Persistent and multisite homophobic harassment during childhood and adolescence and its association with school difficulties in gay and bisexual men in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Homophobic harassment can compromise mental health of sexual minority youths. Objectives: This study examined the rates of persistent and multisite homophobic harassment and their associations with school difficulties during childhood and adolescence among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. Methods: Participants were recruited through advertisements on the Facebook, Bulletin Board Systems, and the home pages of health promotion and counseling centers for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community. The experiences of traditional and cyber harassment based on gender role nonconformity and sexual orientation of 500 gay or bisexual men were examined. The associations of multisite and persistent harassment victimization with school difficulties were evaluated. Results: A total of 239 (47.8%) and 131 (26.2%) participants experienced persistent and multisite harassment victimization, respectively. Harassment victimization was significantly associated with low satisfaction with academic performance in any stage of study. Moreover, the participants who were harassed in senior high schools were more likely to miss classes or be truant than those who were not harassed. The victims of multisite harassment at senior high schools were more likely to miss classes or be truant than those of school-only harassment. Discussion: Prevention and intervention programs are warranted to reduce homophobic harassment in sexual minority youths.

Quality of life of gay and bisexual men during emerging adulthood in Taiwan: Roles of traditional and cyber harassment victimization

“…In a study in Taiwan, 87% and 40.2% of gay and bisexual men reported experiencing homophobic traditional and cyber harassment, respectively, in childhood and adolescence [32]. In the current study, 60.3% and 34.4% of gay and bisexual men, respectively, reported experiencing traditional and cyber harassment during emerging adulthood.…”

Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms and Moderating Effect of Family Support

“…Gay and bisexual men are still seen as the symbol of disseminating human immunodeficiency virus infection and deteriorating traditional family values [46]. Victimization of homophobic bullying [47,48], public stigma [49], microaggression [50,51], and internalized stigma [52] are prevalent among LGB individuals. Especially, the groups opposing same-sex marriage in Taiwan spread a considerable amount of incorrect information and rumors to malign LGB individuals through social media and public media; these misleading portrayals and negative stereotypes spread in the media demoralized LGB individuals and directly disturbed their emotional regulation [53][54][55][56][57][58].…”