Verified by Psychology Today

The Sexual Continuum

Discussing all things related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) health

Sex
What Does It Mean to Be “Mostly Heterosexual?”

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on September 18, 2013

What does it mean to be "mostly heterosexual?" Are you more straight or bisexual? A new article reviews the science behind being mostly heterosexual.

What does it mean to be "mostly heterosexual?" Are you more straight or bisexual? A new article reviews the science behind being mostly heterosexual.

Addiction
New Brain Study Questions Existence of “Sexual Addiction"

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on July 17, 2013

A new study explores how the brains of individuals having trouble controlling their use of online pornography respond to sexual images. The results differ from what has been found for drug and alcohol addictions, and may call into question the existence of "sexual addiction."

A new study explores how the brains of individuals having trouble controlling their use of online pornography respond to sexual images. The results differ from what has been found for drug and alcohol addictions, and may call into question the existence of "sexual addiction."

Sex
Leading “Ex Gay” Organization Closes

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on June 21, 2013

The apologies from those who advocated the position that gay people can change their sexual orientation through “therapy” or prayer continue to accumulate. The latest came this week from Alan Chambers, the president of the 37-year-old Exodus International, which was the leading organization in the “ex gay” movement.

The apologies from those who advocated the position that gay people can change their sexual orientation through “therapy” or prayer continue to accumulate. The latest came this week from Alan Chambers, the president of the 37-year-old Exodus International, which was the leading organization in the “ex gay” movement.

Sex
Are Violent Hate Crimes Against LGBT People on the Rise?

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on June 12, 2013

Two data sources suggest that the past several years have in fact been the highest levels of reported anti-LGBT violence. Why might this be, given that the LGBT community is advancing in so many other ways? It could be that individuals who hate LGBT people are reacting violently to the community’s progress or that LGBT people are more comfortable making reports.

Two data sources suggest that the past several years have in fact been the highest levels of reported anti-LGBT violence. Why might this be, given that the LGBT community is advancing in so many other ways? It could be that individuals who hate LGBT people are reacting violently to the community’s progress or that LGBT people are more comfortable making reports.

Self-Esteem
Why Do Young Gay Men Try to Be the Best?

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on April 17, 2013

Recent research reveals why the phrase "the best little boy in the world" aptly describes so many young gay and bisexual men. This guest blog is by researchers who studied why so many gay men strive for perfection and the associated psychological costs.

Recent research reveals why the phrase "the best little boy in the world" aptly describes so many young gay and bisexual men. This guest blog is by researchers who studied why so many gay men strive for perfection and the associated psychological costs.

Sexual Orientation
What is sexual orientation?

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on March 30, 2013

It may seem obvious what it means to be gay (attracted to the same sex) or heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex), but what does sexual orientation mean?

It may seem obvious what it means to be gay (attracted to the same sex) or heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex), but what does sexual orientation mean?

Sex
American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Same Sex Marriage

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on March 28, 2013

Unfortunately organizations do spring up with the purpose to confuse what is mainstream versus fringe science. Let’s be clear, the American Academy of Pediatricians support for same-sex marriage is the mainstream, scientifically-informed position.

Unfortunately organizations do spring up with the purpose to confuse what is mainstream versus fringe science. Let’s be clear, the American Academy of Pediatricians support for same-sex marriage is the mainstream, scientifically-informed position.

Health
Does Size Matter? The Impact of Penis Size on Sex and Health

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on January 23, 2013

Recently there has been a lot of attention in the media on research on penis size and various aspects of health. As I have done before, I wanted to go right to the source and let some of the scientists who have been conducting this research share with you what they have found and how well it matches what the media has been saying.

Recently there has been a lot of attention in the media on research on penis size and various aspects of health. As I have done before, I wanted to go right to the source and let some of the scientists who have been conducting this research share with you what they have found and how well it matches what the media has been saying.

Relationships
When a Child Comes Out, Lead With Love

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on September 19, 2012

Research by myself and many other scientists has shown that parental support is protective for a variety of health issues like HIV, mental health, and substance use. A new film is designed to answer the question, “What do I do if my child is gay?"

Research by myself and many other scientists has shown that parental support is protective for a variety of health issues like HIV, mental health, and substance use. A new film is designed to answer the question, “What do I do if my child is gay?"

Health
Top Five Reasons I Have Gay Pride - Reason 1: Community

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on June 18, 2012

In our research with LGBT youth we consistently hear about a sense of community—a sense of belonging to a network of people who have shared experiences. That sense of belonging is powerful because it means that you are not alone and that others have overcome some of the struggles.

In our research with LGBT youth we consistently hear about a sense of community—a sense of belonging to a network of people who have shared experiences. That sense of belonging is powerful because it means that you are not alone and that others have overcome some of the struggles.

IMPACT LGBT Health and Development Program
Therapy
Author of Controversial Study on Therapy to Change Sexual Orientation Apologizes

Brian Mustanski Ph.D. on May 11, 2012

Dr. Spitzer, author of controversial "conversion therapy" paper now writes, “I also apologize to any gay person who wasted time and energy undergoing some form of reparative therapy because they believed that I had proven that reparative therapy works with some ‘highly motivated’ individuals.”

Dr. Spitzer, author of controversial "conversion therapy" paper now writes, “I also apologize to any gay person who wasted time and energy undergoing some form of reparative therapy because they believed that I had proven that reparative therapy works with some ‘highly motivated’ individuals.”