An Update and Reflections on Fear of and Discrimination Against Bisexuals, Homosexuals, and Individuals with AIDS

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between biphobia, homophobia, AIDS phobia, an individual's sexual opinions and the orientation of an individual's past sexual behaviors and fantasies. Participants (N = 224) completed five self-report measures designed to specifically assess these psychological constructs. There were statistically significant correlations between the participants’ fear and discrimination of sexual minorities and individuals with AIDS. Additionally, the results suggest that more conservative views regarding sexuality are associated with higher levels of biphobia and homophobia. Finally, past sexual fantasies, which were more exclusively gay/lesbian in content, were associated with lower levels of erotophobia, biphobia and homophobia.

KEYWORDS:

• biphobia
• homophobia
• AIDS-phobia
• sexual opinions