Sep. 20, 2008 Researchers at the University of Minnesota have
published a study showing that the degree of internalized
homonegativity (negative attitude towards homosexuality) among
homosexual men is what predicts poor mental and sexual health –
not the act of being homosexual. As part of attending an HIV
prevention seminar, 422 Midwestern gay and bisexual men
completed surveys assessing their degree of homosexuality, their
degree of positive or negative attitudes towards homosexuality,
and a range of mental and sexual health variables. In all cases,
internalized homonegativity, not being homosexual, predicted
poorer mental health (particularly increased depression) and
worse sexual health. The study appears in the September issue of
the Journal of Homosexuality. The study helps inform the debate
of whether or not being homosexual is healthy, said Simon
Rosser, Ph.D., a researcher in the School of Public Health and
principal investigator of the study. "This study is a missing
link in our understanding of the