Effects on Heterosexuals HOMOPHOBIA: Effects on Heterosexuals

PSYCHOLOGICAL Do not internalise stigmatised (inferior) sexual or gender identity – internalise superior sexual/gender identity resulting in higher self esteem (But may have internalised stigmatised identity in relation to race, gender, disability, class…) Not dealing with demons of homophobia or biphobia or transphobia during adolescence, not question ‘who am I?’–get on with ‘being straight’ - developing social skills, relationship skills, communication skills, get on with education/exams Affects attitudes and behaviour

ATTITUDES: The Netherlands Appears to be more acceptance than anywhere else 2013: 85% Dutch population support s-s marriage and adoption 2015: EU poll 91% Netherlands support s-s marriage 7% think negatively about homosexuality and bisexuality 10% think negatively about trans people

Attitudes amongst adolescents 2015 study between youth in USA and The Netherlands found Dutch youth more accepting Between country differences; America: justified attitudes on social norms and religion Dutch: justified attitudes on individual rights and biological/genetic basis of homosexuality

Haney, 2016 Lit Review Societal attitudes about homosexuality in the Netherlands more conservative than might be expected. Despite progressive social policies and support for gay rights, anti-gay sentiment increasing: 10% of hate crimes directed towards gays and lesbians. Gay men pressured to live hetero-normative lifestyles (serious psychological repercussions). Some Dutch citizens may superficially accept homosexuality because it is the norm.

Lit review cont… Negative relationship between national economic inequality and sexual minority tolerance. Negative relationship between religiosity and sexual intolerance. But no difference when affluence taken into account! Homophobia continues to be linked with fear of AIDS.

Haney findings Not wanting a person with AIDS as neighbour strongest predictor of homonegativity (6.9 times more likely) Being unhappy significant predictor of homonegativity. Positive mood associated with higher levels of intergroup trust. But people who are happy more likely to make stereotypical judgments about outgroups.

Findings cont… Not wanting immigrants/foreign workers as neighbours significant predictor. (Low tolerance for Muslim immigrants – perceived as threat to Dutch culture.) Threatened egos more like to have negative attitudes about outgroups. Females and individuals with higher educational attainment more tolerant towards homosexualty.

Haney: future research concentrate on modern homonegativity Traditional homonegativity based on religious objections, moral condemnation, myths, strict adherence to narrow parameters of ‘normality’.

Modern homonegativity Gay men and lesbians making illegitimate (unnecessary) demands for changes in status quo ( like marriage) Discrimination against gays and lesbians a thing of the past Gays and lesbians exaggerate importance of their sexual orientation thereby perpetuating their own marginalisation.

Exercise Hand out Personal Homophobia Questionnaire Complete individually Discuss within pairs.