Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013
News for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Physicians
Gay black men face family difficulties when coming out, study finds
Young black men face multiple hurdles when coming out, including racism, homophobia, and family disapproval and disappointment, according to a small study published in the Journal of GLBT Family Studies.
The study, based on in-depth interviews of seven African-American gay male youths ages 19 to 25 and their families, found that black parents believed gender-role expectations among African-Americans makes life particularly tough for black gay men and their families. A common reaction among the male relatives of black gay youths in particular was that, "the world already sees you as less than others. By being gay, you're further hurting the image of African-American men," Michael LaSalla, lead author of the study, said in a news release.
The authors did find several resources that can help parents adjust to the news that their son is gay, including counseling that includes both the youth and the father and having a confidant with whom they can share their emotions and help them realize their sons' sexual orientation was not the result of faulty parenting.
Physicians can be an important resource for GLBT youths. The AMA offers guidance to help physicians communicate with GLBT patients.
New LGBT health journal launching this fall
A peer-reviewed journal, LGBT Health, slated to launch later this year will aim to identify crucial health care needs for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population and the means to address them.
The journal from publisher Mary Ann Liebert Inc. will provide a much-needed authoritative source and international forum in all areas pertinent to LGBT health and health care services, according to a news release.
"The journal will assess the health care needs of each population that comprises the LGBT community and identify gaps in knowledge as well as priority areas where policy development and research are needed to achieve health care parity for sexual and gender minorities," Editor in Chief William Byne, MD, said.
Specifically, the journal will include content related to health care disparities, reproductive health and assisted reproduction, parenting and family concerns, physical and mental well-being, and the health and preventive services appropriate to members of each sexual or gender minority population group.
