Research Article: Negative Associations between Minority Stressors and Self-Reported Health Status among Sexual Minority Adults Living in Colombia
Abstract:
Colombia has extensive laws prohibiting discrimination against sexual minority people. However, violence and discrimination toward sexual minorities are still frequent. While a growing body of research shows that sexual minority people experience elevated rates of discrimination and domestic abuse globally, little research has been conducted on these issues affecting sexual minorities in Colombia specifically. Using minority stress theory as a conceptual framework, this paper aims to fill this gap by examining the prevalence of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and witnessed discrimination and the relationship of these stressors to self-reported health among a national sample of sexual minority Colombians. We found that bisexual individuals experienced higher rates of physical and sexual IPV, compared to lesbian and gay individuals. Additionally, sexual minority Colombians who experienced IPV and witnessed discrimination were more likely to report having poorer health, compared to those who had not. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research and clinicians working with sexual minority clients.
Introduction:
Sexual minority Colombians frequently report identity-related victimization and discrimination despite being protected by the country’s broad anti-discrimination laws [1,2]. According to [3], 85% of sexual minority Colombians have experienced violence due to prejudice that includes physical, sexual, patrimonial, economic, and psychological forms. A few empirical studies also demonstrate the prevalence of discrimination experiences in the country [3,4,5]. A study exploring the well-being of sexual minority…
Read more