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Sexuality-Related Work Discrimination and Its Association with the Health of Sexual Minority Emerging and Young Adult Men in the Detroit Metro Area

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Abstract

Discrimination has been linked to negative health outcomes among minority populations. The increasing evidence regarding health disparities among sexual minorities has underscored the importance of addressing sexuality discrimination as a public health issue. We conducted a web-based survey between May and September of 2012 in order to obtain a diverse sample of young men who have sex with men (ages 18–29; N = 397; 83 % gay; 49 % black, 27 % white, 15 % Latino) living in the Detroit Metro Area (Michigan, USA). Using multivariate regression models, we examined the association between overall health (self-rated health, days in prior month when their physical or mental health was not good, and limited functionality) and experiences of sexuality-based work discrimination. Fifteen percent reported at least one experience of sexuality-based work discrimination in the prior year. Recent workplace discrimination was associated with poorer self-rated health, a greater number of days when health was not good, and more functional limitation. We discuss the importance of addressing sexuality-related discrimination as a public health problem and propose multilevel intervention strategies to address these discriminatory practices.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant by the Ford Foundation and the MAC AIDS Fund to the primary author. The primary author is also supported by a Career Development Award (K01-MH087242) from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Center for Sexuality & Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 300 North Ingalls, 9th Floor, Wing D, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    José A. Bauermeister, Steven Meanley, Andrew Hickok & Emily Pingel

  2. AIDS Partnership Michigan, 2751 E. Jefferson Ave, Suite 301, Detroit, MI, 48207, USA

    William VanHemert

  3. HIV/AIDS Resource Center, 3075 Clark Road, Suite 203, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA

    Jimena Loveluck

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  1. José A. Bauermeister
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  2. Steven Meanley
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  3. Andrew Hickok
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  4. Emily Pingel
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  5. William VanHemert
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  6. Jimena Loveluck
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Correspondence to José A. Bauermeister.

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Bauermeister, J.A., Meanley, S., Hickok, A. et al. Sexuality-Related Work Discrimination and Its Association with the Health of Sexual Minority Emerging and Young Adult Men in the Detroit Metro Area. Sex Res Soc Policy 11, 1–10 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-013-0139-0

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