Perceived health concerns among sexual minority women in Mumbai, India: an exploratory qualitative study

Bowling, Jessamyn; Dodge, Brian; Banik, Swagata; Rodriguez, Israel; Mengele, Shruta Rawat; Herbenick, Debby; Guerra‐Reyes, Lucia; Sanders, Stephanie A.; Dange, Alpana; Anand, Vivek

doi:10.1080/13691058.2015.1134812

Cited by 26 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Sexual minority women also face gender discrimination (Johnson and Johnson ; Bowling et al. ), in which boys and men are prioritized and women's sexuality is controlled. Srivastava and Singh () suggest that homonegativity and related social policies limiting recognition of same‐gender couples may influence SGM individuals’ intention and desire to form families.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Family Formation Goals Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Urban India

Bowling¹,

Simmons²,

Dodge³

et al. 2019

Studies in Family Planning

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Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) individuals ' (nonheterosexual or noncisgender) desires and intentions to form families have been under-researched. Further, research on family formation among SGM individuals is even more scant in India. Family formation, a significant milestone for many individuals, has important implications for overall health. Using data from interviews (n=25) and focus group discussions (8 participants) with SGM individuals in Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, we explore desires and intentions related to parenting. Pressure to have children was ubiquitous, though participants' parenting-related desires varied. Participants considering parenting noted many priorities including their financial stability, relationships with partners, and the legality and legitimacy of their partnerships. Adoption and assisted biological reproduction (e.g., IVF) were the preferred methods of family formation. Experiences and expectations of stigma for themselves and their children shaped participants' limited control over parenting-related decisions. However, they exerted agency as they navigated achieving their ideals for family formation.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Family Formation Goals Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Urban India

Bowling¹,

Simmons²,

Dodge³

et al. 2019

Studies in Family Planning

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“…A qualitative study with sexual minority women found that isolation, anxiety, high substance use, and suicidal thoughts were common themes in these women's experiences. 35 Prevalence rates for depression, substance abuse and dependence, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions from varied studies [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49] are described in Table 1. Badgett 25 stated that in the absence of studies providing a comparable estimate for non-LGBTQIA+ people in India, the population prevalence of a condition can be used as a benchmark.…”

Section: Prevalence Of Mental Health Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bisexual individuals additionally reported experiences of bi-negativity. 35,54 There is stigma related to gender nonconformity. 39 Participants reported gender-specific stigma and behavioral norms, for instance, stigma related to gender expression influenced behaviors which were socially permitted.…”

Section: Risk and Protective Factors For Mental Health Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This takes varied forms, with cis-women experiencing violence because of patriarchal beliefs related to their supposed inferiority as compared to cis-men. 35 Transgender individuals experience transnegativity. 50 Gay men not conforming to "masculine" presentation norms also face additional stigma.…”

Section: Risk and Protective Factors For Mental Health Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India? A Review of Research From 2009 to 2019

Wandrekar¹,

Nigudkar²

2020

Journal of Psychosexual Health

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Background: The period from 2009 to 2019 has seen a lot of conversation about issues of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) individuals in India, but they continue to be a group showing poor health equity. Objective: This descriptive content review attempted to explore 5 questions: what is the nature of existing research on mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, what are the pathways that contribute to mental health issues, whether the existing health facilities mitigate or facilitate these pathways, what are the interventions proposed for this group, and what are the gaps in research that can be addressed in the next decade. Method: “Mental health aspects” were described as variables relevant to understanding individuals’ cognitions, emotions, and behavior. We searched for literature in online journal databases, in archives of the most prominent journals, on websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and through cross-referencing of papers obtained. The data were abstracted and coded into themes and subthemes. We found 22 reviews and reports, 4 viewpoints and comments, 7 editorials, 1 conference proceeding, and 60 original articles. Conclusions: Prevalence studies reveal that LGBTQIA+ individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns, and that the adapted minority stress model may be a crucial pathway for the same. Lived experiences, factors related to mental well-being, and societal attitudes have also been studied. Intervention studies are relatively fewer, and certain subgroups of LGBTQIA+ identities are less represented in research. Gaps in research were identified and recommendations for research in the coming decade were proposed.

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“…One relevant cultural aspect is the value placed on the natal family, with daughters often living with their natal families until heterosexual marriage (usually arranged). This custom may influence whether stigmatising issues are discussed, as women may fear family rejection and loss of basic resources such as food, housing, and financial support (Bowling et al 2016). Household duties and household spaces are traditionally gendered (like kitchens or wells when women fetch water).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social support relationships for sexual minority women in Mumbai, India: a photo elicitation interview study

Bowling

Dodge

Banik

et al. 2017

Culture, Health & Sexuality

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Little research exists on women who do not identify as heterosexual in India. Social support for sexual minority women may protect against the effects of discrimination. An examination of significant social relationships may point to both strengths and weaknesses in this support. We aimed to understand relationship prioritisation and communication patterns associated with the social support of sexual minority women in Mumbai. In partnership with the Humsafar Trust, India's oldest and largest sexual and gender minority-advocacy organisation, we conducted photo-elicitation interviews with 18 sexual minority women, using participants' photographs to prompt dialogue about their social support. Intimate partners were a source of dependable support and many of those without relationships were seeking them. Participants' extended networks included friends and family as well as less formal relationships of social support. Participants mediated their communication with particular social network members, which involved filtering information sexual identity, romantic interests, and personal aspirations, among others. The diverse relationships that sexual minority women have in their social support networks may be used to guide programmes to improve health outcomes.

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Perceived health concerns among sexual minority women in Mumbai, India: an exploratory qualitative study

Cited by 26 publications

References 32 publications

Family Formation Goals Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Urban India

Family Formation Goals Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals in Urban India

What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India? A Review of Research From 2009 to 2019

Social support relationships for sexual minority women in Mumbai, India: a photo elicitation interview study

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