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Sexual Orientation Microaggression Experiences and Coping Responses of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yu-Te Huang

    (Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong RM543, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Wen-Jiun Chou

    (Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
    School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yi-Chen Hang

    (Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association, Taipei 10089, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-Fang Yen

    (Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
    Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
    College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan)

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the sexual orientation microaggression (SOM) experiences and coping strategies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Taiwan. In total, 30 LGB individuals (17 women and 13 men; 17 homosexual and 13 bisexual individuals) who experienced SOMs participated in qualitative, semistructured interviews, during which their SOM experiences were assessed. Through the interviews, several types of SOMs were identified, corresponding to three main types of microaggression (microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations) previously identified in Western studies. The participants reported various coping responses to SOMs, ranging from active responses to choosing not to respond, to protecting themselves or to minimizing the negative consequences of confrontation. The results provide mental health professionals with insight regarding the contexts of and coping responses to the SOMs experienced by LGB individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Te Huang & Wen-Jiun Chou & Yi-Chen Hang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2023. "Sexual Orientation Microaggression Experiences and Coping Responses of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2304-:d:1048791
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cheng-Fang Yen & Nai-Ying Ko & Yu-Te Huang & Mu-Hong Chen & I-Hsuan Lin & Wei-Hsin Lu, 2020. "Preference about Laws for the Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships in Taiwanese People Before and After Same-Sex Marriage Referenda: A Facebook Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2019. "Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Meng-Tsang Hsieh & Jung-Sheng Chen & Chung-Ying Lin & Cheng-Fang Yen & Mark D. Griffiths & Yu-Te Huang, 2021. "Measurement Invariance of the Sexual Orientation Microaggression Inventory across LGB Males and Females in Taiwan: Bifactor Structure Fits the Best," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Yu-Ping Chang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Factors Affecting Painkillers, Sedatives/Hypnotics, Nicotine, and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-13, January.
    5. Huang-Chi Lin & Yi-Lung Chen & Nai-Ying Ko & Yu-Ping Chang & Wei-Hsin Lu & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2021. "Perception of Attitudes of the General Population toward Homosexuality in Taiwan: Roles of Demographic Factors, Mental Health, and Social Debates on Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-10, March.
    6. Huang-Chi Lin & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2022. "Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    7. Chien-Chuan Wang & Ray C. Hsiao & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2019. "Victimization of Traditional and Cyber Bullying During Childhood and Their Correlates Among Adult Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-14, November.
    8. Ching-Shu Tsai & Yu-Te Huang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2021. "Experience of Sexual Orientation Microaggression among Young Adult Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: Its Related Factors and Association with Mental Health Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-9, November.
    9. Jung-Sheng Chen & Yu-Te Huang & Chung-Ying Lin & Cheng-Fang Yen & Mark D. Griffiths & Amir H. Pakpour, 2021. "Relationships of Sexual Orientation Microaggression with Anxiety and Depression among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Taiwanese Youth: Self-Identity Disturbance Mediates but Gender Does Not Moderate the Re," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-11, December.
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