Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, Volume 2, July 1, 1999

www.ejhs.org
 

Attitudes Toward The Media's Portrayals of Gays and Lesbians


Peter B. Anderson
Akram Fakhfakh
Mary Alice Kondylis
University of New Orleans, Department of Human Performance and Health Promotion, New Orleans, Louisiana

  Corresponding Author:
  Peter B. Anderson, PhD
  Associate Professor
  Department of Human Performance and Health Promotion
  University of New Orleans
  New Orleans, LA 70148
  (504) 280-7061 FAX 280-6018 e-mail PBAHP@ucc.uno.edu

Abstract

       The present study examined perceptions of the media's presentation of homosexuality, the impact of the media's presentations, and their personal attitudes and relationships with gays and lesbians.  It was hypothesized that gender, age, and level of religiosity would predict differences in each of the dependant variables
       Gender was not related to any of the outcome variables, younger respondents were less likely to support the statements that too much sex on TV causes perversion or that gays are responsible for the AIDS epidemic.  Very religious respondents were more likely to support the statements that the media presents too positive a view of and glorifies homosexuality, and gays are responsible for the AIDS epidemic.
       The results of this study support the notion that individual beliefs and values, specifically their level of religious beliefs, are the determining factor in their rating of the media's portrayal of homosexuality.

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