Abstract

Previous research studies have indicated that intergroup contact between heterosexuals and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals has been associated with more positive feelings about and understanding of the LGB community. The current study examined how closeness of that intergroup contact between heterosexual, cisgender students and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) peers would relate with LGB ally identity and behaviors. Three hundred fifty-three heterosexual, cisgender college students answered questions about their ally identity, knowledge, and behaviors. Close friendships but not coworker-acquaintance relationships with LGBTQ individuals were associated with higher LGB ally identity and behavior measure scores when compared with students who had no such relationships. In the long term, ally relationships can contribute to making the environment safer for LGBTQ people, including students, who may then feel more comfortable to come out. With more out LGBTQ people, close friendships may develop between LGBTQ people and heterosexuals, which could contribute to allyhood.

摘要

先前的研究表明，异性恋者与女同性恋、男同性恋和双性恋 (LGB) 个体之间的群体间接触与对 LGB 社区的更积极感受和理解有关。目前的研究调查了异性恋、顺性别学生和女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋、跨性别和酷儿 (LGBTQ) 同龄人之间的群体间接触的密切程度与 LGB 盟友身份和行为之间的关系。三百五十三名异性恋、顺性别大学生回答了关于他们的盟友身份、知识和行为的问题。与没有这种关系的学生相比，与 LGBTQ 个体的亲密友谊而非同事熟人关系与更高的 LGB 盟友身份和行为测量分数相关。在长期，盟友关系有助于为包括学生在内的 LGBTQ 人提供更安全的环境，他们可能会觉得出来更自在。随着越来越多的 LGBTQ 人离开，LGBTQ 人和异性恋者之间可能会发展出亲密的友谊，这可能有助于建立盟友关系。