progressive prudes

progressive prudes a survey of attitudes towards homosexuality & gender non-conformity in south africa
the role of
contact
One of the most compelling explanations for differing
views on homosexuality is that one of the best predictors
of a person’s attitude towards homosexuality is the
amount of direct contact they have with gay and lesbian
people. In numerous studies it has been shown that what
most effectively shifts people’s negative perceptions of
homosexual people is increased contact, especially with
family members and friends.
About two out of every five (41 percent) South Africans report not knowing any gay or
lesbian people but 57 percent report knowing more than one gay or lesbian person, with
more than a quarter who report knowing at least one or two and 7.8 percent who report
knowing more than 10.
Of those that know at least one gay person, only half report that they consider them to
be friends or family. One in four people (27 percent) in South Africa have a friend or family
member is homosexual.
One in four people
(27 percent) in
South Africa report
having a friend or
family member
who is homosexual
and well over half
the population (55
percent) said that they
would “accept” a gay
family member.
12
41%
2 out of 5 South Africans
report not knowing any gay
or lesbian people
41