Normalcy, Boundaries, and Heterosexism: An Exploration of Online Lesbian Health Queries

Abstract

This research examines health queries posed to an online, lesbian-centered “Ask the Doctor” service. Quantitative content analysis and grounded theory analysis techniques were used to identify prevalent health and health care concerns and identify qualitative themes. Queries primarily addressed sexual/gynecological health, conception/family planning, and culturally competent health care services. The content of queries was shaped by the desire to conform to social norms, the presence of symptoms/behaviors that transcend bodily boundaries, and encounters with heterosexist health care. These contextual factors also contributed to individuals’ conceptions of risk and health behaviors. Implications for future research and health promotion strategies are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• health services
• Internet
• lesbians
• United States

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank Dr. Patrick O’Byrne, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Ottawa for his helpful consultation regarding qualitative themes. The authors are also grateful to the Lesbian Health & Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco for sharing the research data.