Study: Sexual minorities experience more exclusion in everyday life

Lesbians, gays and bisexuals experience exclusion more often than heterosexuals. This is the result of a recent study Bulletin for Personality and Social Psychology by researchers from the University of Basel and the RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau.

According to the study, people who are perceived as less gender-conforming are more likely to be socially excluded. This can also affect heterosexual people if they deviate from traditional gender roles.

In three studies with a total of more than 3,200 participants in Germany and the USA, the research team examined the exclusion experiences of sexual minorities.

The first study included a nationally representative sample of 2,609 participants. The researchers asked about experiences of social exclusion among sexual minorities and heterosexual people.

In the second study, the research team accompanied 467 people in their everyday lives for 14 days and asked them to document their experiences of exclusion using a smartphone app.

The third study used 10,760 judgments about the likelihood of exclusion of different people based on the perception of their sexual orientation and gender role conformity. A total of 141 respondents were presented with photos, videos or voices of lesbian, gay and heterosexual people. On a 7-point scale, respondents had to rate the likelihood that these people would be excluded.

“Sexual minorities experience a variety of forms of violence and discrimination,” explains Christiane Büttner, a social psychologist at the University of Basel, the results of previous studies. “In contrast to open discrimination, which is visible and can be challenged, exclusion can be subtle and therefore difficult to detect and prove.”

This is precisely what makes it so difficult for those affected to address the situation or even to ask for support. Exclusion can be more painful than other forms of discrimination because it attacks the basic needs for belonging and self-esteem. People are social beings and strive to belong – they find security and affirmation in social groups.

From an evolutionary psychological perspective, belonging is essential for psychological well-being. If this need remains unfulfilled over a long period of time, feelings of isolation, hopelessness and reduced self-esteem arise. Serious psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, depression and suicidality can also be the result of social exclusion.

“The consequences can be devastating, especially if those excluded are aware that they are being excluded because of an unchangeable, stable characteristic, such as their sexual orientation,” emphasises Selma Rudert, social psychologist at the RPTU.

Subtle forms of discrimination have so far received little research

Previous studies have focused primarily on more obvious forms of discrimination against sexual minorities. These include direct verbal abuse. “More subtle forms have been studied less so far. We wanted to close a gap here,” says Büttner.

The result: lesbians, gays and bisexuals experience exclusion more often than heterosexuals. On average, each person experiences two to three exclusion situations within 14 days, according to the researchers, while members of sexual minorities experience one more exclusion situation on average.

LGB people experience exclusion in various areas of daily life, the researchers outline: For example, they are excluded from social activities at work or ignored and excluded by classmates or teaching staff at school and university. They may also not be invited to events and their contributions go unnoticed in discussions.

Deviations from traditional gender roles increase the risk of exclusion

The third study showed that more frequent exclusion is associated with non-conformity to gender roles. “People who are perceived as deviating from gender norms – regardless of whether they actually do so or what their actual sexual orientation is – are more likely to be excluded,” explains Sven Kachel, a psychologist at the RPTU.

“Even though respondents did not know the sexual orientation of the people being assessed, they estimated that those people they perceived as less gender-conforming would be more likely to be affected by exclusion.”

This means that a heterosexual man who is perceived as less masculine is also at risk of experiencing exclusion as a subtle form of discrimination. Violations of traditional gender norms are thus sanctioned and these norms remain in place.

According to the researchers, this has serious consequences, as compliance with gender norms affects the psychological well-being of a significant part of the population.

Growing awareness

Overall, the results suggest that more proactive measures are needed to raise awareness of exclusion as a subtle form of discrimination in all areas of society, say the researchers. One approach: During Pride Month, various campaigns are used to raise awareness of the concerns of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Organizations and educational institutions should also establish specific programs and training to raise awareness and promote an inclusive environment,” recommend the study’s authors.

At a societal level, campaigns to promote diversity and inclusion could help reduce stereotypes and prejudices.