The Sexual Continuum

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

What Does It Mean to Be “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.

New Study of Gay/Bisexual Adolescent Men and Their Parents

A new study conducted is one of the first to enroll both adolescent gay/bisexual males and their parents into research.

New Brain Study Questions 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."

Leading “Ex Gay” Organization Closes

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.

Are Violent Hate Crimes Against LGBT People on the Rise?

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.

Why Do Young Gay Men Try to Be the Best?

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.

What is sexual orientation?

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?

American Academy of Pediatrics Supports Same Sex Marriage

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.

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

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.

What's It Like to Get an HIV Test?

A new video shows how to get tested for HIV and what is involved.

Tips for Getting Into Graduate School

Tips from two Psychologists who study LGBT health on how to get into graduate school.

When a Child Comes Out, Lead With Love

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?"

University Will Not Investigate Allegations of Scientific Misconduct

Writer Scott Rose had asked the University of Texas at Austin to conduct an investigation into alleged scientific misconduct by an associate professor.

Scientists Rebuke Publication of Study on LGBT Parenting

Major flaws pointed out in science and review of study claiming to show problems with kids of gay parents.

My Last Two Reasons to Have Gay Pride: Creativity and Civic Engagement

My last two reasons for having gay pride come from the critical contributions to the arts, sciences, and civil rights made by LGBT people.

Top Five Reasons I Have Gay Pride—Reason 3 Caring for Others

The gay community is known for caring about its members. The most poignant examples of this is the communities response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Top Five Reasons I Have Gay Pride - Reason 2 Courage and Resilience

The story of the LGBT community is one of triumph, courage, and resilience in the face of oppression and discrimination. And that makes me proud.

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

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.

Outlook Not Looking Good for "Conversion Therapy"

Job prospects are not looking good if you make your living doing pseudotherapy to try and change a person’s sexual orientation.

Author of Controversial Study on Therapy to Change Sexual Orientation Apologizes

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.”

Are Homophobic People Really Gay and Not Accepting It?

New research finds higher levels of homophobia in individuals with unacknowledged attractions to the same sex, particularly when they grew up with authoritarian parents who also held homophobic attitudes.

New Research on What Protects Gay Youth from Suicide Risk

What protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youths from considering suicide and, conversely, what makes them most vulnerable to it?

Digitizing Sexual Health Promotion and HIV Prevention

At the IMPACT LGBT Health and Development Program at Northwestern University we have been focused on using the internet for sexual health education. Read about some of our approaches to promoting the sexual health of young people through videos and social media.