An Update and Reflections on Fear of and Discrimination Against Bisexuals, Homosexuals, and Individuals with AIDS

• Published in: Journal of bisexuality Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 458 - 464
• Main Authors: Wright, Lester W., Bonita, Anthony G., Mulick, Patrick S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Taylor & Francis Group 01-10-2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; AIDS-phobia; biphobia; Bisexual; Bisexuality; Discrimination; Fantasies; Fear; Fear & phobias; Homophobia; Homosexuality; Minority Groups; Phobias; Psychological tests; Sexual behavior; sexual opinions; Sexuality; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 1529-9716; 1529-9724
• DOI: 10.1080/15299716.2011.620802

This study explored the relationship between biphobia, homophobia, AIDS phobia, an individual's sexual opinions and the orientation of an individual's past sexual behaviors and fantasies. Participants (N = 224) completed five self-report measures designed to specifically assess these psychological constructs. There were statistically significant correlations between the participants' fear and discrimination of sexual minorities and individuals with AIDS. Additionally, the results suggest that more conservative views regarding sexuality are associated with higher levels of biphobia and homophobia. Finally, past sexual fantasies, which were more exclusively gay/lesbian in content, were associated with lower levels of erotophobia, biphobia and homophobia.