THE HEALTH OF GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN: Theoretical Approaches and Policy Implications

This chapter presents theories and conceptual models that describe the ways in which behavioral, psychological and social aspects of gay and bisexual men (GBM) lived experiences influence health outcomes among the population. It describes key developmental theories that identify the ways in which social structures have framed the ways in which GBM develop their identities over time. The chapter explores key aspects of how social stigma and discrimination influence the mental and physical health of GBM. It discusses how multiple co-occurring epidemics influence the health of GBM across the life course and explains the ways in which state- and federal-level policies influence the health and well-being of GBM. The chapter provides a general, but critical, overview of current theories and controversies concerning the health of GBM. It analyses further expansion of the Sexual Minority Stress model to better incorporate multiple levels of risk and protective mechanisms associated with the health outcomes of GBM.