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PubMed1992

[Homosexuality in childhood and adolescence].

Every second homosexual man has a presentiment of his own homosexuality during childhood. 86 percent of the homosexual men feel it till eighteen. The selfrecognition is a way full of conflicts between ignoration and acceptance; sometimes it ends in deformation of the personality or even in suicide. For well advice of homosexual children and adolescents we indicate: firstly an early sexual education in the school including information on homosexuality and secondly the academic and postgradual education of physicians, psychologists and pedagogues on natural variants of human sexuality.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Sexual and intimacy dysfunction among homosexual men and women.

Homosexually active men and women are no more immune than anyone else from various types of sexual dysfunction and underlying psychopathology. Intimacy fears and conflicts, ignorance, alcohol and drug dependence and relationship issues exemplify the type of issues influencing dysfunction regardless of sexual orientation, although membership of a stigmatized minority sexuality may exacerbate causes of sexual dysfunction. The effects of discordant lifestyle and identity, homosexual identity formation, dysphoria and internalized homophobia on sexual functioning are three examples of these factors of specific relevance to being homosexual in this culture. The effects of AIDS, difficulties arising from the mechanics of safer sex and the psychosexual effects of oppression on healthy sexual functioning all indicate how factors important to (but not caused by) minority sexuality status may influence sexuality functioning. The importance of neither perceiving homosexuality solely in terms of pathology on the one hand, nor refusing to recognize unhealthy sexual functioning on the other, is emphasized throughout. Models of sexuality must be inclusive, positive and communicated to the client if future sexual dysfunction is to be limited. Finally, the role of the therapist in community development, as well as individual intervention, is addressed. Primary health care interventions are required not only to address the specific issues affecting homosexual men and women, but also to promote a more positive approach to sexuality for all.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Rape and homosexuality.

The relationship between rape and homosexuality can be best understood by studying male rape. Offender(s) may deny homosexuality and confuse an aggressive active behaviour with a masculine (even macho) behaviour. They may project their homosexual feelings onto the victim. In the aftermath of rape, the victim may be ashamed of having lost control and may question himself about his real sexual identity. An aspect of female or male rape by a group of males may be an attempt to annihilate latent homosexual tendencies existing between members of this group. Surprisingly, in the short term, post traumatic disorder related to rape and pre-existing psychiatric disorder may develop separately, without substantial interaction. In the famous case of Schreiber described by Freud, homosexuality is assumed to play an important role in the development of paranoid schizophrenia. Cases in which schizophrenic patients (of both sexes) imagine being raped by a member of the opposite sex, may possibly challenge this opinion.

Female↗
PubMed1990

Distribution of antibodies against denatured collagen in AIDS risk groups and homosexual AIDS patients suggests a link between autoimmunity and the immunopathogenesis of AIDS.

Autoimmunity often precedes the onset of AIDS-related complex or AIDS, and a number of autoantibodies have been described in AIDS patients and persons at risk for AIDS. The presence of such antibodies provokes speculation that autoimmunity is a component of AIDS pathogenesis. We report evidence of an autoantibody (anticollagen) common to all homosexual AIDS patients studied. High titer serum reactivity against collagen was detected in all homosexual AIDS patients, and in HIV+ homosexuals (66%), HIV+ i.v. drug users (38%) HIV- homosexuals (32%), HIV+ transfusion recipients (22%), and HIV+ hemophiliacs (13%), but not in HIV- i.v. drug users, HIV- transfusion recipients, HIV- hemophiliacs, rheumatoid arthritis patients, or controls. Anticollagen reactivity does not correlate with serum IgG levels, so it is not merely a reflection of polyclonal B-cell activation. Titration of anticollagen positive sera typically revealed anticollagen antibody titers 100 times those of normal sera. Affinity purification and immunoblot analysis confirmed the antibody nature of the anticollagen reactivity. The anticollagen antibodies react preferentially with primary determinants of types I and III collagen revealed after heat denaturation. Similar antibodies occur infrequently in rheumatoid arthritis patients, more often on SLE, and frequently in graft vs host disease and lepromatous leprosy. Levels of anticollagen activity in HIV+ i.v. drug users and transfusion recipients correlate with serum beta 2-microglobulin levels, suggesting that those persons with anticollagen antibodies are at greater risk of developing AIDS. This correlation, the fact that anticollagen antibodies occurred in all homosexual AIDS patients tested, and the occurrence of antibodies against denatured collagen in immune disorders with features similar to AIDS suggest these antibodies may be related to disease progression. The association of anticollagen autoantibodies with AIDS and certain other infections and immune disorders may reflect common immunopathogenic features in the etiology of these disorders.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Female homosexual patients in psychoanalysis.

There are few psychoanalytic publications on female homosexuality, but those that do exist have each contributed to our knowledge not only of homosexuality in women but also of femininity. Homosexuality in women is a defence acting in two directions: against going backwards (out of fear of psychical fragmentation) and against going forwards (and working through the Oedipus complex). Identification with the father's penis is generally regarded as characteristic of female homosexuality, but my experience suggests that it is not always present, because, where sexual differentiation is less well established, identification with the baby predominates. While some patients break off their analysis prematurely out of fear of psychical fragmentation and the depressive position, other patients manage to overcome their anxieties and repeat and then work through in the transference the early object relations contained in their homosexual fixations, so that they can find their way back to a better established female identity.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Transmission of HTLV-I and HIV among homosexual men in Trinidad.

Risk for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type (HTLV-I) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was evaluated in 100 homosexual or bisexual men from Trinidad. High seropositivity for HTLV-I (15% vs 2.4% in the general population) was linked to duration of homosexuality and numbers of partners, suggesting that HTLV-I, like HIV, can be transmitted by homosexual sex. Forty percent of homosexuals compared with 0.19% of the general population were seropositive for HIV, and sexual contact with US homosexual men and prior history of gonorrhea were major risk factors. The seroprevalence of HIV was three times higher than that for HTLV-I, suggesting that HIV is more efficiently transmitted, especially since HIV appears to have been recently introduced into Trinidad. Altered immune status was prominent in individuals infected with HIV and coinfected with HIV and HTLV-I. Whether HIV/HTLV-I coinfection amplifies clinical effects is a hypothesis that will require further evaluation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

Lymphocyte subsets in lymph nodes of homosexual men with generalized unexplained lymphadenopathy. Correlation with morphology and blood changes.

Frozen sections of lymph nodes from 20 homosexual men with chronic generalized lymphadenopathy and of lymph nodes showing follicular hyperplasia from 14 patients without known risk factors of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were studied with monoclonal antibodies to T-cell subsets and to the HLA-DR antigen. In T-cell areas of the lymph nodes, excluding tertiary paracortical nodules, the mean T-helper-to-T-suppressor ratio (Th/Ts) +/- 1 SEM was significantly lower in the homosexual group (1.07 +/- 0.06) when compared with the control group (2.49 +/- 0.23), P less than .0001. In seven homosexual men, cell suspensions from the same lymph nodes were analyzed using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Results obtained by this method and by immunohistochemistry were comparable except in a homosexual man whose lymph node contained large tertiary paracortical nodules. Although the Th/Ts ratios of the blood and lymph nodes of the same patients were both low, there was not good correlation between the two sets of values (r = .2). Furthermore, there was not good correlation between blood lymphocyte count and lymph node Th/Ts ratios (r = .45). The lymph node Th/Ts ratios of the homosexual patients show less variations compared with the control group. The patient who subsequently developed multiple opportunistic infections had the lowest value. Whether the lymph node Th/Ts ratio has prognostic significance in patients with the lymphadenopathy syndrome warrants further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Human immunodeficiency virus and human T-lymphotropic virus type I infection among homosexual men in Kingston, Jamaica.

From August 1985 through January 1986, 125 homosexual or bisexual men from the Kingston area were enrolled in a study to evaluate risk factors for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Twelve men (10%) were seropositive for HIV and 6 (5%) for HTLV-I; 1 man had possible coinfection with HIV and HTLV-I. One third of the men reported having had homosexual encounters with foreign visitors or while travelling outside Jamaica, and sexual contact with men in the U.S. was weakly associated with HIV infection (p = 0.11). The median number of partners was 12 per year (range 0-135) and a greater number of homosexual partners per year was associated with HIV seropositivity (p = 0.01). HIV seropositives also were more likely to have a history of lymphadenopathy (p = 0.07). For HTLV-I, there were no obvious risk factors identified, and age-adjusted seroprevalence was not significantly higher than that of heterosexual men. Compared to studies of homosexual men in the U.S. prior to the advent of extensive AIDS education, the Jamaican homosexual population was more sexually conservative. Despite this circumstance, HIV appears to have entered this population via sexual contact with foreign men and spread efficiently among men with a greater number of sexual partners. The frequency of bisexuality (65/125 men) and the 11% HIV prevalence in bisexual men suggest that secondary infection of female sexual partners may occur.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

[Persistent generalized lymphadenopathies in homosexuals and drug addicts: changes in humoral and cellular immunity].

In two groups of subjects at risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), homosexual males and intravenous drug users with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, humoral and cell-mediated immunity were compared. A small group of patients with definite AIDS were also studied. It was found that levels of immunoglobulins, serological markers for virus and other infections, cell-mediated immunity and histology of lymph nodes were similar in homosexuals and drug users, whereas the lymphocyte sub-populations differed completely. The number of T4+ lymphocytes was markedly decreased in homosexuals but normal in drug users; the number of T8+ lymphocytes was much higher in drug users than in homosexuals. This discrepancy may explain the extremely low prevalence of AIDS cases observed among Swiss drug users as compared with the high frequency noted among homosexuals.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

The impact of parental homosexuality in child custody cases: a review of the literature.

As a result of the relatively high rate of divorce in this country and the increasing awareness that many parents (an estimated 1.5 million) are homosexual, the courts, as well as divorce mediators, have become actively involved in child custody placement decisions involving homosexual parents. While custody decisions have tended to reflect stereotyped beliefs or fears concerning the detrimental effects of homosexual parenting practices on child development, a review of the research consistently fails to document any evidence substantiating these fears. A number of specific custody issues are discussed as well as social factors relevant to lesbian motherhood. In conclusion, several authors call for increased awareness of the facts of homosexual parenting by lawyers, judges, and other professionals involved in homosexual parent-child custody cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Antibody responses after influenza and pneumococcal immunization in HIV-infected homosexual men.

We conducted a study to assess the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on humoral immunity. Fifty-five homosexual men and 19 heterosexual men had four- to six-week postimmunization antibody responses measured to trivalent influenza vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. The homosexual men were divided into three groups: 20 asymptomatic HIV-seronegative men, 10 asymptomatic HIV-seropositive men, and 25 HIV-seropositive men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Antibody responses to influenza antigens in the subgroups of homosexual men did not significantly differ from those of heterosexual controls. The IgG antibody responses to pneumococcal capsular types 9N and 18C in men with lymphadenopathy, and type 18C in HIV-seronegative homosexual men, were lower than those of heterosexual controls. Otherwise, responses to other ten capsular types showed no significant differences. There was no evidence of an immunosuppressive effect of vaccination on T-cell numbers, or deterioration of clinical status associated with vaccination. This study demonstrates that HIV-infected homosexual men, asymptomatic or with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, are able to mount appropriate antibody responses to two commonly used vaccines.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1987

Homosexual men with thrombocytopenia have impaired reticuloendothelial system Fc receptor-specific clearance.

Classic immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) occurs predominantly in women and is associated with either normal or impaired Fc receptor-mediated clearance of antibody-coated cells. Recently, an increasing incidence of thrombocytopenia has been observed in homosexual men, but whether Fc receptor-mediated clearance of antibody-coated cells is normal or impaired in these men is unknown. To study this question, we measured the in vivo clearance of anti-Rho(D) IgG antibody-sensitized 51Cr-labeled autologous red cells in five homosexual men with thrombocytopenia without an evident cause. All five had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, and four had circulating immune complexes as determined by a Clq-binding assay. Two of the men tested also had an increase in platelet-associated IgG. In the four homosexual men with platelet counts of 20,000/microL or less, the clearance half-time of IgG-sensitized red cells was prolonged (mean, 106 minutes; range, 72 to 140 minutes) as compared with the clearance of such cells in five hematologically normal men (mean, 39 minutes; range 30 to 50 minutes; P less than .005). One homosexual man with a platelet count of 81,000/microL had a normal clearance half-time (30 minutes). Three patients whose platelet counts increased after corticosteroid therapy were restudied. In all three, the clearance of antibody-coated cells was shortened and returned to normal in the one patient who had achieved a complete remission. No correlation was observed between the presence of platelet-associated IgG or circulating immune complexes and the clearance half-time. These data indicate that severe thrombocytopenia occurring in homosexual men as in some patients with classic ITP is associated with defective in vivo Fc receptor-mediated clearance of antibody-coated cells.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1987

Male homosexuality: the adolescent's perspective.

Although homosexual activity is prevalent among US teenagers, adolescent homosexuality per se has been a poorly understood phenomenon. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the meaning and experience of homosexuality from the adolescent's perspective. Twenty-nine male teenagers, self-described as gay (79%) or bisexual (21%), volunteered to participate in a structured interview, the purpose of which was to examine the definition of homosexuality, the acquisition of a gay identity, and the impact of sexuality on family, peers, and community. The youths demonstrated well-established sexual identities by the consistency of their sexual fantasies, interests, and behaviors over time. Homosexuality was more frequently described as a general attraction to men (48%) and an indicator of positive personal attributes (33%) than as an isolated sexual behavior. The subjects reported strong negative attitudes from parents (43%) and friends (41%) toward their sexualities. Discrimination (37%), verbal abuse from peers (55%), and physical assaults (30%) were frequently cited problems. These stressors may place the boys at high risk for physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1985

[Homosexuality in Colombia].

Homosexuality in Colombia is studied from a psychological point of view. Data are presented concerning proportion of homosexual population in several cities. An investigation of the psychological aspects of homosexuals is described, based on a sample of 100 male homosexuals (ages 18 to 52) from Bogota. Adjustment and adaptation, depression, social life, relations with heterosexuals, with others homosexuals, and general life style, were among the factors investigated. Finally the legal aspects and gay liberation are presented.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1985

Breaking the mirror: the construction of lesbianism and the anthropological discourse on homosexuality.

This essay reviews the anthropological discourse on homosexuality by examining the assumptions that have been used by anthropologists to explain homosexual behavior, and by identifying current theoretical approaches. The essay questions the emphasis on male homosexual behavior as the basis for theoretical analysis, and points to the importance of including female homosexual behavior in the study of homosexuality. Cross-cultural data on lesbian behavior are presented and the influence of gender divisions and social stratification on the development of patterns of lesbian behavior are broadly explored. The article outlines suggestions for examining the cultural context of lesbian behavior as well as the constrains exerted on women's sexual behavior in various cultures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Abnormal lymphocyte response to exogenous interleukin-2 in homosexuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS related complex (ARC).

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production as well as the response of lymphocytes to exogenous IL-2 was measured in asymptomatic homosexuals, patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and homosexuals with prodromal symptoms. IL-2 production following lectin stimulation was not significantly different in homosexuals compared to age matched heterosexual controls. In contrast, the response of lymphocytes to exogenous IL-2 was significantly decreased in AIDS and homosexuals with prodromal symptoms compared to asymptomatic homosexuals and heterosexual controls. These data, combined with the data of others, suggest that an underlying immune defect in AIDS is abnormal IL-2 receptor expression and resultant poor IL-2 response.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1970

Endocrine function in male and female homosexuals.

Serial assays of hormones and their metabolites are reported in the urine of three male and four female homosexuals. Urinary testosterone levels were abnormally low in the two men who practised exclusive homosexuality and were within the normal range in the third, who had both homosexual and heterosexual relationships. In the women assays were generally performed throughout one menstrual cycle; in three the pattern of hormone excretion was ovulatory in character, while in the fourth evidence for ovulation was equivocal. Levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (L.H.) were raised in the female homosexuals, while those for oestrogens, particularly oestrone, were below the range for normal heterosexual subjects during their reproductive life; readings of follicle-stimulating hormone (F.S.H.) and pregnanediol were normal in three women. The data reported here are in keeping with the view that abnormalities in endocrine function may occur in both male and female homosexuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Day-to-day variations in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in homosexual males.

Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in sera of eight homosexual males and a matched control group were determined every second day during one month. Significant day-to-day variations in serum levels of FSH and a reversed LH area/FSH area ratio among homosexuals were found. There were no significant differences between homosexuals and controls in relation to the average levels of the tested hormones nor the average area and variance of LH and testosterone. It is suggested that a single blood sample for each subject is not enough for hormonal evaluation of homosexuals. It is suggested that the present findings may point to some defect in the gonadotropin regulation in male homosexuals.

Female↗