Editorial: Gender, Sexuality, and Well-Being: Impact on Well-Being Due to Gender and Sexual Orientation-Based Discrimination

Ana Álvarez-Muelas ¹ Marta Badenes-Sastre ² Patricia Flor-Arasil ^3,4 Mayra Gomez-Lugo ⁵ Martin Sanchez-Gomez ^3,4*

• ¹ Mind, Brain and Behavioral Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
• ² University of Jaén, Jaén, Andalusia, Spain
• ³ International University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• ⁴ Valencian International University, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
• ⁵ Konrad Lorenz University Foundation, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

In the first article in this Research Topic, Karniej et al., proposed to test the psychometric properties of the Polish-language version of the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP-PL) in a sample of 329 participants. Analysis of the individual questionnaire items, confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency analysis of the GAP scale were performed. The results showed that the internal consistency, reliability, and factor structure of the scale are excellent (Cronbach's alpha for subscales between 0.936 and 0.949 and McDonald's omega coefficient of 0.963). The GAP-PL demonstrated an adequate properties of factorial validity and can be used in research and clinical practice in Polish-speaking populations.In the second article, Jaén et al., explore the role of Medical-Legal Partnerships in addressing legal issues that negatively impact the health of people living with HIV in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey of 111 providers, the study applies a socio-ecological framework to examine the benefits and challenges of integrating legal and medical services to improve HIV care outcomes. Thematic analysis highlights key advantages, including improved patient health, comprehensive service provision, enhanced staff competence, and potential policy influence. The study underscores the essential role of these partnerships in reducing structural stigma and discrimination while advocating for policy reforms to promote health equity for people living with HIV.The article of Seretlo et al., explores queer individuals' perspectives on improving sexual and reproductive healthcare services in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 queer participants aged 18 and over within a queerinclusive non-governmental organization. The thematic content analysis identifies key themes such as the need for healthcare equity and enhanced training for healthcare providers for the creation of a health system that is more equitable, empathetic and adapted for everyone. The study concludes by advocating for inclusive policies and further research to address the unique healthcare needs of the queer community.In the fourth article Kolié et al. analyze perceptions, responses, and challenges faced in combating sexual violence in rural Guinea in 2020. All reported cases of gender violence from public health facilities and directorates of girls and women' promotion were collected in the health districts of Télimélé and Mamou. Quantitative results indicated that 61% of women who reported gender violence in Mamou presented sexual violence, whereas in Télimélé only 8%. Qualitative data obtained from 34 in-depth interviews showed several barriers (socioeconomic constraints, lack of skilled healthcare providers, frequent stock-outs of essential medical supplies, and absence of psycho-social and legal support at the community level) to accessing health services and providing comprehensive care to survivors.In the fifth article Wong et al. examine which variables influence mood disorders including depression, anxiety and stress among emerging adults. Within the tested variables age, sex assigned at birth, being LGBTQ+, income, religión and spirituality, and marital satisfaction are described and explores. Its participants were emerging Filipino adults aged 18 to 29 living in Metro Manila. The results showed that being LGBTQ+ could be a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and stress. It also highlights other interesting conclusions that arise from the tested variables acting as a protection or risk factor for mental health.In the next article, Calvillo et al. carried out a systematic review to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual health outcomes in adults in the last decade. The review includes 27 articles and follows the PRISMA guidelines and quality assessment. The study found that IPV is associated with poorer sexual health outcomes, including a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, sexual dysfunction and lower sexual satisfaction. The review highlights the need for targeted interventions and culturally sensitive approaches, noting significant research gaps cisgender heterosexual men, men who have sex with men, lesbian women, transgender and non-binary individuals.The article by Zhang et al. examines the intersectional experiences of Asian American sexual minority students in Midwestern universities in the United States. The study employed a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with nine participants. Thematic analysis was performed to identify patterns of objectification and the internalization of racism, sexism, and heterosexism. The findings suggest that the systemic neglect of intersectional identities has significant implications for students' sense of belonging and psychosocial well-being.Based on these results, the authors emphasize the necessity of implementing inclusive policies and institutional reforms to address structural inequities in higher education.In the final contribution to this Topic, Igonya et al. provide an in-depth analysis of forced serial internal displacement trajectories of sexual and gender minorities, and its effect on navigating socialites and livelihoods. Qualitative data recalled from 2010 until 2023 was analyzed. Results show that sexual and gender minorities face stigmatization and discrimination at all levels of the socio-ecological model and that, in most cases, grievances and activities against LGBTQ+ people have multiplied, instigating serial forced migration.In this Research Topic we have explored several long standing regarding the effects and consequences of discrimination based on gender or sexuality on well-being. The articles have used a wide range of methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, while focusing on the important effects of the interaction of different discriminations on the well-being of individuals and society. Most of the articles highlight how these experiences can have adverse consequences, so it is necessary to delve into the study of them from a holistic perspective of health as a state of well-being.