Generational Impact on Self-Group Distancing Among the LGBTQ+ Community

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze how generational membership impacts the presence and frequency of self-group distancing attitudes, behaviors, and cognitive patterns among members of the LGBTQ+ community. After bivariate testing and multivariate regression analysis of data from the “Generations: A Study of Life and Health of LGB People in a Changing Society United States, 2016-2018" (Meyer, 2023) survey, a couple communities within the LGBTQ+ population showed statistical significance in certain aspects of self-group distancing. Specifically, the White Lesbian and White Bisexual populations returned a statistical impact of generational cohort membership on self-group distancing behaviors and a feeling of community connectedness. Additionally, the White Gay community showed statistical significance in generational membership impact on self-group distancing cognitive patterns in the form of internalized homophobia. Across all communities, however, there was no substantive significance that showed a demonstrable effect of generational membership on overall self-group distancing. Considering this evidence, it appears that generational membership is not as important as a person’s social environment and perceived potential for discrimination to occur. Therefore, the best intervention to mitigate self-group distancing from occurring is to facilitate an inclusive environment where the potential for discrimination or prejudice is either low or communally known to be met with a swift response.