Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Sociology
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
First Advisor
Amy McDowell, PhD
Second Advisor
Jaime Harker, PhD
Third Advisor
Kirsten Dellinger, PhD
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Drawing upon 12 in-depth qualitative interviews, this research examines how straight-presenting people in Mississippi define what it means to be supportive of queer people in their own words. It also shows how they distinguish what is (and is not) homophobic and what their understanding of homophobia does (or does not do) for them or the queer people in their lives. Whether they were raised within a homophobic home or a more open-minded home, interviewees use their upbringings to frame their current support for queer people. Interviewees also work to establish themselves as open-minded towards queer people by distancing themselves from groups such as conservative Christianity and staunch members of the Republican Party. Despite distancing themselves from blatant homophobia, interviewees reveal they harbor their own homophobia and are reluctant to confront the homophobia of others. As these participants are considered “supportive” by the queer people who referred them to the study, this research offers a unique analysis of how heterosexism is perpetuated among “supportive” straight people in the rural South.
Recommended Citation
Burdine, Madeline, "HOMOPHOBIA: HOW STRAIGHT PEOPLE DEFINE IT, SHIRK RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT, AND ABSTAIN FROM CONFRONTING IT IN MISSISSIPPI" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3099.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3099
Concentration/Emphasis
Gender Studies