Lesbian Women and Sexual Health

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health PDF Author: R Dennis Shelby
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317718194
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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Book Description
Interviewer: Where did you find out how to have safe lesbian sex? Val: I found out in jail. Why do so many lesbian women engage in sexual behavior that puts their health, even their lives, at risk? Many know they're at risk, yet somehow feel safe enough to behave as if there is no reason to practice safe sex. Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility examines how lesbian women perceive their level of risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It describes how their perceptions of risk and susceptibility are shaped by factors such as sexual identity, cultural themes, and community knowledge - and how those perceptions impact on the very real HIV/STI risks that lesbian women face. The genesis of Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility lies in Kathleen Dolan’s exploratory study of this under-researched area, in which 162 structured interviews and 70 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who self-identify as lesbians. What these women have to say will inform, educate, and probably surprise you. Tables and figures make complex data easy to access and understand. Lesbian women construct and label their identities and actions in complex ways that may lead to risky behavior. In the words of the women surveyed—and in Dr. Dolan’s insightful commentary—this book explores the ways in which lesbian women construct their perceptions of risk and susceptibility to seek answers to questions that include: Do many lesbian women see themselves, to an extent, as immune to HIV contraction? How does their self-constructed sense of risk and susceptibility lead to making dangerous choices? Why, in spite of their professed willingness to engage in protective actions, do many lesbians not actually do so? Why do many lesbian women, and some of the health care professionals who serve them, feel that pap smears are not necessary for women who have sex only with other women—and what are the consequences of this opinion? What is the relationship between drug/alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in lesbian women? Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility is an important resource for women’s/lesbian health advocates, health care professionals, and courses in gay/women’s/medical studies. It addresses gaps in the existing research to enhance our understanding of the physical and mental health status of lesbian women, of risk factors and protective actions regarding HIV and STIs, and of the conditions for which protective actions actually reduce risk. Use it to update your knowledge of this under-studied area at the intersection of physical, emotional, and sexual health.

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health PDF Author: R Dennis Shelby
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317718194
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 142

Get Book Here

Book Description
Interviewer: Where did you find out how to have safe lesbian sex? Val: I found out in jail. Why do so many lesbian women engage in sexual behavior that puts their health, even their lives, at risk? Many know they're at risk, yet somehow feel safe enough to behave as if there is no reason to practice safe sex. Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility examines how lesbian women perceive their level of risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It describes how their perceptions of risk and susceptibility are shaped by factors such as sexual identity, cultural themes, and community knowledge - and how those perceptions impact on the very real HIV/STI risks that lesbian women face. The genesis of Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility lies in Kathleen Dolan’s exploratory study of this under-researched area, in which 162 structured interviews and 70 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who self-identify as lesbians. What these women have to say will inform, educate, and probably surprise you. Tables and figures make complex data easy to access and understand. Lesbian women construct and label their identities and actions in complex ways that may lead to risky behavior. In the words of the women surveyed—and in Dr. Dolan’s insightful commentary—this book explores the ways in which lesbian women construct their perceptions of risk and susceptibility to seek answers to questions that include: Do many lesbian women see themselves, to an extent, as immune to HIV contraction? How does their self-constructed sense of risk and susceptibility lead to making dangerous choices? Why, in spite of their professed willingness to engage in protective actions, do many lesbians not actually do so? Why do many lesbian women, and some of the health care professionals who serve them, feel that pap smears are not necessary for women who have sex only with other women—and what are the consequences of this opinion? What is the relationship between drug/alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in lesbian women? Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility is an important resource for women’s/lesbian health advocates, health care professionals, and courses in gay/women’s/medical studies. It addresses gaps in the existing research to enhance our understanding of the physical and mental health status of lesbian women, of risk factors and protective actions regarding HIV and STIs, and of the conditions for which protective actions actually reduce risk. Use it to update your knowledge of this under-studied area at the intersection of physical, emotional, and sexual health.

AIDS, Identity, and Community

AIDS, Identity, and Community PDF Author: Gregory M. Herek
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1452246505
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 251

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Book Description
HIV alters the lives of anyone that it touches, whether they are gay or straight. This book looks at all of the aspects of how HIV/AIDS has altered the lives of those it touches. . . . The titles of the 12 chapters give an excellent overview of what is covered in these extremely well-written reports. . . . This is a must-read book for everyone. It should be in all libraries, including school libraries. Young adolescents who are facing the problem of coming out would benefit from this book. --AIDS Book Review Journal Hit hard by the AIDS epidemic in the United States and in much of Europe, the gay and lesbian community has been forced to examine existing notions of what it means to belong to a community based on sexual orientation. The editors of this second volume in the annual series Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian and Gay Issues have collected a perceptive array of chapters that explore sexual behavior, personal identity, and community memberships of gay men and lesbian women. With the exception of a few, the chapters reflect study findings from AIDS-related research and include discussions of AIDS in large urban centers and in less populated settings outside of major AIDS epicenters. Focusing on underconsidered AIDS populations, the contributors explore specific topics concerning the AIDS epidemic among gay and bisexual men of color, lesbian women, and gay and lesbian youth. Accessible and sensitive, the book also examines relevant public policy, volunteerism, and long-term survival as important to AIDS awareness and education. AIDS, Identity, and Community is an appreciable resource for AIDS researchers and caregivers, mental health practitioners, social service professionals, behavioral and social science students, and any reader who seeks deeper insight into the complex and subtle areas of the lesbian and gay community in the AIDS era.

In Changing Times

In Changing Times PDF Author: Martin P. Levine
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 9780226278575
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a major catastrophe for gay communities. In less than two decades, the disease has profoundly changed the lives of gay men and lesbians. Not just a biological and viral agent, HIV has become an opportunistic social invader, reshaping communities and the distribution of wealth, altering the social careers of gay professionals and the patterns of entry into gay and lesbian life, and giving birth to groups like ACT UP and Queer Nation. The distinguished contributors to this volume discuss the ways HIV/AIDS has changed collective and individual identities, as well as lives, of gay men and lesbians, and how these alterations have changed our perceptions of the epidemic. They cover such topics as the impact of the epidemic on small towns, cultural barriers to AIDS prevention, gay youth and intergenerational relations, and the roles of lesbians in AIDS organizations. This collection provides compelling insights into the new communities among gay men and lesbians and the new kinds of identities and relationships that are emerging from the social and cultural ferment engendered by HIV/AIDS. Contributors include Barry D. Adam, Lourdes Arguelles, Rafael Miguel Diaz, John H. Gagnon, Gilbert Herdt, Gregory M. Herek, Nan D. Hunter, Peter M. Nardi, John L. Peterson, Anne Rivero, Gayle S. Rubin, Beth E. Schneider, and Nancy E. Stoller.

HIV Disease

HIV Disease PDF Author: Gary A. Lloyd
Publisher: Harrington Park Press
ISBN:
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 230

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Book Description
Enhances readers' understanding of the pivotal roles played by gays and lesbians in response to HIV infection and AIDS, highlighting the strengths and tensions in the gay and lesbian community. Themes include the impact of homophobia on service for people with HIV and AIDS, social services and bereavement in the gay and lesbian community, HIV disease among populations such as lesbians and gays of color, and telephone group counseling in reducing risk behavior. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People

The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309210658
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 293

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Book Description
At a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals-often referred to under the umbrella acronym LGBT-are becoming more visible in society and more socially acknowledged, clinicians and researchers are faced with incomplete information about their health status. While LGBT populations often are combined as a single entity for research and advocacy purposes, each is a distinct population group with its own specific health needs. Furthermore, the experiences of LGBT individuals are not uniform and are shaped by factors of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographical location, and age, any of which can have an effect on health-related concerns and needs. The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People assesses the state of science on the health status of LGBT populations, identifies research gaps and opportunities, and outlines a research agenda for the National Institute of Health. The report examines the health status of these populations in three life stages: childhood and adolescence, early/middle adulthood, and later adulthood. At each life stage, the committee studied mental health, physical health, risks and protective factors, health services, and contextual influences. To advance understanding of the health needs of all LGBT individuals, the report finds that researchers need more data about the demographics of these populations, improved methods for collecting and analyzing data, and an increased participation of sexual and gender minorities in research. The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People is a valuable resource for policymakers, federal agencies including the National Institute of Health (NIH), LGBT advocacy groups, clinicians, and service providers.

Lesbian Women and AIDS

Lesbian Women and AIDS PDF Author: Patricia M. Shaw
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : AIDS (Disease)
Languages : en
Pages : 156

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Book Description


Lesbian Health

Lesbian Health PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309174066
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Women's health, as a field of study, is a developing discipline. Health theories in general have been based on studies of men. However, in recent years, more attention has shifted to women's health, realizing the disparities between men and women in relation to their health. During the last two decades, a similar shift has occurred for a group of womenâ€"lesbian womenâ€"to further identify and specify their health needs. Over the past decade, lesbians have organized to call for attention to the health issues of this community, resulting in several federally funded research initiatives. This book offers a comprehensive view of what is known about lesbian health needs and what questions need further investigation, including: How do we define who is lesbian? Are there unique health issues for lesbians? Are lesbians at higher or lower risk for such health problems as AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, breast cancer, mental disorders, and substance abuse? How does homophobia affect lesbian health and the funding of research on lesbian health? How do lesbian health needs fit into the health care system and the larger society? What risk and protective factors shape the physical and mental health of lesbians? The book discusses how to determine which questions to ask about sexual orientation, the need to obtain information without violating privacy, the importance of considering racial and ethnic diversity in the study of lesbians, strategies for exchanging information among researchers and disseminating findings to the public, and mechanisms for supporting greater numbers of researchers. Lesbian Health takes a frank look at the political pressures, community attitudes, and professional concerns uniquely affecting the study of lesbian health issues. The book explores many other issues including the potential for transferring findings in this field to other population groups, including other rare populations and women in general.

Women, AIDS, and Activism

Women, AIDS, and Activism PDF Author: Marion Banzhaf
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780896083936
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 295

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Book Description
A comprehensive and progressive book about women in the AIDS epidemic. With informative discussion of safer sex and sexuality, HIV testing, treatment and drug trials, public policy and activism. Looking specifically to lesbians, heterosexuals, bisexuals, prostitutes, intravenous drug users, teenagers, mothers, pregnant women, and women in prisons, this book is essential reading for everyone concerned about women's health and the AIDS crisis.

Lesbian Health

Lesbian Health PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309060931
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 253

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Book Description
Women's health, as a field of study, is a developing discipline. Health theories in general have been based on studies of men. However, in recent years, more attention has shifted to women's health, realizing the disparities between men and women in relation to their health. During the last two decades, a similar shift has occurred for a group of womenâ€"lesbian womenâ€"to further identify and specify their health needs. Over the past decade, lesbians have organized to call for attention to the health issues of this community, resulting in several federally funded research initiatives. This book offers a comprehensive view of what is known about lesbian health needs and what questions need further investigation, including: How do we define who is lesbian? Are there unique health issues for lesbians? Are lesbians at higher or lower risk for such health problems as AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, breast cancer, mental disorders, and substance abuse? How does homophobia affect lesbian health and the funding of research on lesbian health? How do lesbian health needs fit into the health care system and the larger society? What risk and protective factors shape the physical and mental health of lesbians? The book discusses how to determine which questions to ask about sexual orientation, the need to obtain information without violating privacy, the importance of considering racial and ethnic diversity in the study of lesbians, strategies for exchanging information among researchers and disseminating findings to the public, and mechanisms for supporting greater numbers of researchers. Lesbian Health takes a frank look at the political pressures, community attitudes, and professional concerns uniquely affecting the study of lesbian health issues. The book explores many other issues including the potential for transferring findings in this field to other population groups, including other rare populations and women in general.

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health PDF Author: Kathleen A. Dolan
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9780789024787
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 122

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Book Description
Interviewer: Where did you find out how to have safe lesbian sex? Val: I found out in jail. Why do so many lesbian women engage in sexual behavior that puts their health, even their lives, at risk? Many know they're at risk, yet somehow feel safe enough to behave as if there is no reason to practice safe sex. Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility examines how lesbian women perceive their level of risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It describes how their perceptions of risk and susceptibility are shaped by factors such as sexual identity, cultural themes, and community knowledge--and how those perceptions impact on the very real HIV/STI risks that lesbian women face. The genesis of Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility lies in Kathleen Dolan's exploratory study of this under-researched area, in which 162 structured interviews and 70 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who self-identify as lesbians. What these women have to say will inform, educate, and probably surprise you. Tables and figures make complex data easy to access and understand. Lesbian women construct and label their identities and actions in complex ways that may lead to risky behavior. In the words of the women surveyed--and in Dr. Dolan's insightful commentary--this book explores the ways in which lesbian women construct their perceptions of risk and susceptibility to seek answers to questions that include: Do many lesbian women see themselves, to an extent, as immune to HIV contraction? How does their self-constructed sense of risk and susceptibility lead to making dangerous choices? Why, in spite of their professed willingness to engage in protective actions, do many lesbians not actually do so? Why do many lesbian women, and some of the health care professionals who serve them, feel that pap smears are not necessary for women who have sex only with other women--and what are the consequences of this opinion? What is the relationship between drug/alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in lesbian women? Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility is an important resource for women's/lesbian health advocates, health care professionals, and courses in gay/women's/medical studies. It addresses gaps in the existing research to enhance our understanding of the physical and mental health status of lesbian women, of risk factors and protective actions regarding HIV and STIs, and of the conditions for which protective actions actually reduce risk. Use it to update your knowledge of this under-studied area at the intersection of physical, emotional, and sexual health.