That's Gay! Gay as a Slur Among College Students. (1st November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Postic, Robert; Prough, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: SAGE Open. Volume 4:Number 4(2014:Oct./Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2014-11-01
• Subjects: gay -- slur -- tolerance -- social contact; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2158244014556996
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2158-2440

Abstract

In recent years, the use of the word "gay" as a synonym for dumb or lame or stupid has become prevalent in our culture. Because of this, it is clear that many individuals do not consider the word to be a slur and are not offended by its use. Using an original data set ( N = 790) collected from four Midwestern universities in the winter of 2011-2012, this article examines the characteristics of those college students who perceive the word gay to be a slur or who are offended. We find that those individuals who report having more gay friends are more likely to take offense at the use of the word gay as a slur even after controls are instituted. We also find that, contrary to expectations, attendance at religious services appears to have a direct relationship, with more frequent attenders more likely to express offense at the use of gay as a slur. Egalitarianism also emerged as a significant predictor. We offer suggestions as to why some college students perceive the word to be a slur while a majority of college students do not.