Each week HuffPost Queer Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Corey Prachniak, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness, visit our page dedicated to the topic here.
Pediatricians Say Anti-LGBT Laws Hurt Kids
Several leading doctors explain in the Journal of Pediatrics how anti-LGBT bills that have sprung up in 22 states (such as North Carolina’s infamous bathroom bill) perpetuate stigma “and teach all children messages of fear and hatred of difference.” Many of the laws also threaten LGBT kids’ access to healthcare.
Research on Same-Sex Couples is Helping Inform Research on All Couples
A study on male same-sex relationships found that guys living with HIV had more decision making power in their relationships but other factors didn’t reliably predict relationship satisfaction the way power theories would suggest. Meanwhile, a review of research on female same-sex relationships found that consent about chore division may be more important than number of chores done, offering new insight into relationship satisfaction for all couples.
Queer Youth Have Less Support, Heightening Suicide Risk
A study of Massachusetts youth found that queer and questioning students had less adult support outside of school ― a troubling fact since they also found adult support outside of school protected against suicidality more than adult support at school. Additionally, this support didn’t reduce suicidality as much among bisexual and questioning youth, possibly because even supportive adults lacked the resources or open-mindedness to help.
Amazon’s “One Mississippi” Spotlights Lesbian Health
Amazon is streaming a new series about a queer woman who returns home to Mississippi after the loss of her mother and who is herself is recovering from breast cancer. “One Mississippi” stars Tig Notaro and touches on the unique problems LGBT folks encounter in dealing with cancer, loss and sexual trauma.
Understanding Risk-Taking among Queer Youth of Color
An LA-based study found that more pride in one’s orientation decreased the likelihood of sexual risk-taking among young Black and Latino men who have sex with men. Researchers found that Latino youth expressed more pride regarding their sexual orientation than did Black youth, but that the relationship between ethnicity and orientation was complex.
Lobbyists Push to Block Tobacco Product Investigation
E-cigarette and cigar lobbyists are working to prevent the FDA from investigating the safety of their products, which recently came under its jurisdiction. It’s a critical issue for LGBT folks, who use e-cigs at double the rate of others, and who also smoke more cigars.