"That's so gay!": Examining the covariates of hearing this expression among gay, lesbian, and bisexual college students.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2012;
60:429-434. [PMID:
22857134 DOI:
10.1080/07448481.2012.673519]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The investigators examined the health and well-being correlates of hearing the popular phrase "that's so gay" among gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) emerging adults.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants were 114 self-identified GLB students aged 18 to 25 years.
METHODS
An online survey was distributed to students at a large public university in the Midwest during winter 2009.
RESULTS
Participants' social and physical well-being was negatively associated with hearing this phrase, specifically feeling isolated and experiencing physical health symptoms (ie, headaches, poor appetite, or eating problems).
CONCLUSIONS
College professionals and student leaders must acknowledge that the phrase is a form of heterosexist harassment. As such, policies addressing diversity and harassment should address students' use of this phrase, aiming to reduce its use. Additionally, colleges and universities should develop practices that counteract poorer well-being associated with hearing the phrase.
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