Abstract
The social acceptance of LGBQ individuals changed dramatically over the past several decades, which calls into question extant research suggesting that LGBQ youth are often socially excluded. The current study utilizes quantitative social network analysis techniques to examine the peer group homophily and social centrality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning (LGBQ) students in two junior high schools. Results suggest that LGBQ students were more likely to be in peer groups with at least one other LGBQ individual. LGBQ students’ centrality was the same as heterosexual students within their peer group as well as their peer group’s perceived popularity across the whole school. These results suggest that LGBQ students today may not experience the same social exclusion as past generations.
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Data availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Notes
We ran additional analyses examining whether LGBQ students having 1, 2, or 3 sexual identity factors related with peer group centrality and within group centrality. Results suggest there was no difference in the number of indicators and peer group centrality, χ2 (4, 62) = 1.27, p = .87, nor within group centrality, χ2 (4, 62) = 3.48, p = .48.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the role that Dr. David B. Estell played in the formation of this paper before passing away on February 19, 2019. This manuscript would not have been possible without his guidance and mentorship toward his students and mentees. David is deeply missed. Portions of this manuscript were first presented at the 2019 annual meeting of the American Psychological Association.
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Appendix
Appendix
1.1 Sexual identity questions
Attraction |
What best describes your feelings? |
(a) I am only attracted to girls |
(b) I am mostly attracted to girls |
(c) I am equally attracted to girls and boys |
(d) I am mostly attracted to boys |
(e) I am only attracted to boys |
(f) I am not attracted to other people |
(g) I am not sure who I am attracted to |
(h) Another (please write in): _____________________ |
(i) I do not want to answer |
Behavior |
What best describes who you have kissed or more-than-kissed? |
(a) I have not kissed or more-than-kissed anyone |
(b) Only girls |
(c) Only boys |
(d) Both girls and boys |
(e) Not sure |
(f) Another (please write in): _____________________ |
(g) I do not want to answer |
Category |
Some people feel comfortable labeling their sexual orientation. What label do you use for yourself? |
(a) Heterosexual or straight |
(b) Gay boy |
(c) Lesbian or gay girl |
(d) Bisexual |
(e) Queer |
(f) Questioning |
(g) Not sure |
(h) Another (please write in): _____________________ |
(i) I do not want to answer |
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Jones, M.H., Hackel, T.S. & Gross, R.A. The homophily and centrality of LGBQ youth: A new story?. Soc Psychol Educ 25, 1157–1175 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-022-09720-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-022-09720-8