(PS7-A17) Structural Features That Underlie Perceived Anti-queer Stigma: A Conjoint Analysis

Among queer persons–i.e., sexual and/or gender minorities–lifetime rates of discrimination are staggering, including experienced threats (57%), slurs (57%), microaggressions (53%), sexual harassment (51%), and violence (51%; Casey et al., 2019). While the majority of research on queer discrimination focuses on person-to-person mistreatment (i.e., individual level), there is a concerning neglect of wider societal factors, institutional policies, and cultural norms (i.e., structural level; Hatzenbuehler, 2017). To best understand patterns of queer discrimination—including disproportionate rates among multiply-minoritized groups—structural factors must be taken in account.

To this end, our study employs a novel methodological approach using conjoint analysis to assess perceived discrimination risk in local physical environments. Specifically, we identify how specific environmental features (i.e., location type, familiarity, distance from home, time of day, presence of a peer/romantic partner) influence queer persons’ perceptions of safety.

Data were collected from two samples of queer adults via Amazon’s MTurk (n = 455) and Prolific (n = 799). Participants completed self-report measures of their demographics, mental health symptoms, and past discrimination experiences.

Results indicate that queer perceptions of discrimination risk are primarily determined by location (33-45% influence) and a person’s companions (28-37% influence). Queer adults appear especially wary of discrimination when with their romantic partner. Later times-of-day, increased distance from home, and decreased familiarity each increase perceived risk of discrimination. With age, queer persons increasingly value location and decreasingly value familiarity. Masculinity contributes to an increased emphasis on location, whereas femininity contributes to an increased emphasis on one’s companions.

The present study responds to calls for research on the structural determinants of well-being in queer populations. By linking perceived discrimination risk with local community environments, we provide the necessary foundation for individual- and community-level intervention. In light of these findings, we consider strategies to promote local queer safety and integration.