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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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16-02-2021

Anticipated to Enacted: Structural Stigma Against Sexual and Gender Minorities Following the 2016 Presidential Election

Authors: Emma G. Fredrick, Abbey K. Mann, Byron D. Brooks, Jameson K. Hirsch

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

Structural stigma, or stigma at a society or policy level, has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). In particular, political leaders and the policies they enact can limit the resources and safety of SGM. Following the 2016 presidential election, there was fear of an increase in structural stigma in the USA. However, research on the specifics of anticipated structural stigma is lacking.

Methods

Using data from 187 participants who completed an online study conducted from 2016 to 2017, we used inductive thematic coding to examine anticipated structural stigma.

Results

We found four themes: (1) anticipated negative consequences of specific anti-SGM political figures, (2) concerns about the loss of existing SGM rights, (3) fear of new anti-SGM policies, and (4) fears of vulnerability related to limited existing protections.

Conclusion

We discuss how these themes tie into each other, map them onto existing structural stigma work, and use laws and policies that have been passed or proposed in the past 4 years to describe how these anticipated stigmas have become enacted.

previous article Between Rights on Paper and Capabilities on the Ground: Policy-Based Barriers to Marginalized Women’s Sexual Rights

next article Change and Stability in Public Beliefs About Same-Sex Family Rights in Norway in 2008, 2013, and 2017

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Title: Anticipated to Enacted: Structural Stigma Against Sexual and Gender Minorities Following the 2016 Presidential Election
Authors: Emma G. Fredrick
Abbey K. Mann
Byron D. Brooks
Jameson K. Hirsch
Publication date: 16-02-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00547-0

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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