We’re Queer and We’ve Always Been Here: The Impact of Learning About Queer History on Young Adults in Alberta

Abstract

A large population of the public lacks knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ history. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of an educative 2SLGBTQ+ history video within a population of young adults in Alberta. Participation was incentivized through a raffle for a $50 gift card. Prior to the queer history video intervention, baseline levels of (1) self-esteem and internalized homophobia were obtained from 2SLGBTQ+ participants; (2) homophobic attitudes were obtained from cisgender, heterosexual participants; and (3) ratings of connection to the queer community were obtained from both participant groups. These variables were assessed again after watching the video and at an optional follow-up. Open-ended questions were asked after watching the video to gain a qualitative understanding of how the video impacted participants. Key findings include a significant negative correlation between connection to community and internalized homophobia, significant positive correlations between less severe homophobic attitudes and connection to the community, and increased connection to the community throughout the study. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Eric Legge & Dr. Laura Offrey; Irfan Chaudhry