Heterosexual males who actively embrace feminism and resist homophobia: How do they get that way? Report on a qualitative study of college age U.S. males
To reduce violence and discrimination by males toward women and gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people, it is critical to understand the process through which heterosexual males who self-report as highly accepting gay/lesbian/bi/trans people, and actively embrace feminist values come to hold these values and beliefs. By understanding the processes through which straight males choose not to adopt homophobic and misogynist qualities, it is possible to develop more effective prevention and intervention processes for raising boys and working with males in educational and therapeutic settings. This paper presents the results of in-depth interviews conducted with heterosexual males ages 19 – 30 who self-report as resisting homophobia and embracing feminism.
Interviewers gathered information on family background, relationship history, sensitivity toward sexism, the effects of homophobia on the GLBT population, as well as sexism and homophobia on heterosexual males. Emergent themes include:
(1) Importance of family relationships including:
(a) Strong/feminist mother/sister,
(b) Nurturing/feminist/non-homophobic father,
(c) Negative exposure to homophobic/sexist father;
(2) Exposure to non-homophobic/non-sexist environments, including:
(a) university classes reflecting similar values/beliefs,
(b) Exposure to strong GLBT and feminist populations.
(3) Personal experience in romantic and friendship relationships, including
(a) Female friends/girlfriends who have experienced abuse/acts of discrimination,
(b) girlfriends identifying as feminists,
(c) Forming friendships with GLBT individuals,
(d) Negative exposure to straight males who overtly express homophobic and misogynistic qualities.
Clinical/educational implications: Importance of: Increasing exposure to GLBT populations and women’s issues; exposing males to women’s leadership; affirming mothers to espouse feminist values and fathers who are nurturing/non-homophobic.
