Development and psychometric properties of the sexual and gender minority adverse childhood experiences (SGM-ACEs): Effect on sexual and gender minority adult mental health

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Utilization of Different HIV Testing Strategies Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in Texas

“…First, these data are from a cross-sectional community health assessment done in South Texas and findings should be interpreted as such. While these findings are generalizable beyond the study population, YMSM living in the Southern United States, more specifically South Texas experience unique and profound barriers to HIV testing due to increase stigma stemming from regional and cultural norms regarding sexuality, sexual behavior, and HIV [ 59 , 60 ]. Second, the question “where did you receive your most recent HIV test?” was presented with a limited number of response options and some YMSM may have received an HIV test in a setting that was not included, such a pharmacy chain or independent lab.…”

“…Third, missing from this analysis is exposure to other forms of childhood adversity, specifically sexual and gender minority specific ACEs that often occur outside the home, such as seeing or hearing about LGBTQ + people being physically harmed or hearing a religious leader say homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic things. The recent development of the sexual and gender minority adverse childhood experiences (SGM-ACEs) scale assesses exposure to heterosexism prior to adulthood and has been associated with increased reports of diagnosis with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in sexual and gender minority adults [ 60 ]. Future research in other areas should consider how exposure to SGM-ACEs [ 60 ] in combination with family-based ACEs [ 9 ] influences HIV testing and prevention.…”

“…The recent development of the sexual and gender minority adverse childhood experiences (SGM-ACEs) scale assesses exposure to heterosexism prior to adulthood and has been associated with increased reports of diagnosis with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in sexual and gender minority adults [ 60 ]. Future research in other areas should consider how exposure to SGM-ACEs [ 60 ] in combination with family-based ACEs [ 9 ] influences HIV testing and prevention. Similarly, there are variables that might affect the relationship between ACEs exposure HIV testing modality, such as degree of “outness,” perception of stigma and discrimination or substance use, and these potential intervening variables should be explored in future research.…”

Substance Use Outcomes For Sexual and Gender Minority Adults With a History of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Scoping Review

“…Similarly, gender minority (i.e., transgender or non-gender conforming) individuals report greater ACE exposure overall and are more likely to report emotional abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect compared to cisgender sexual minorities ( Schnarrs et al., 2019 ). In addition, SGM individuals report frequent exposure to ACEs ( Bond et al., 2021 ) and data show that emotional abuse and neglect are some of the most common ACEs reported by this population ( Schnarrs et al., 2020 , Schnarrs et al. 2022 ).…”

“…2022 ). Increased exposure to ACEs in this population is likely linked to discrimination and mistreatment related to heterosexism ( Schnarrs et al., 2022 ). Heterosexism is a set of societal norms and beliefs that confer value on male-female sexual and romantic relationships ( Herek, 1996 ), and includes societal and culturally engrained beliefs that only two genders (i.e., the gender binary) - men and women - exist, lead to devaluing non-heterosexual relationships and identities, as well as atypical gender identities and forms of gender expression ( Saguy et al., 2021 ).…”