Predictors of Sexual Health in Black Lesbian and Bisexual Women Who Have Sex with Men
Abstract
Black lesbian and bisexual women (BLGB) who have sex with men bear a disproportionate burden of risk for HIV/STIs, and pregnancy compared to LGB women of other races. This study explored associations among LGB identity, social and systemic factors, and sexual risk among BLGB. BLGB women who reported sexual experiences with male partners (N = 320) completed an anonymous online survey including demographics, sexual history, LGB identity, perceived support from family and LGB community, and experience and trust in healthcare providers. LGB identity was positively related to family (r = .26, p < .001) and community support (r = .26, p < .001). Although stronger identity was related to more positive experiences with patient-provider communication regarding LGB sexual health issues (r = -.11, p < .05), it was also associated with believing health care providers discriminate against LGB (r = -.33, p < .001) and Black women (r = -.34, p < .001). Stronger identity was also related to greater contraceptive self-efficacy with males (r = .32, p < .001) despite an association with higher levels of sexual health risk (r = .17, p < .01). Family, community, and individual health care providers can play a positive role in LGB identity, and in turn, lead to greater contraceptive self-efficacy among BLGB having sex with men. However, LGB identity may not play a protective role against sexual risk and may increase anticipated sexual and racial stigma within healthcare settings. Ultimately, more research that approaches sexual health from an intersectional perspective is needed to fully understand these nuanced relationships.
Subject Area
Developmental psychology|Sexuality|Psychology
Recommended Citation
Gray, Aaliyah Leora, "Predictors of Sexual Health in Black Lesbian and Bisexual Women Who Have Sex with Men" (2019). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13900545.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13900545
