Longitudinal studies have been used to examine a wide range of phenomena, from educational attainment to health outcomes.
Their potential application to the study of gender identity and sexual orientation has not yet received much attention. In this paper, I argue that longitudinal research can provide valuable insights into how changes in social norms and policies regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people have impacted different generations' visibility, acceptance, and advocacy efforts.
Longitudinal studies allow for an examination of changes over time within the same individuals, providing insight into how individual experiences change throughout life. This is particularly important when studying LGBT rights because many LGBT people experience discrimination during childhood, which may shape their future views on LGBT acceptance and advocacy.
A study of Swedish twins found that those who reported feeling stigmatized as children were more likely to report higher levels of internalized homophobia later in life.
Longitudinal studies also enable comparisons across different generations, allowing researchers to track how LGBT visibility and acceptance have evolved over time. One such study, conducted by the National Survey of Family Growth, found that older adults were less likely than younger adults to support same-sex marriage, with 48% of those aged 65 or above opposed compared to only 27% of those aged 18-39. These findings suggest that older generations may be slower to embrace changes in LGBT rights, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy efforts.
Longitudinal studies can examine the intergenerational transmission of attitudes towards LGBT rights. That is, they can explore whether parents' attitudes influence their children's attitudes towards LGBT issues. A study of Australian families found that parents who were more accepting of same-sex relationships had children who were more likely to endorse gender equality and LGBT rights. This suggests that promoting positive messages about diversity can help create a more inclusive society for future generations.
Longitudinal studies offer valuable insights into the evolution of LGBT rights over time, providing evidence of both progress and resistance. By examining individual experiences, generational shifts, and intergenerational transmission of attitudes, these studies can inform policy makers and activists on how best to promote LGBT equality and build a more just society.
How can longitudinal studies capture generational patterns of visibility, acceptance, and advocacy for LGBT rights?
A longitudinal study examines how attitudes towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals have changed over time by studying them at different periods. Researchers may track changes in LGBT rights advocacy efforts, such as legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption. They may also examine if younger people are more likely than older generations to be openly LGBT and whether they face less discrimination from their families and communities.