Variations in prejudice against sexual and gender diversity at a public university in Southern Brazil over a 7-year interval
摘要
Prejudice against sexual and gender diversity (GenSex) refers to attitudes expressed in the form of emotions, behaviours, and beliefs that seek to marginalize individuals who do not conform with the sexual and gender majoritary norm. Unfortunately, this form of prejudice is also found within academic institutions, leading not only to students leaving their universities but also to a negative impact on mental health and well-being. This is a two-wave institutional online survey with independent samples: one survey from 2013, which included 8,184 students, and another from 2019, which included 6,265 students. The percentage of students identifying as LGBTQIA + increased from 16.42% in 2013 to 37.47% in 2019. In 2013, only 12.17% of the participants had experienced a minimum level of prejudice, whereas in 2019, the percentage significantly increased to 33.25%. More students reported having suffered, seen, or heard of discrimination on campuses in 2019 than in 2013 (35.50% versus 42.48%, p < .001). Over seven years, there was a decrease in prejudice toward people with marginalized sexual and gender identities, a noticeable increase in the number of students identifying as LGBTQIA+, and an increase in the percentage of students who reported experiencing or being aware of discrimination on campus. Increased contact with LGBTQIA + individuals, along with changes that occurred within the university, likely played a pivotal role in driving these positive trends. However, an increase in the perception of discrimination was reported.