Individual Differences in Heterosexual Cisgender Students’ Responses to Brief Education about Local LGBTQ+ Safe Zones

Abstract

We assessed heterosexist attitudes and prior knowledge as correlates of undergraduates’ responses to brief education about an LGBTQ+ ally program. Heterosexual cisgender students with stronger heterosexism reported less favorable attitudes about the program and less sense of community on campus. Prior knowledge moderated this latter association. That is, after brief education, heterosexist students without prior knowledge of the program reported a stronger sense of community than those with prior knowledge. These findings suggest the importance of providing brief, factual education about local inclusivity programs as early as possible to promote an informed student body and positive campus climate.