HomeAbstract of 7th-icgssSocial Context and Identity: Coping with Minority Stress in Gay and Bisexual Men. A Systematic Review

Social Context and Identity: Coping with Minority Stress in Gay and Bisexual Men. A Systematic Review

  • Jun 18, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 7th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality

Year: 2026

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Social Context and Identity: Coping with Minority Stress in Gay and Bisexual Men. A Systematic Review

Guillermo Laguna Murcia

ABSTRACT:

Background: The minority stress model explains mental health disparities among sexual minorities because of chronic exposure to stigma and discrimination. In gay and bisexual men, the role of social context in shaping these experiences and coping mechanisms remains fragmented and inconsistently addressed across studies. Objective: To systematically analyze qualitative evidence on the impact of social context on the experience and management of minority stress among gay and bisexual men. Methods: A systematic qualitative review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in Web of Science and PubMed, between February 16 and March 6, 2025, using 18 search terms combined with Boolean operators (AND/OR), getting repeated in March 2026. From an initial 3009 records, 24 qualitative studies were included based on eligibility criteria (cisgender gay or bisexual men aged 18–59 years). Methodological quality was assessed using the COREQ checklist, and findings were synthesized through a narrative thematic integration. Results: Findings indicate that community belonging, and social support networks act as protective factors against minority stress, whereas heteronormative, religious, or rural contexts increase identity concealment and psychological distress. Sexual identity emerges as a dynamic and contextually negotiated process, with visibility and authenticity influenced by environmental conditions. Conclusions: Social context is a key determinant of minority stress among gay and bisexual men. Inclusive environments foster self-acceptance and resilience, while exclusionary structures exacerbate psychological vulnerability. These findings highlight the need for community-based interventions and inclusive public policies aimed at promoting mental health and reducing inequalities among sexual minorities.

Keywords: Bisexual, Gay, Identity, Mental Health, Minority Stress, Society, Systematic Review