The Negative Attitude of Heterosexual People Towards Lesbian and Gay People in Kolkata

Abstract

The study tackles disparities in LGBTQ+ research findings between India and Western countries, with an emphasis on heterosexual attitudes and their impact on Kolkata's lesbian and gay community. The study included 60 participants, with an equal number of heterosexuals and LGBTQ+ people, and used measures such as the Psychological Well-Being Scale, the SPANE scale, and a semi-structured interview survey. The findings showed that LGBTQ+ people scored higher on self-acceptance, life purpose, and personal progress than heterosexuals, though there were noticeable disparities. Anxiety was common among LGBTQ+ members discussing gender identity difficulties with their families. While the SPANE scale suggested more good experiences overall, individuals also reported considerable unpleasant experiences, highlighting the need of striking a balance between positive and negative experiences. However, participants expressed a need for a greater balance, indicating that there is space for growth in this area.