Gender identification and attitudes toward gay people: Gender and sexuality differences and similarities

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated the existence of gender and sexuality differences in attitudes toward gay people (which in this paper includes both lesbian women and gay men unless specified). However, these studies did not account for people with diverse genders and sexual orientations ascribing different meanings to their gender identification and its potential role in attitudes towards gay people. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between gender identification and attitudes toward gay people among individuals of different genders and sexual orientations. Based on data obtained from 851 Russian respondents, the study reports the exploration of the direct link between two components of gender identification and four components of attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. Results indicated that stronger gender identification, in general, was related to more negative attitudes toward both gay men and lesbians. At the same time, compared to women and bisexual respondents, this link was stronger among men and straight participants respectively. A possible explanation via traditional gender ideologies is discussed.

Minority stress among Russian lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in young and middle adulthood: Associations with internalizing and externalizing mental health problems.

“…Today's Russian LGBT community faces more violence cases than ever before, including severe hate crimes (Human Rights Watch, 2014Kondakov, 2021;Russian LGBT Network, 2016). Social psychological research conducted in Russia shows that being male, living in rural areas, being religiously and politically conservative, knowing no LGBT people, and having traditional gender roles and gender attitudes are factors associated with enhanced levels of homo/ bi/transphobia (Horne et al, 2017;Gulevich et al, 2018Gulevich et al, , 2022Gulevich et al, , 2023.…”

Mental Symptoms, Life Satisfaction and Sexual Orientation: A Gender Analysis

“…Research has revealed differences in attitudes towards sexual minorities, with heterosexual men expressing more negative attitudes than heterosexual women. In addition, other variables are also relevant, including adherence to traditional ideologies of family and gender [24,25]. Traditional gender ideologies are prevalent in societies and propose deep and persistent differences between women and men [24].…”

“…In addition, other variables are also relevant, including adherence to traditional ideologies of family and gender [24,25]. Traditional gender ideologies are prevalent in societies and propose deep and persistent differences between women and men [24]. Many measures of gender ideology have focused on assessing individuals' level of support for a division of family responsibilities and paid work, which is based on the belief in gendered distinct spheres [26].…”