“That’s so Gay”: Heterosexual Male Undergraduates and the Perpetuation of Sexual Orientation Microagressions on Campus

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Michael Howell Ph.D., Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: “That’s so gay,” a popular expression on campuses, is a sexual orientation microaggression that can contribute to a hostile environment for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students. Using data from a campus climate survey conducted at a large urban university, we investigated use of the phrase among heterosexual male undergraduates who are emerging adults (18–25 years). Multiple regression analysis suggested that saying the phrase is positively associated with hearing peers say it and with holding negative perceptions of feminine men, whereas having LGB acquaintances was negatively associated with use of this expression. We offer practice and policy recommendations for curbing its use, thereby enhancing campus climate.

Additional Information

Publication
Woodford, M. R., Howell, M. L., Silverschanz, P. (2013). “That’s so Gay”: Heterosexual male undergraduates and the perpetuation of sexual orientation microaggressions on campus: "That's so gay!" Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 28(2): 416-435. Published by SAGE (ISSN: 1552-6518). DOI: 10.1177/0886260512454719.
Language: English
Date: 2013

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