Mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review

Citation:

Christopher Dietzel, Bamidele Bello, Brittany O’Shea, Jessie Cullum & Matthew Numer (2023): Mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review, Advances in Mental Health, DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2023.2248299

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse available literature on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: For this scoping review, six electronic databases were searched in three broad topic areas (the COVID-19 pandemic,

LGBTQ+ people, mental health) in April 2022. The search yielded 4,285 studies, and after screening them, 61 studies were included

in the final review, which were thematically analysed.

Results: Results were organised according to four themes: comparative effects of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ and

heterosexual cisgender people’s mental health; mental health impacts; differences in the mental health among LGBTQ+ people;

and protective and risk factors. LGBTQ+ people’s mental health was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly

when compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Some sub-populations of LGBTQ+ people were impacted more than

others, such as bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. Depression, anxiety, and stress/distress were the

most salient mental health issues, though loneliness, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and COVID-related fears were also prevalent.

LGBTQ+ people used substances, social media, dating apps, and pornography to cope with the pandemic.

Discussion: Gaps in the literature and study limitations are

identified, and recommendations for policy, health services, and

future research are offered.

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Assemblages of Excess Pleasure and Connection: The sociosexual uses of virtual and chemical technologies among men who have sex with men

Citation

Numer, M., Hammond, C., Holmes, D. (2021). Assemblages of Excess Pleasure and Connection: The Sociosexual Uses of Virtual and Chemical Technologies Among GBMSM. Nursing Philosophy.

Abstract

Chemicals have penetrated everyday lives of men who have sex with men as never before, along with new online and mobile technologies used to seek pleasures and connections. Poststructuralist (including queer) explorations of these new intensities show how bodies exist in the form of (political) surfaces able to connect with other bodies and with other objects where they may find/create a function (e.g., reproduce or disrupt hegemonies). This federally funded netnographic study explored how a variety of chemicals such as recreational drugs, pharmaceuticals and steroids are contributing to the construction of gay, bisexual and other men having sex with men (GBMSM) communities and their interactions with idealized masculinities in the age of increasing technology. Five major thematic categories emerged from our analysis: (1) assembling bodies and technologies, (2) becoming orgiastic, (3) experiencing stigma, (4) becoming machinic and (5) negotiating practices. Our analysis explores how and why GBMSM pursue excesses of pleasure and connection through the assemblages they make with sexualized drug use, online platforms and other men.

Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nup.12370?casa_token=1djpweLw7KkAAAAA%3Ai3D3FAFaapkrG6IgyGFFUNsLPheNnvkUDbjkbZi4RioZ3yMVSFb1yYX6yqj-KGTH2H1vef-qZ_-77Q

Reflections in comics: The views of queer artists in producing body imagine comics and how their work can improve health.

Citation

Joy, P., Gauvin, S., Aston, M. & Numer, M. (2020). Reflections in comics: The views of queer artists in producing body imagine comics and how their work can improve health. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2020.1806891.

Abstract

Comics are an innovative way to translate health knowledge and research to service providers and communities. A theoretical framework intertwining poststructuralism and queer theory was used to explore the experiences of queer artists in the creation and production of body image comic anthology entitled Rainbow Reflections: Body Image Comics for Queer Men. The aim was to examine the beliefs of the artists about the potentiality of comics to address body image concerns for queer men. Body image concerns may create negative health experiences, isolation, loneliness, and sexual intimacy concerns. Nineteen self-identifying queer artists participated in the study. Discourse analysis revealed five threads of discourse that bring understanding on how comics can improve body image, and the health and well-being of both the artists through the act of creation and the reader through the act of consumption. Theses threads of discourse include: 1) Creating a unique language, 2) Revealing and healing themselves, 3) Exploring cultural influences, 4) Expanding spaces for queer men and their bodies, and 5) Connecting men. The findings reveal that comics can create knowledge and stimulate discussions about body image and has the potential to positively influence the health of queer men.

https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2020.1806891

Grinding Against HIV Discourse: A Critical Exploration of Social Sexual Practices in Gay Cruising Apps.

Citation

Numer, M., Holmes, D., Joy, P., Thompson, R., & Doria, N. (2019). Grinding Against HIV Discourse: A Critical Exploration of Social Sexual Practices in Gay Cruising Apps. Gender, Technology and Development. DOI: 10.1080/09718524.2019.1684022

Abstract

Social networking applications (SNAs), such as Grindr, are shaping the identities and sexual practices of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). This qualitative study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of such technologies in social sexual practices, particularly in relation to risk management and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Poststructuralism and queer theory were used to critically examine the relationship between GBM and SNAs in a sample of people who use Grindr. Sixteen people, identifying as men who used Grindr, were interviewed. Discourse analysis was employed to critically examine the relationship between GBM and SNAs, and three threads of discourse emerged: Language and images, Filtering, and Trust. These threads of discourse provide insight into how the sexual beliefs, values, and practices of GBM are shaped on SNAs.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09718524.2019.1684022

Queering educational practices in dietetics training: A critical review of LGBTQ inclusion strategies.

Citation

Joy, P., & Numer, M. (2018). Queering educational practices in dietetics training: A critical review of LGBTQ inclusion strategies. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 79, 1-6. DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-006

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people (LGBTQ) have unique concerns regarding their nutritional health while experiencing disparities within the Canadian healthcare system. Dietetic training programs often do not provide adequate knowledge or skills to students to be competent in meeting the needs of this population. Drawing from literature from other health programs, this paper outlines key strategies to the integration of LGBTQ curriculum into dietetic training programs. LGBTQ training can help students gain cultural competencies, knowledge and understanding of the LGBTQ communities, and the nutritional concerns within them.

http://dx.doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2018-006

The use of photo elicitation to explore the benefits of queer student advocacy groups in university.

Citation

Joy, P., & Numer, M. (2017). The use of photo elicitation to explore the benefits of queer student advocacy groups in university. Journal of LGBT Youth, 14(1), 31-50. DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2016.1256247.

Abstract

University can be a critical time for queer identifying youth as they attempt to navigate new relationships and heteronormative and, sometimes, hostile environments. Involvement in queer student groups is one strategy to develop protective mechanisms for these students. This research examines the effect of participation in a queer advocacy group at a local university in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, using a qualitative photo elicitation method. Four themes—learning, safe environments, shared emotional connection, and personal fulfillment and growth—emerged concerning the effects of their involvement in the group. As a research method, photo elicitation was determined to be an effective tool for queer identifying youth, allowing for in-depth exploration of the data and self-reflection. Recommendations for queer student advocacy groups are given. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)

https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2016.1256247

A phenomenological inquiry of social support in relation to health and wellbeing among rural queer female youth.

Citation

Cusak, E., & Numer, M. (2012). A phenomenological inquiry of social support in relation to health and wellbeing among rural queer female youth. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: Annual Review, 6(4), 35-48. DOI: 10.18848/1833-1882/CGP/v06i04/52067.

Abstract

Introduction: This phenomenological study explores the intersection of social support, rural location and health and wellbeing among self-identified queer female youth. Social support networks can be a protective factor for queer youth by mitigating the effects of discrimination, and influencing health-related behaviors (Saewyc, 2009; Von Ah et al., 2004). Living rurally may present unique challenges for queer youth in fostering strong social connections (Poon & Saewyc, 2009). Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the experiences of social support in relation to overall health and wellbeing among queer female youth living in rural communities. Methods: Data were collected from in-depth interviews with self-identified queer female university students in Halifax, Nova Scotia with varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The participants’ experiences of social support were analyzed through the process of reduction for significance in relation to health and wellbeing. Findings: Emergent themes including hostile school environments, family conflict, supportive friendships and rural communities were associated with participants’ health and wellbeing. Discussion: The findings from this study identify unique social challenges to guide further investigation and to inform inclusive health promotion policy and program development to foster social support and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of queer female youth.

https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1882/CGP/v06i04/52067

The sexual health of gay men in the post-AIDS era: Feminist, post-structuralist and queer theory perspectives.

Citation

Numer, M., & Gahagan, J. (2009). The sexual health of gay men in the post-AIDS era: Feminist, post-structuralist and queer theory perspectives. International Journal of Men’s Health, 8(2), 155-168. DOI: 10.3149/jmh.0802.155

Abstract

This article discusses feminist, post-structuralist and queer theories as a framework for masculinities research on sexual health promotion efforts targeting gay men, particularly in relation to HIV prevention. The theories discussed have the potential to challenge the social categories associated with gender, sex, sexual identity and sexual orientation which often determine identities and subjectivities. Recognizing masculinity as a gender "performance" rather than a fixed identity enables health researchers to more fully investigate gendered sexual behaviors which are imbued with social, political and economic meaning. A combined feminist, post-structuralist and queer theoretical framework provides a way to understand how concepts of masculinity organize social interactions and how these in turn shape and inform the sexual health behaviors of men. The purpose of this article is to offer an approach for use by gay men's health researchers working on health promotion.

http://dx.doi.org/10.3149/jmh.0802.155