Moving Forward: Our Bodies, Our Pride An LGBTQ-Focused Sexual Health Curriculum Open Access

Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people face discrimination, social stigma and abuse; often from their own communities and families (Katz-Wise, Rosario, & Tsappis, 2016). They are also at risk for HIV, STI's, substance misuse, and homelessness (Cochran, Stewart, Ginzler, & Cauce, 2002; Coker, Austin, & Schuster, 2010; Wood, Salas-Humara, & Dowshen, 2016). One nationally-representative survey estimated the prevalence of survival sex among homeless youth to be 28% among street youths and 10% among shelter youths (Greene, Ennett, & Ringwalt, 1999). Despite this vulnerability, there are few sexual health curriculums that include LGBTQ issues and identity. There are fewer still that focus on LGBTQ populations. To address this gap, this project developed an LGBTQ-focused sexual health curriculum to be implemented in Atlanta, Georgia at the Lost and Found Youth Homeless Shelter. The goal of the curriculum is to reduce the incidence of HIV and other STD's among LGBT Homeless Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. Formative research was done through key informant interviews and focus groups at the shelter, as well as reviewing current evidence-based curriculums endorsed by the CDC. A curriculum was then developed using the principles of Social Cognitive Theory and Adult Learning Theory. The curriculum is 9 sessions long and promotes harm reduction, risk reduction, and skill development. When implemented, the curriculum has the potential build self efficacy in participants by increasing health knowledge, promoting positive identity, self-esteem and confidence through a series of exercises; and practicing important skills such as assertive communication, making goals, and condom negotiation. Recommendations for implementation and evaluation include discussion of possible evaluation design and appropriate populations and settings to apply the curriculum to.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

I. Introduction..................................................1

Definition of Terms............................................4

II. Literature Review..........................................6

III. Methods....................................................11

IV. Results......................................................14

V. Discussion, Conclusions, Recommendations.......14

References......................................................18

Appendix.........................................................21

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Education, Health Education, Curriculum and Instruction GLBT Studies
Keyword	LGBTQ Sexual Health
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Rochat, Roger, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Community-based non-profit organization (e.g., AID Atlanta)

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