Levels Of Homophobia Research Articles

Bisexual erasure and homophobia: attitudinal patterns under consideration of sexual identity

With the increasing visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and other (LGBTQ+) individuals, sociological debates about attitudes towards the group and their intergroup dynamics have intensified. This article investigates the link between factors explaining homophobia and negative attitudes towards bisexuals, often referred to as ‘biphobia’ or ‘bisexual erasure’, using original data collected in August 2021 from Germany (N = 1,342). The study reveals that while factors influencing homophobia and favouring bisexual erasure are similar, they are not identical. Our findings indicate that when bisexual (N = 72) and homosexual (N = 70) individuals are grouped together, they exhibit lower levels of homophobia compared to heterosexuals (N = 1,200). However, we find no significant difference between them and heterosexuals regarding bisexual erasure. This effect is primarily driven by homosexuals’ prejudice towards bisexuals. Furthermore, bisexuals, in comparison with homosexuals, are less likely to disagree with the notion that homosexuals are less capable of being good parents than heterosexuals.

LGBTI Healthcare in Medical Education.

Our aim is to reveal the interaction of cultural and religious influences with professional equipment by determining the level of knowledge, sexual attitudes, and homophobia of medical students about LGBTI+ individuals. The study included 324 students from our faculty of medicine. The Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia scale, the Attitudes Towards Lesbians and Gay Men scale, and the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes scale were used with the sociodemograpic data form. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. The mean score of the students from the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia scale was 58.50. The findings of our study support that medical students consider that the education they receive in this regard is inadequate. One of the goals of undergraduate medical education is the provision of health services to all segments of society; therefore, it is recommended to make improvements in the curriculum in this regard.

Unveiling homophobia: A study of attitudes in Serbian society

The main goal of this study is to analyse attitudes towards gays and lesbians in Serbia, as well as across the broader region and Europe. Conclusions regarding homophobia are drawn from data gathered through several empirical studies, namely: the ninth and tenth rounds of the European Social Survey (ESS), conducted in 2018 and 2021, and three surveys conducted by the Institute for Sociological Research in 2003, 2012, and 2018. Comprehensive research material allows for the tracking of changes in attitudes within Serbia over the past two decades (2003-2021). In the first part, we address contextual factors related to the legal and social position of the LGBTIQ population in Serbia. This part also includes various measurement instruments and definitions used in studies since the 1980s, concerning different types of negative attitudes (prejudices) towards lesbians and gay men. In the second part, we present data for Serbia as well as comparative data on homophobia across the region and Europe. As hypothesised, research results show that significant levels of homophobia persist over time, with no considerable changes in two decades. We believe that this paper will make a meaningful contribution to research on attitudes towards LGBTIQ in Serbia and the region by offering a comparative perspective, thus addressing a gap in the study of homophobia in post-socialist countries.

Sağlık Profesyonellerinin Lezbiyen ve Gey Bireylere Yönelik Tutumları, Homofobi ve Empati Düzeyleri: Türkiye Örneği

This study aimed to determine the attitudes, homophobia, and empathy levels of healthcare professionals toward Lesbian and Gay individuals. This descriptive and cross-sectional study’s population consisted of healthcare workers working in hospitals in Turkey between April 2022 and August 2022. Using snowball method, 678 healthcare professionals who consented to participate in the study were recruited for the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers, the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gays Scale (ATLGS), the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale (HRHS), and the Toronto Empathy Scale (TES).79.4% of the participants reported that caring for Lesbian and Gay (LG) individuals is no different from caring for heterosexual individuals. Low homophobia levels, work experience, and the existence of gay friends were identified as factors significantly influencing healthcare professionals’ positive attitudes toward LG. Healthcare professionals have partially positive attitudes about LG individuals and partially homophobic attitudes, and their empathetic abilities influence their attitudes toward them.

Men’s engagement in and enjoyment of cunnilingus: The role of gendered attitudes, sexual scripts, and masculinity

There is currently little research investigating men’s lack of engagement in cunnilingus. This study explored reasons why some men do not engage in cunnilingus, as well as characteristics that distinguish those who engage from those who do not. A convenience sample of 935 straight and bisexual/pansexual male participants were asked to indicate whether they have ( n = 833, Mage = 37.14, SDage = 14.12) or have not ( n = 102, Mage = 21.63, SDage = 6.11) engaged in cunnilingus. Additionally, we interrogated participants’ sexual history, precarious manhood belief, sexist beliefs, sexual narcissism, homophobia, and attitudes toward women’s genitals. Our results indicated that engagement in cunnilingus is very common among men who have sex with women, with 89.09% of our sample having performed oral sex at least once and the overwhelming majority of engagers (94.47%) indicating enjoyment. However, we also identified that men who do not engage in cunnilingus demonstrated greater levels of homophobia, had more negative attitudes toward women’s genitals, and were less likely to be sexually narcissistic than men who did engage in cunnilingus. Endorsement of precarious manhood belief, benevolent sexism, and hostile sexism did not influence engagement in cunnilingus. Results also indicated that the primary reason men do not engage in or enjoy cunnilingus—aside from lack of opportunity—was the perception that cunnilingus is “gross.” Further, men who engaged in oral sex but did not enjoy it demonstrated greater endorsement of both precarious manhood belief and hostile sexism, as well as higher levels of homophobia and more negative attitudes toward women’s genitals.

Exploring the relationship between transphobia and homophobia and other demographic factors among practicing and future primary school teachers

Based on an existing measure of homophobia, we developed an instrument to measure both transphobia and homophobia, as well as their relationship with other demographic variables that included attributed sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and political affinity. Research was designed to establish the relationship between homophobia and transphobia, by comparing the results of a validated Homophobia Test with a Transphobia Test that has been designed by adapting the same items; and to explore the relationship between homophobia/transphobia and other socio-demographic variables, specifically including gender, geographic origin, sexual orientation, political ideology, and religious conviction). Our research with 1,133 trainee and 182 practicing teachers demonstrated the reliability of our instrument, suggesting a correspondence between the two types of prejudice. Our results also found that these two prejudices followed similar trends with respect to other variables: respondents who identified as men showed higher levels of both homophobia and transphobia, as did those who professed religious conviction and were affiliated with the right wing of the political spectrum. We found that people who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual were less homophobic and transphobic that those who identified as heterosexual. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the two types of prejudice explored here derive from a common factor, the broader social construct of cisgenderism, so that any deviation from the heterosexual matrix, whether in terms of gender identity, gender presentation, or sexual orientation, results in social stigma. The professionals included in our sample are entrusted with well-being of all children, and are responsible for teaching about human diversity as part of the curriculum. Our findings will help us understand how teachers might respond to children who transgress, or are perceived to transgress, cisgendered norms, and to design more effective teacher training concerning sex and gender diversity.

SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD LGBT+ IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article is devoted to the study of social attitudes towards LGBT+ people, as well as to the identification of factors that contribute to a positive or negative attitude on the part of Kazakhstani society. Nowadays, many countries of the world are observing a gradual change in the attitude of society towards LGBT+ people and extensive research is carried out globally on the attitude of society towards homosexuality and transgender. However, in the countries of Central Asia, due to the high level of homophobia, the attitude of society towards the LGBT+ community is still negative, if not hostile. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors, which influence the formation of the image and attitudes towards LGBT+ among Kazakhstanis, as well as to establish the reasons that contribute to the positive acceptance of LGBT+. To fully understand the topic and achieve our goals, we conducted a quantitative study where participants completed an online questionnaire. According to the results of the research, we discovered that the phenomenon of LGBT+ in Kazakhstani society is still socially unacceptable, despite the rather high percentage of benevolent and positive attitudes, which confirm the previously stated conclusions of researchers and experts. In addition, the analysis showed a low percentage of awareness of organizations and initiatives protecting the rights of LGBT+, which raises the question of increasing the audience coverage to be acquainted with such organizations and present the results of activities in the socio-political space. Nevertheless, a statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of relatives, friends, acquaintances who are representatives of LGBT +, and the status of attitude towards them. This is due to the fact that direct interaction with LGBT+ representatives affect the reduction of prejudices and stereotypes. Obtained data expand our understanding of the relationship between society's attitudes and gender identity and sexual orientation in Kazakhstani reality, explaining the factors that contribute to the formation of benevolent or negative attitudes. However, the limited number of collected data cannot possibly reflect a full picture of the attitudes toward LGBT+ in Kazakhstan, and representative sampling is required in future studies. Key words: attitudes, LGBTQ+, identity, values, violence.

Association between Homophobia and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Health Workers in Southern Chile.

Homophobic attitude in health workers is a social determinant in the health of the homosexual population because it affects healthcare and its access and equity. The objective was to determine the relationship between the level of homophobia and sociodemographic characteristics of primary health workers in southern Chile. This was an analytical cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 491 public servants from health centers in southern Chile. The attitudes toward lesbians and gay men (ATLG) scale was applied, and a binary logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association. The study participants were predominantly women (76.0%), under 40 years of age (63.5%), heterosexuals (93.5%), and unpartnered (68.2%) but with children (61.7%), and they also had an educational attainment ≥ 12 years (66.6%). About 87.6% of the participants held healthcare positions, and the majority were religious believers (74.3%) and had a centrist political affiliation (51.0%). Results indicated that 34% of the participants exhibited homophobic attitudes; there were statistically significant differences with respect to age, number of children, educational attainment, religion, and political affiliation (p < 0.01). These were higher in individuals ≥40 years of age, with ≥3 children, with educational attainment ≥ 12 years, holding a healthcare position, who were religious believers, and who had right-wing political affiliation.

Examination of the relationship between gender roles of mental health specialists and levels of sexual myths and homophobia

In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the approaches of mental health experts in terms of the relationship between gender roles, sexual myths and homophobia levels. For this purpose, experts working in the field of mental health; when they were evaluated in terms of their knowledge level on sexual orientation, professional experience and gender, the analysis of the detectability of a direct relationship with homophobia was made. The sample of the study consists of 300 experts working in the field of mental health. In the context of data collection tools in the research, "survey technique" was used. The form containing the voluntary consent of the participants and demographic information together, the “Gender Roles Scale” that measures the gender roles of individuals, the “Sexual Myths Scale” that detects sexual myths and the that measures the level of homophobia ''Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale'' were used.

Online group work with social workers to enhance skills for working with LGBTQIA+ people

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates that social workers who participate in online group work that utilizes LGBTQIA+ films, discussion, and didactic training on LGBGQIA+ history, term, and issues can strengthen their empathy for LGBTQIA+ people and reduce their homophobia in preparation for serving people in LGBTQIA+ communities better. A total of 24 social workers from the Istanbul Branch of the Association of Social Workers, 12 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group, participated in the research. It has been observed that online group work, which is carried out with nested design, which is one of the mixed methods, significantly reduces the homophobia levels of social workers. Workshops and group work should be carried out to reduce the LGBTQIA+phobic attitudes of social workers, and these studies should be prepared in a way that includes the life experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.

A discriminational attitude and behavior in the healthcare field: Homophobia level in healthcare professionals working in primary health services and the affecting factors.

To investigate the homophobia level among the healthcare professionals working in primary healthcare services and the affecting factors. This descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted between November 2018 and April 2019, included 184 healthcare professionals. The mean total score of the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale was 103.55 ± 30.47. There was a statistically significant difference between the marital status of the healthcare professionals, what they felt during the care/treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, level of knowledge about such individuals, willingness to know more about them, and the status of having LGBTI acquaintances and the median homophobia score. The results will be beneficial for LGBTI individuals, who have problems in communicating with primary healthcare personnel, to benefit from the services effectively.

The impact of psycho-education on school-children’s homophobic attitudes

Homophobic bullying is a major social issue, especially in the school settings. This may be particularly common in many Western countries but it appears globally. Bullying causes both short and long-term problems hence its prevention must be seen as a relevant and urgent step in educational settings. Psycho-educational programs should be promoted in order to help eliminate school-children’s prejudices and bias about gay and lesbian peers, homophobic bullying. 191 school-children (n = 101 females, n = 90 males), aged 12–14 years old, attending a secondary school in Foggia (Italy) were recruited and assessed at baseline (T0) and 2 months (T1) after receiving a systematized, repeated psycho-education aimed to promote their awareness on sexual variations, and reduce homophobic prejudices and stereotypes. They were assessed for their empathy quotients, their knowledge of gender– related stereotypes, homophobic attitudes, anger, emotional regulation, before (T0) and after the intervention (T1) in a standardized manner. The psychoeducational program significantly reduced homophobia levels towards gays (−9.38%) and lesbians (−5.42%,) as well as improved emotional adjustment (+25.9%) and pro-sociality (+3.85%) among school-children (0.0486≤ all p < 0.0001). Also, a statistically significant improvement of empathy (+11.3%) and levels of state anger (+0.35%) has been significantly reported. This study reports on the benefits of a repeated, systematic, prospective psycho-educational intervention conducted in the school-setting leading to an improvement of empathy, pro-sociality, emotional regulation and a reduction of homophobic attitudes and anger among students.

Determining the Attitudes of Medicine Faculty Instructors Toward LGBT Individuals.

It has been shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) patients are not able to receive the health care they need due to in part homophobia among health care providers. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes toward LGBT people by medical school faculty members, the educators of the health care providers. The study was designed as cross-sectional, using the Hudson-Ricketts homophobia scale and a questionnaire prepared by the researchers and conducted in two different medical schools. A medium level of homophobia was found among the faculty of medical schools. A greater tendency to homophobia was found in men, assistant professors, those working at the university smaller in size, and those think who believe that there is no discrimination against LGBT students. Recognizing homophobic attitudes of medical faculty and lack of LGBT health issues in the medical curriculum are problems needing resolution.

Associations Between Fathers' Masculinity Orientation and Anticipated Reaction Toward Their Child's Coming Out.

The present study examined associations between fathers’ masculinity orientation and their anticipated reaction toward their child’s coming out as lesbian or gay (LG). Participants were 134 German fathers (28 to 60years) of a minor child. They were asked how they would personally react if, one day, their child disclosed their LG identity to them. As hypothesized, fathers with a stronger masculinity orientation (i.e., adherence to traditional male gender norms, such as independence, assertiveness, and physical strength) reported that they would be more likely to reject their LG child. This association was serially mediated by two factors: fathers’ general anti-LG attitudes (i.e., level of homophobia) and their emotional distress due to their child’s coming out (e.g., feelings of anger, shame, or sadness). The result pattern was independent of the child’s gender or age. The discussion centers on the problematic role of traditional masculinity when it comes to fathers’ acceptance of their non-heterosexual child.

Attitudes of registered physiotherapists in Israel toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the attitudes of registered physiotherapists (PTs) in Israel toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) and to identify background characteristics associated with their attitudes toward LGB individuals.MethodsThis nationwide study in Israel employed an observational design. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire which included demographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and religiousness) and questions regarding sources of knowledge about LGB individuals, and type of acquaintance with an LGB individual. In addition to two self-assessment questions regarding levels of homophobia (active engagement against LGB individuals) and heterosexism (holding negative opinions regarding LGB individuals) answered on a five point Likert scale (1 – not at all homophobic/ heterosexist, 5- very homophobic/ heterosexist) and the Hebrew version of the Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Scale (ATHS). Participants were recruited through professional organizations, social media, and word of mouth.ResultsThe data of 383 registered PTs practicing in Israel were analyzed. The median score regarding level of homophobia and heterosexism was one (“not at all”). ATHS scores ranged between 32 and 110 (out of 110), with a median score of 106 and 41% scoring below the median. Multivariant logistic regression indicated that identifying as men, heterosexual orientation, and religiousness were significantly associated with less positive attitudes toward LGB individuals. Only 2% of the participants reported having been introduced to issues regarding the LGB community during their professional physiotherapy education.ConclusionsRegistered PTs in Israel demonstrated favorable attitudes toward LGB individuals, as reflected both by ATHS scores and levels of self-reported homophobia and heterosexism. Based on the current results regarding sources of knowledge, updating the physiotherapy curriculum to include information regarding sexual orientation and health of the LGB community is suggested.

Assessment of the homophobic attitudes of the emergency department professionals: descriptive survey study

INTRODUCTION: Homophobia can be defined as fear, hatred, discrimination, and even violent feelings and behaviors developed towards individuals with sexual orientations different to other individuals of the same sex. Our study was conducted to assess the levels of homophobia among emergency medicine specialists, practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals working in the emergency department (ED). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out as a descriptive survey study in Gaziantep, Turkey, between July 7, 2018 and August 30, 2018. The data was collected using a Google survey form link sent to volunteers via mobile phone. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 30.85 ± 7 (20–53) years. While 77.5% (n = 117) of the volunteers who participated in the study worked in state hospitals, 11.3% (n = 17) worked in a private hospital. The Cronbach’s Alpha value was calculated as 92.3 and the scale average score as 85.42 ± 12.33 as a result of the evaluation of the Likert-type scale. While 69 (45.7%) people were lower in homophobia, 82 (54.3%) were higher in homophobia. A difference in attitudes towards homosexuals was only observed between those who had a homosexual friend or acquaintance and those who did not (p = 0.009). Accordingly, those with homosexual friends were determined to be less homophobic. On the other hand, it was observed that those with a homosexual acquaintance and those with no homosexual acquaintances were more homophobic. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was shown that emergency medicine specialists and other health professionals working in the ED exhibit high levels of homophobic attitudes and behaviors. Including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBT-I) health problems in in-service trainings may contribute to the improvement of homophobic attitudes.

Determining the Homophobia Level of Individuals in Different Countries: A Case Study of Community in Turkey, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal

Objective: To determine the homophobia level of ındividuals in different countries.&#x0D; Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study among 518 individuals of ages 18 years and above living in Turkey (Agri), Nigeria (Ibadan), Pakistan (Charsadda), India (Punjab), Bangladesh (Chittagong) and Nepal (Kathmandu). Using google form they completed a demographic characteristics form and Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale&#x0D; Results: The homophobia scale total score mean was 92.97 ± 27.47. The total score means the homophobia scale was statistically significantly higher among Nigeria nationality, religious belief Christian, male, health personnel and those who do not have a homosexual acquaintance (p &lt;0.05). A statistically significant relationship was also found between homophobia scale total score mean and age (p &lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Nationality, religion, gender, occupation, age and whether or not one has homosexual acquaintances are key demographic correlates of homophobia level. However, the study recommends that further investigation should be conducted with a larger group for a proper inference of causation to be drawn. &#x0D;

Homophobia levels of parents of nursing students and affecting factors.

The aim of this study is to determine the homophobia levels of parents of students who receive nursing education and the factors affecting their homophobia levels. The study was carried out as a descriptive and cross-sectional study on the 375 parents of nursing students. There was statistically significant difference between the case when parents know that there is a homosexual individual in their immediate environment and the mean The Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale (HRHS) score, as well as between the case when parents know that a friend of theirs is homosexual and the mean HRHS score (p < 0.05). It should be taken into account that parents' prejudices against homosexuals may also affect the way their children view homosexuals.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON HOMOPHOBIA AMONG POST GRADUATE STUDENTS IN KOLKATA

Present paper gives a birds eye view about the empirical study on homophobia among post graduate students group in Kolkata. The importance of the present study is to identify the differences in the irrational fear about the shamefulness of homosexuality among boys and girls studying post graduation in Kolkata. The sample of the study consisted of 15 boys and 15 girls with age group of 21-23 years were drawn from different post graduate colleges in Kolkata. The scales used were Homophobia scale by Wright, L. W., Adams, H. E., &amp;Bernat, J. (1999). The Homophobia scale includes items that examine social avoidance and aggressive acting, when individuals are measured with this scale. A t-test was used to identify the significant differences between boys and girls in terms of homophobia level among them. The results of the study clearly indicate that there is no significant difference among the sexes with respect to the irrational fear about discrimination, rejection from the community regarding homosexuality.

Are Nurses Homophobic? A Survey Study in Public Hospitals in Turkey.

Studies conducted with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people in Turkey have found that such people experience social isolation, neglect, insufficient healthcare services, and disrespect. However, no study has been reported related to clinicians' approaches and attitudes towards them. This study aimed to determine the attitudes of nurses towards homosexual individuals and the factors associated with the homophobia levels of nurses. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey study. The study was conducted with 449 participants in four hospitals. Nurses who had been working for at least 1 year in the hospitals were included in the sample of the study. The data were collected by using a two-part survey form. The first part was an information form regarding the participants' socio-demographic and professional characteristics, and the second part was the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale. The data were analyzed using numbers, percentages, means, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency analysis, parametric tests (t test and analysis of variance), nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis) and multiple linear regression. The study found that most of the Turkish nurses were not professionally homophobic. However, their personal homophobia scores were high. Their attitudes towards homosexuals varied by factors such as education level, acquaintance with LGBTI people, level of acquaintance, and locations of the hospitals. Nurses who work in public hospitals stated that they would provide care for LGBTI people. However, their Homophobia Scale scores were over the mid-point. Subjects related to the health needs of LGBTI people should be included in the curricula of nursing departments and in in-service training at health service institutions. LGBTI individuals have complained about the reaching out health care services and negative attitudes of health care professionals towards them. Findings of this study provides important data to understand the homophobia level and reasons of nurses to develop in-service education and training programs for coping and changing their negative attitudes.