https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4966-871X
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Abstract
Although social acceptance of same sex parenting in Australia has improved, prejudice toward same sex parented families still exists. Using the contact hypothesis as a theoretical framework, the aim of this mixed methods study was to investigate the influence that personal contact with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people has on attitudes toward same sex parented families. A sample of Australian adults (n = 210) volunteered to participate in an online survey. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate how number of LGBTQI + acquaintances, frequency of contact and closeness with LGBTQI + individuals impacted beliefs about same sex parenting and children’s adjustment in same sex parented families. Results indicated that frequency and degree of contact with LGBTQI + individuals (but not number of acquaintances) were associated with positive attitudes toward same sex parenting. This novel finding indicates that close relationships (rather than simple acquaintance) with LGBTQI + individuals may be required to reduce prejudice toward same sex parented families.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.