Abstract
In this study, I have examined whether the way someone is asked about their sexual orientation affects their subsequent answers regarding feelings about people in different minority groups. In an online study administered via Qualtrics, the participants were randomly assigned to complete either the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG) or a multiple choice option (heterosexual, homosexual or other). The KSOG is much more expansive and asks questions organized into 7 different categories as well as asking about past, present, and future identities in order to get a more complete understanding of the individual’s sexuality. The sexual orientation questions served as a prime, after which participants were asked to complete the Ally Identity Measure and the Symbolic Racism Scale. The participants were taken from both the Sewanee population (N=237) and from outside of Sewanee (N=57) with 187 females and 92 males in total. While overall there was no effect on the Ally Identity scores as a function of which priming question was received, when examining gender differences, it appears that there was a higher level of support for the LGBTQ+ community shown in males who had completed the Klein scale that can be explored with further research. It was also found for both men and women that if an individual supports racial equality, then they were significantly more likely to support the LGBTQ+ community and vice versa. Women were shown to support LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality more than men. Using the Klein Scale revealed variety and fluidity in the sexuality of the participants and is recommended for future research.
