Sexual Orientation Microaggressions and the Experience of Sexual Minorities

Abstract

This qualitative study sought to confirm and expand on previous research on sexual orientation microaggressions—subtle discrimination in the form of verbal, behavioral, and environmental slights and indignities as defined by Sue (2010). The study had two primary research questions: Does the data from the sample validate Sue's (2010) typology of sexual orientation microaggressions? Beyond Sue's (2010) typology, are other themes/types of sexual orientation microaggressions present in the data? Using a focus group methodology, data was collected from a sample of self-identified non-heterosexual college students (N = 12). Data analysis confirmed five previously identified themes from Sue's (2010) typology (Endorsement of Heteronormative Culture, Sinfulness, Homophobia, Heterosexist Language/Terminology, and Oversexualization) and demonstrated two new themes (Undersexualization and Microaggressions as Humor). The implications of sexual orientation microaggressions, along with limitations and future research directions, are discussed.

Keywords:

• bisexual
• discrimination
• gay
• lesbian
• heterosexism
• sexual orientation microaggressions

Notes

1. Given the wide range of self-identifiers used in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, etc.), the more simple terms non-heterosexual or sexual minority are used throughout the article and are meant to include any sexual orientation identification that is not heterosexual.