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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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14-07-2023

“They are Giving Folks Permission to Discriminate and Hate”: A 4-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Perceived Impact of the Trump Administration on LGBTQ + Individuals and Relationships, 2017–2020

Authors: Stephen M. Haas, Pamela J. Lannutti

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Introduction

Using qualitative data from a 4-year (2017–2020) anonymous trend longitudinal national online survey, this study examines the perceived impact of the Trump administration on U.S. LGBTQ + people.

Methods

Using an anonymous online survey, the question, “How do you feel the current U.S. administration is impacting the lives of LGBTQ + people, and same-sex relationships specifically?” was answered by 1280 participants. Braun and Clarke’s (Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101 2006) six-phase thematic analysis process was employed.

Results

Five dominant themes emerged across the four years: (1) an actively anti-LGBTQ administration, (2) regression of LGBTQ + rights and protections, (3) increased societal anti-LGBTQ + hate/bigotry, (4) negative LGBTQ + psychological impact due to increased rhetoric/social discrimination, and (5) fear of lack of future LGBTQ + equality. Year-to-year trends emerged such that in 2017 anti-LGBTQ + concerns were heightened, and in 2018 to 2020, participants described ways they experienced the effects of increased anti-LGBTQ + threats to their rights, negative mental health outcomes, and discrimination. In 2020, there also was consistent dread expressed at the prospect of Trump being re-elected.

Conclusions

The findings offer a detailed and nuanced picture of the perceived negative impact of the Trump administration on the US socio-political environment for LGBTQ + people which are consistent with minority stress theory.

Policy Implications

The data suggest that the anti-LGBTQ + rhetoric/policies of the Trump administration were perceived to have negative impact on LGBTQ + people and their relationships.

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Title: “They are Giving Folks Permission to Discriminate and Hate”: A 4-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Perceived Impact of the Trump Administration on LGBTQ + Individuals and Relationships, 2017–2020
Authors: Stephen M. Haas
Pamela J. Lannutti
Publication date: 14-07-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-023-00843-x

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Policy Implications

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