Development of Scales Measuring Adolescent Tolerance and Acceptance of Homosexuality and Gender Nonconformity

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Abstract

This paper addresses the development of a survey scale assessing the attitudes held by adolescents about homosexuality and gender non-conformity. The author hypothesizes that this represents a single scale due to perceptions that non-heterosexuality is by definition gender non-conforming, and because of the challenges in identifying gender non-conforming behaviors and appearances that are not linked to homosexuality. Initial scale development suggests that respondents are equally tolerant or intolerant of gender non-conformity and homosexuality, possibly because they view the two as synonymous. These scales provide a valuable tool for educational practitioners and researchers attempting to assess adolescent attitudes, including the ways in which they vary by race, sex, sexual orientation and other demographic characteristics.

Author

• Adrienne Marie Mundy-Shephard, Harvard University