Rural Americans and LGBTQ Slur Use: An Empirical Test of Norm-Centered Stigma Theory

• In Event: Research in Queer Victimology

Abstract

LGBTQ slurs such as “that’s so gay” and “fag” are troublingly common fixtures in today’s vernacular yet in-depth explorations of their use as they vary by rurality are sparse. In addition, though research demonstrates that men use LGBTQ slurs more often than women do, these patterns are unclear among rural Americans. In the current study, data from a sample of U.S. adults aged 18-64 stratified by U.S. census categories of age, gender, race/ethnicity and census region collected from online panelists (N = 2,802, n = 492 rural Americans) are utilized to investigate the relationships between rurality, gender, and LGBTQ slur use. Specifically, we offer a test of Norm-Centered Stigma Theory with a focus on hetero-cis-normativity and intersecting experiences with social power (gender identity: cis women and cis men) as they relate to rurality and the use of six specific LGBTQ slurs: “fag/faggot,” “dyke,” “tranny,” “queer,” “no homo,” and “that’s so gay!”. Findings indicate that hetero-cis-normativity, rurality, and being a cisgender man are all significantly related to LGBTQ slur use. Implications are provided.

Authors

• Meredith Worthen, University of Oklahoma

• Melissa Jones, Brigham Young University