Contact with bisexual individuals reduces binegativity among heterosexuals and lesbian women and gay men

Abstract

Although binegativity, the stigmatization of bisexuality, is prevalent among heterosexual and lesbian and gay communities, little research has addressed how the quantity and quality of intergroup contact affect binegativity. Drawing on intergroup contact theory, this study examined contact with and attitudes toward bisexuals among heterosexual undergraduates, heterosexual adults, and lesbians and gay men. Knowing more bisexuals (quantity) predicted more positive attitudes toward and decreased intergroup anxiety with male and female bisexuals. A multilevel structural equation model indicated that contact quality simultaneously predicted higher perceived stability of female bisexuality (but not male bisexuality) and tolerance of and less intergroup anxiety with male and female bisexuals when contact quantity was controlled for. This research suggests that both quantity and quality of contact with bisexuals predicts improved intergroup attitudes. Implications for future research on reducing binegativity are discussed.

An experimental investigation of the application of binegative stereotypes.

“…The lack of differences on several indicators of sexual irresponsibility between bisexual and nonbisexual targets in the LGCS may reflect lower endorsement of these stereotypes in this population. Lesbian/gay participants are more likely to report knowing a bisexual individual (Lytle, Dyar, Levy, & London, 2017) and thus may also be more aware that these stereotypes about bisexual people reflect bias. Questions about the sexual irresponsibility of bisexual targets may have triggered social desirability concerns among these lesbian/gay participants, leading to lower reported endorsement.…”

Not Straight Enough, nor Queer Enough: Identity Denial, Stigmatization, and Negative Affect Among Bisexual and Pansexual People

“…This difference in magnitude could be partially explained by intergroup contact theory (Allport, 1954). Homosexual people are interacting more frequently (at least knowingly) with plurisexual people, which should result in improved intergroup attitudes (Lytle et al, 2017) and less stigma and biphobia (Luhtanen, 2003;Mohr & Rochlen, 1999).…”

Être lesbienne, gay ou bisexuel·le dans une organisation française : le rôle des micro-agressions homonégatives et l’effet médiateur du climat de diversité sexuelle dans le choix de dévoiler ou dissimuler son orientation sexuelle

“…Dans la même conception, les bénéfices de la révélation sont aussi largement postulés : plus de satisfaction personnelle avec son niveau d'ouverture, moins de peur d'être exposé•e, plus d'engagement organisationnel affectif, moins de conflit entre la vie privée et la vie professionnelle, plus de satisfaction au travail, et plus de proximité dans les relations professionnelles (Boyles, 2008 ;Bradford et al, 1997 ;Clair et al, 2005 ;Croteau & Lark, 1995 ;Day & Schoenrade, 1997 ;Griffith & Hebl, 2002). Le dévoilement peut également donner lieu à un changement d'attitude positif vis-à-vis des personnes LGB (Clair et al, 2005), puisque les personnes hétérosexuelles ayant plus de contact quantitatif et qualitatif avec celles LGB montrent des attitudes plus favorables à leur égard (Cotten-Huston & Waite, 2000 ;Levina, Waldo, & Fitzgerald, 2000 ;Lytle, Dyar, Levy, & London, 2017 ;Steffens & Wagner, 2004).…”