Sexual Orientation, Geographic Proximity, and Contact Frequency Between Adult Siblings

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to provide the first systematic analysis of differences in the closeness of sibling relations between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual adults.BackgroundAcross countries, LGB people experience poorer socioeconomic and health outcomes than heterosexual people. Although the reasons for this disadvantage are complex, low levels of family support have been recurrently identified as an important contributor. However, the available literature has concentrated on relations between LGB people and their parents, neglecting other important familial bonds—including sibling bonds.MethodTo compare the closeness of sibling relations between individuals with different sexual orientations, this study leverages unique data from an Australian national survey (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, n = 13,157 individuals, 35,622 individual‐sibling pairs) and multilevel regression models.ResultsKey results indicated that—when compared with heterosexual individuals—LGB individuals had less frequent contact with and lived geographically farther from their siblings. The pattern of effects was similar for bisexual and gay or lesbian individuals, and stronger for male than female sexual‐minority individuals. There was only sparse evidence of moderation of these associations by individual or sibling traits.ConclusionsThe findings of this study are consistent with theoretical perspectives highlighting the unique barriers to socioeconomic inclusion experienced by individuals from sexual minorities. They suggest that these barriers begin within the nuclear family.