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Abstract
A multidimensional measure of sexual prejudice was developed to assess the increasing complexity of heterosexuals' attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a valid and reliable 7-factor measure that assessed: 1) traditional heterosexism; 2) tendency to deny anti-gay discrimination continues; 3) aversion toward gay men; 4) aversion to lesbians; 5) judgments regarding the value of the gay and lesbian movement; 6) resistance to heteronormative expectations; and 7) endorsement of positive beliefs about gay people. A modern heterosexism theory was supported and queer/liberationist notions of anti-heteronormativity and positive beliefs were found to be related to pro-homosexual attitudes.
Notes
1. This lack of perceived economic threat may be changing. As economically well-off (mostly) gay men and (some) lesbians become a more visible minority, realistic group conflict effects may result. Some have argued that this concern is already present in traditionally more accepting job sectors, such as the art and entertainment industries (CitationGluckman & Reed, 1997; CitationPiore, 1997).
2. Although a few of the items from the ATLG are outdated and/or confusing (e.g., “Male homosexuality is merely a different kind of lifestyle that should not be condemned”), these items represent the traditional (and most widely cited) tool for measuring anti-homosexual prejudice and were, therefore, included.
3. An attempted interpretation of a fourth factor was inconclusive.
4. Low factor loading requirements were used in order to allow greater theoretical flexibility prior to the final confirmatory analyses.
5. Because of the homogeneity of the sample, comparisons based on race were inconclusive.
6. Gender neutral items were dropped. Sixteen items comprised the two Aversion subscales.