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.

Discrimination des minorités sexuelles et de genre au travail : quelles implications pour la santé mentale ?

“…La recherche sur les antécédents et les conséquences des MAHT est encore à un stade embryonnaire (Bostwick et Hequembourg, 2014 ;Platt et Lenzen, 2013 ;Rivera, Nadal et Fisher, 2012 ;Sarno et Wright, 2013 ;Shelton et Delgado-Romero, 2011). Cependant, des études sur les micro-agressions envers les minorités ethnoculturelles montrent leur impact sur la productivité au travail ainsi que sur la santé psychologique et physique, puisqu'elles créent des environnements de travail hostiles et épuisent les ressources cognitives des victimes (p. ex.…”

Latina Lesbian Students: Understanding their Experiences and Perceived Sexual Identity Development at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

“…Among college students the use of microagressions can negatively affect a sexual minority student's wellbeing to the point that it interferes with their learning and personal growth (Nadal et. al., 2010;Platt, & Lenzen, 2013). The negativity from microagressions is manifested in sexual minority students by experiencing trouble sleeping, feelings of isolation, digestive issues and frequent headaches (Croteau, Lidderdale & Chung, 2005;Sue, 2010).…”

“…Statements such as, "that's so gay" are used in the pejorative to define something that is negative or distasteful. Microagressions and macroaggressions build up and eventually have a negative effect on sexual minorities' ability to feel accepted in their environment and impact their physical well-being (Platt & Lenzen, 2013;Sue, 2010;Walls, 2008;.…”

“…Their in class and out of class experiences with peers, shared in the a priori code of alienation and social exclusion, confirmed the challenges Latina lesbians face when trying to affirm their sexuality on campus. Examples of these challenges included: the microagressions and macroagressions conservative student groups exhibited towards the participants as a result of their perceived sexual orientation or gender presentation which made them feel disconnected and unwelcomed (Platt & Lenzen, 2013;Solorzano, Ceja, & Yosso, 2000;Nadal, Rivera, & Corpus, 2010;Sue, 2010).…”

“…These words and behaviors communicate hostility and contribute to creating unwelcoming and unsafe environments and are examples of the microagressions and macroagressions sexual minorities experience in society (Platt & Lenzen, 2013).…”