The Influence of Social Demographics Toward Homosexuality From Seven Countries in Southeast Asia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite sexual orientation not being classified as a mental disorder, homosexual behavior remains the object of discrimination by society. Many people in the world consider it deviant behavior. Even though homosexuality is legal in several Southeast Asian countries, community discrimination toward homosexuals has grown. This study investigates how socio-demographic conditions can explain the rejection of homosexual behavior in seven countries in Southeast Asia. In this study, we use cross-sectional World Value Survey wave 7 data. Using a multivariate logit regression model, we found that most people in Southeast Asia reject homosexual behavior. Also, they believe homosexuals will not become a good parent. Most of the society refuses to socialize and live side by side with a homosexual in their home environment as neighbors. Furthermore, we also found that people are more likely to accept homosexual behavior when they get older. People with a higher level of religiosity, male and married people, have a negative correlation with homosexual behavior, which means they tend to reject the existence of homosexuality. Meanwhile, those who live in urban areas, have daily internet access, and are happier tend to accept homosexual behavior.