The Hidden Struggle: Sexual Exploitation Among LGBTQ+ Adults

Sexual exploitation is a serious issue that affects many people. It happens when someone is forced into sexual acts without their consent. This problem is particularly severe among LGBTQ+ individuals. However, many studies have not given this community the attention it deserves. Often, these studies do not include enough LGBTQ+ participants. They also do not separate data by sexual orientation and gender identity. This makes it hard to understand the full picture of sexual exploitation in this group. In 2024, a revised survey was used to better understand sexual exploitation among LGBTQ+ adults. This survey looked at a national sample of 474 LGBTQ+ individuals. It went beyond the usual scenarios involving cisgender heterosexual people. The survey found that a shocking 95. 23% of participants had experienced some form of sexual exploitation. This high number shows that more research is urgently needed. The survey found that asexual and lesbian cisgender women were less likely to experience verbal pressure and illegal acts compared to bisexual cisgender women. This is an important finding. It shows that different groups within the LGBTQ+ community face different risks. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating effective prevention and intervention strategies. Technology-facilitated sexual exploitation is a growing concern. It is important to address this issue head-on. The survey highlights the need for more research in this area. Future studies should focus on underrepresented subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community. This will help ensure that the findings are reliable and useful. The results of this survey underscore the urgent need for targeted efforts. These efforts should aim to prevent and address sexual exploitation among LGBTQ+ individuals. By understanding the unique challenges faced by this community, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society.