Gender Nonconformity, Homophobia, and Mental Distress in Latino Gay and Bisexual Men

Abstract

This study explored whether gender nonconformity in gay and bisexual men is related to mental distress and if so, whether this relationship is mediated by negative experiences that are likely associated with gender nonconformity, including abuse and harassment. To study this question, data were analyzed from face-to face interviews with 912 self-identified gay and bisexual Latino men in three major U.S. cities collected by Diaz and colleagues (2001). Gay and bisexual Latino men who considered themselves to be effeminate had higher levels of mental distress and more frequently reported various negative experiences, compared with gay and bisexual Latino men who did not identify as effeminate. Higher levels of mental distress in effeminate men seemed to primarily result from more experiences of homophobia. Findings suggest the need for more attention to gender in research as well as counseling of sexual minority men.

Childhood Gender Nonconformity: A Risk Indicator for Childhood Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress in Youth

“…5,11 In addition, a study of homosexual and bisexual men found adulthood femininity was associated with childhood sexual abuse. 22 Childhood abuse increases risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) directly by triggering PTSD 23 and indirectly by both increasing likelihood of exposure to subsequent stressful events 24 and by increasing the risk of developing PTSD following exposure to a stressful event. 25 Thus, if gendernonconforming children are at higher risk of abuse, they may also be at greater risk for developing PTSD compared with gender-conforming children.…”

Aging, Health, and GLBTQ Family and Community Life

“…In a study of Latino gay and bisexual men, those who identified as effeminate, non-gender-conforming men had higher levels of mental distress than those who did not. This distress was attributed to more exposure to homophobia (Sandfort, Melendez, & Diaz, 2007). This brings up an important issue about the health experiences of those who are visibly perceived as GLBTQ versus those who pass as heterosexual in appearance or behavior.…”

Top or Bottom? Varsity youth talk about gay sexuality in a Stepping Stones Workshop: Implications for sexual health

“…Indeed, many openly gay men have reported feeling discriminated against and shamed by health practitioners because of their sexuality (Emlet et al 2015;Fisher and Mustanski 2014;Knight et al 2014;Meyer 2003;Mitchell et al 2014). Other research points to the presence of psychosocial and mental stress factors amongst many gay men (Cook et al 2013;Nel 2009;Sandfort, Melendez and Diaz 2007). Clearly, more research needs to be done to explore the circumstances under which gay men will access sexual health services, the different experiences of such initiatives, and interaction with service providers.…”