Development of Heterosexuals into Sexual-Minority Allies: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Heterosexually identified individuals can serve a crucial role as allies in eliminating sexual prejudice and the resulting policies that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. However, few studies have systematically examined the development of heterosexual allies. Consensual qualitative research methods (Hill et al., The Counseling Psychologist, 25, 517-572, 1997) were used to analyze individual interviews conducted with a community sample of 12 heterosexually identified participants who demonstrated ally commitment through some form of LGBT activism. Findings revealed six domains that best described the development of these heterosexual allies. Participants described early role models, an evolving recognition and understanding of privilege and oppression, and conflict between an awareness of sexual prejudice and deeply held values of justice and equality. Participants also described barriers to LGBT activism and the rewards of ally work. The authors discuss implications for heterosexual ally development and, ultimately, for social justice and equality.Heterosexual privilege (Rich 1980) and discrimination against sexual minorities characterize the dominant culture and the social policies of the United States. In many states and local jurisdictions, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals lack the basic protections of nondiscrimination policies.LGBT youth lack safe and supportive educational environments in which to develop. Many LGBT youth and adults are refused acknowledgment and inclusion in the majority of their religious institutions. Effective military service is thwarted by don't-ask-don't-tell policies. The majority of states have passed referenda that exclude same-sex relationships from access to civil marriage and the resulting protections that legal marriage would provide for their relationships and their children. Despite strong and consistent evidence that parental sexual orientation is unrelated to child well-being, law and policy continue to prohibit same-sex couples from legal adoption and providing foster care. 1 Efforts to end sexual stigma and the resulting discriminatory legal and social policies leveled at LGBT people and their relationships will require the development of strong and committed heterosexual allies. Washington and Evans (1991) have defined an ally as "a person who is a 1 For a detailed discussion of the current policy landscape affecting LGBT individuals, see

The Pedagogical Practices of Québec High School Teachers Relative to Sexual Diversity

“…These conclusions echo two types of literature: well-documented findings on minority teachers arguing that educators who are members of a cultural minority or stigmatized group are the most fervent defenders of the ideals of social justice in school (Kumari, 2012;Torres, Santos, Peck, & Cortes, 2004) and the more recent theories on the role of straight allies in sexual diversity education (Case & Colton Meier, 2014;Duhigg, Rostosky, Gray, & Wimsatt, 2010).…”

Cultivating Positive LGBTQA Identities: An Intervention Study with College Students

“…LGBTQA individuals report that being asked to reflect on the positive aspects of their identity is a novel and welcome experience and recent research has identified several common positive themes in LGBTQA identities (Duhigg et al, 2010;Riggle, Rostosky, McCants, & Pascale-Hague, 2011;Riggle, Whitman, Olson, Rostosky, & Strong, 2008;Rostosky, Riggle, Pascale-Hague, & McCants, 2010). These positive themes include authenticity; self-awareness; insights and personal growth; flexible rules for gender expression; stronger emotional connections with others; freedom to explore relationships and sexuality; empathy and compassion for others; being a mentor, role model or activist; and belonging to an LGBTQ community.…”

“…Studies of heterosexual allies have found that allies were often assumed to be gay or lesbian by others and then stigmatized, harassed, and discredited by non-LGBTQA individuals (e.g., Duhigg, Rostosky, Gray, & Wimsatt, 2010;Neuberg et al, 1994).…”

College Student Experiences with an LGBTQ Ally Training Program: A Mixed Methods Study at a University in the Southern United States

“…Her statement that she thought she was "LGBTQ" if she attended the session is part of a "homophobic self-consciousness" or "fear of being labeled gay by association," which truly implies a naïve perspective that was radically altered following the training (Dillon et al, 2004;Duhigg, Rostosky, Gray, & Wimsatt, 2010). Roxanne points out her ignorance and her newly changed perspective in what she describes as "a whole new comfort level with the LGBTQ community."…”