then their heterosexual controls. The treatment of female homosexuality has almost been completely neglected. The majority of the literature has reported on the techniques and theories used on male homosexuals. The few studies that have used female homosexuals are methodologically inadequate. They did not use control groups, standardized instruments to measure the degree of change of sexual orientation, or, adequate follow-up studies. Extensive research needs to be completed to determine if the techniques and theories derived from the treatment of male homosexuals are applicable to lesbians. Considerable more research in the areas of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of female homosexuality needs to be completed before any tentative statements can be made.

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Evidence Based Health Promotion Scientific Abstract Introduction & Background: Mental Health resources are scarce in rural areas. In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for African Americans ages 15 to 24; this is only one example of the mental health disparities experienced by minority groups. Purpose Statement and Research Question: We saught to answer: “Are there greater mental health disparities among sexual and ethnic minorities, such as LGBTQ+ groups or Middle Eastern women, compared to their heterosexual, majority counterparts; if so, is there anything we can do about the issue as nurses?” Literature Review: To match the guidelines for our assignment, which were to have an article younger than five years with an author who has nursing credentials. We used terms such as “mental health issues” and “minority groups” to drive our search, and from there we chose articles that best fit our own individual interests. Findings: From our research, we found that these groups tend to have a much poorer mental health status compared to their majority counterparts. In healthcare settings, sexual minorities tend to be generalized and treated without understanding of their differences; the same can be said for ethnic minorities, who are often treated by uneducated or biased healthcare workers. Conclusions and Nursing Interventions: There is a severe lack of specialized mental health teaching being given to healthcare workers. In implementing comprehensive care teaching programs, we could greatly 2 improve the therapeutic mental health services being provided to these minority groups.

This dissertation used queer rhetoric as a lens for studying queering gender norms on Instagram by using Lady Gaga's, Nicki Minaj's, and fan posts as case studies. The research considers how celebrities may use social media, like Instagram, for queering gender norms, and what this might look like. This research also aimed to better understand if and how fans may take up celebrities' efforts at queering gender norms and, in turn, queer gender norms in their own Instagram posts where they tag Gaga or Minaj. To conduct this research, I took a multimodal methodological approach and collected and coded 1,000 posts from Gaga and Minaj, respectively, and 1,000 posts that used the hashtag Gaga and another 1,000 posts that used the hashtag Minaj. My findings suggested that Gaga and Minaj do not engage in the queering of gender norms as frequently as anticipated, and when they do it is often in relation to their public, staged performances as musicians. Furthermore, Gaga also spoke on issues relating to gender and marriage equality whereas Minaj also spoke on issues relating to racial equality. The data collected on fans was inconclusive in part because of the large number of spam posts and also because, without interviewing fans, it was difficult to discern whether they were taking up celebrity messages in their posts given information shared in the photo and in the caption. However, I was able to note that, most often, fans were engaging with celebrities by expressing admiration. This research is useful for considering how gender performance manifests on Instagram, and possible ways celebrities can utilize Instagram to queer gender norms as well as promote other messages. With regard to fan posts, I argue for continued research in ways to support fans becoming critical rather than passive consumers of celebrity culture.

This study searches twenty composition readers' table of contents for the degree of inclusivity of queer people and issues. Four means of erasure are labeled as possible erasing of queer identity: presuming heteronormativity, overt homophobia, perpetuating tokenism, and pathologizing queer identity. The presence of other differences are compared to the number of times that queer identity is referenced in the table of contents. The final portion of the analysis examines the two most inclusive composition readers to understand more clearly how the readers present queer individuals and issues. In a sense, I want to explore the question of how often queer people are discussed or addressed and in what forms within these composition readers. My hope is to develop a means for instructors and students to investigate whether or not, and in what ways a composition reader prescribes presence for the queer individual.

Background: Transgender people face several barriers to healthcare when accessing services. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived-experience of the transgender person accessing healthcare. Methods: Colaizzi phenomenological method was used to delve into the experience. The guiding question was: What is the lived experience (challenges, barriers, and/or difficulties) that the transgender person experiences when accessing healthcare? Results: Initial themes were collapsed to create relevant meanings. Five themes emerged from the protocols and were validated by participants. Overall, the transgender person is vulnerable in the healthcare system due to the lack of representation of their identity, which results in their underutilization of healthcare services. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need for changes to our current system of healthcare education and practice to provide competent care to the transgender population.

This study investigated how Christianity affects Black queer women's decision-making regarding seeking mental health services. Those who felt they met the inclusion criteria completed a Basic Demographic Survey. After vetting these individuals, eleven female participants—who are both Black and queer—were asked to participate in an individual semi-structured qualitative interview. The interview focused on one's journey with mental health, societal and relationship influences, Black and LGBTQ+ identity, influences from conservative, traditional, or mainstream Christianity, and sense of self. Although Christianity may not have directly impacted most of the women in this study to seek mental health services, Christianity did have an overwhelmingly negative impact on these women's mental health and their queer identities both directly (i.e., church or the Bible) and indirectly (familial and societal beliefs rooted in Christianity). Due to the intersectionality of racial, sexual, and gender identities, this research will help look at how mental health professionals, Christians, and researchers can address those in this population. Keywords: Black, lesbian, bisexual, LGBTQ+, queer, women, Christianity, mental health services, mental health fields, community, sense of self, religion, sexuality, gender, gender roles, Black church, evangelicalism, mental health, faith, conservatism, traditional Christianity

Background As transgender identification rises in younger generations, it is imperative that colleges and universities account for the health and wellbeing of this growing subset of the student body. Previous research indicates that transgender populations experience unique barriers to accessing healthcare, including socioeconomic barriers and a lack of healthcare providers experienced in transgender medicine. These barriers contribute to low rates of healthcare utilization and significant health disparities in transgender populations. Methods A community health assessment of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) students at the University of Central Florida was conducted in order to assess: (1) students' access to and experiences with healthcare on-campus at Student Health Services and off-campus with other healthcare providers, (2) barriers affecting healthcare accessibility for TGNC students, and (3) the overall mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of this population. These measures were assessed utilizing a 15-minute online survey administered via Qualtrics distributed during the Fall 2023 semester. Results TGNC students' HRQOL was found to be substantially poorer than the general population, particularly with regard to mental health. The most significant socioeconomic barriers identified were related to financial dependence and insurance. Although students generally reported positive experiences with Student Health Services (SHS), respondents frequently reported lacking confidence or being unsure of their providers' knowledge of transgender medicine. Additionally, recent legislation in the state of Florida affecting the provision of transgender medicine was also identified as a significant barrier to accessing transition-related care. Conclusion This research reveals significant structural barriers to transgender healthcare which require large-scale, policy-level changes to fully rectify. However, simple interventions such as a workshop, training, or lecture on transgender health for providers may serve to produce more inclusive healthcare experiences for transgender students in the meantime.

Latinx lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) queer community members have unique health needs compared to non-Latinx heterosexual patients, including sexual and mental health issues, and challenges in ability to access healthcare. But research is unclear whether LGB Latinx patients may also face double stigma related to their sexual orientation and race. This study examined this issue in experiences of queer and Latinx adults with healthcare providers. I conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 13 LGB Latinx adults between November 2018 and February 2019. Interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed. Transcripts were coded, and data analyzed for themes using the Grounded Theory approach. My findings indicate that the quality of individual experience depends on key factors of the provider, in particular the provider's sexuality, gender, age, race, and ability to empathize. When LGB Latinx patients interact with like-identified providers, their experience is significantly more satisfactory, however, differently-identified providers who create open and non-judgmental communication with patients have the ability to provide this level of satisfactory service. More diverse staff in clinics also contributes to a better experience for LGB Latinx patients. This study calls attention to the need for greater diversity of healthcare providers as well as new non-judgmental approaches in care delivery to address LGB Latinx patients' needs.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is a unique population that has specific health issues and health care needs associated with lifestyle behaviors that increase risk for certain diseases. Health concerns include mental and behavioral health, issues associated with gender identity and relationships (i.e. intimate partner violence), sexually transmitted infections, and chronic illnesses. The research suggests poorer health outcomes for the LGBT population compared to heterosexual and/or cisgender counterparts. Most research conducted with LGBT populations occurred in more populated urban settings with very few studies focusing on this population in the rural context. Consequently, there is a paucity of information on the health care concerns of the rural LGBT population. Considering the information gap, this integrative review of 14 research articles focused on health-related issues of the LGBT population in rural regions. The findings revealed rural LGBT persons experience disparities in accessing health care and support services; coupled with health care providers who often were not culturally competent; and, sometimes, unfamiliar with evidence-based health care protocols when caring for the LGBT patient. Implications for nursing research, education, practice, and policy and study limitations are highlighted.