Homofobia transatlântica: preconceito contra lésbicas e gays em Portugal e no Brasil

Abstract

In this study we compared prejudice against lesbians and gay men in Portugal and Brazil, in a sample of university students (N = 844). Two forms of prejudice were assessed: one with a more traditional nature (pathologization of homosexuality) and a more contemporary one (modern heterosexism). Because these prejudices are not independent of gender, we explored the relation with this variable. No differences were found between the two countries in both variables. Portuguese and Brazilian participants evidenced significantly higher levels of modern heterosexism than of pathologization of homosexuality. As far as the gender of participants is concerned, men scored higher than their female counterparts in both types of prejudice. Results of this study draw attention to the need of homophobia reducing interventions. Educational and psychosocial agents, particularly those who work in university environments should be especially attentive both to modern expressions of prejudice against lesbians and gay men, and to its major prevalence in the male population.