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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
“The contact hypothesis” refers to the value of
heterosexuals’ interpersonal contact with gay men and
lesbians in lowering negative attitudes toward them. With
the increasing number of same-sex parented families
worldwide, in spite of a generalized lack of appropriate
social and legal protection, the issue of attitudes toward
gay and lesbian parents gains special relevance. A sample
of 1690 Portuguese heterosexual individuals were
asked about their interpersonal contact experiences with
gay men and lesbians, their attitudes toward them and
toward same-sex parenting. Results revealed that women
and non-religious participants were significantly more
likely to have gay and lesbian acquaintances and friends,
feel more comfortable in their company, and hold less
negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, and gay
and lesbian parenting. A path analysis model revealed
that interpersonal contact experiences were not directly
linked to attitudes toward same-sex families, but were
mediated by homonegativity and comfort with gay men
and lesbians. These findings extend previous knowledge
about the value of interpersonal contact, by highlighting
the roles of homonegativity and positive affect as mediators
of contact experiences on attitudes toward same-sex
parented families.
Description
Keywords
Attitudes Interpersonal contact Friendship with gay men and lesbians Same-sex parenting Homonegativity
Citation
Sexuality research and social policy, 11(3)