Refuting 'Bathroom Bill' Propaganda Regarding Pedophilia in Sexual and Gender Minorities

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

The characterization of LGBTQ+ individuals as sexual predators seeking to seduce/groom children and/or “convert” their sexual orientation has been promulgated by anti-LGBTQ+ media since the early 20th century (e.g., Domeier, 2014; Giles, 2011; Vendrell, 2020). Such allegations remain a component of conservative right-wing media today and importantly, lack empirical support (Walker, 2020). The present study aimed to examine the extent to which pedophilic interests and behaviours vary based on sexual orientation and gender identification.

Data was collected from 2,292 adult U.S. citizens who completed a self-report survey. Regarding sexual orientation, there were no differences between heterosexual or non-heterosexual individuals endorsing pedophilic interests in their lifetime (X2 [2, N=2284]=1.092, p=.579), or acting on those behaviors in the past six months (t[15]= -.180, p=.859). There was also no significant difference when comparing gender minorities (cisgender versus non-cisgender) on pedophilic interests (X2 [2, N=2287] =.439, p=.803); the comparison of behaviors could not be calculated because no gender minority participants endorsed acting on the interest.

These findings have implications regarding the veracity and empirical basis regarding allegations of pedophilia amongst LGBTQ+ populations, as such misinformation can result in emotional or physical harm to historically marginalized population at heightened risk for various forms of victimization.

Authors

• Christina Folan, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Shilpa Roy, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Emily Gerber, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Georgia Winters, Fairleigh Dickinson University