The need for more inclusive measures of sexuality within social work research: addressing the erasure of sexual and gender minority populations

ABSTRACT

Despite the growing amount of research among the sexual and gender minority population, there remains little to be seen little in the direction of competencies within helping professions mandating the inclusion of this material in academics. As such, among researchers is confusion in the terms sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation leading to erasure of certain subsets of the population. Using Queer Theory as a guiding principle, researchers can begin allow individuals more freedom in their ability to identify via using more inclusive methods. Participants (N = 628) completed an online survey which included two methods of assessing sexuality (a standard format and a more inclusive format). Results of this study indicate there was a statistically significant difference (p < .0005) in the number of those identifying as sexual and gender minority using the two methods. Moreover, 172 more individuals were identifiable as SGM using the more inclusive method. Using a more inclusive method has the potential to impact not only the ability to estimate the size of the SGM population, it can lead to more accurately tailored social programs and lead to a better understanding of the pervasive discriminatory behaviors directed toward the community.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual and gender minority population
• marginalized populations
• population estimates

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.