The Friends and Family Plan: Assessing the Impact of Knowing Someone Gay on Support for Gay Rights

33 Pages Posted: 1 Sep 2008

See all articles by Gregory B. Lewis

Gregory B. Lewis

Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies - Dept. of Public Management & Policy

Date Written: August 2008

Abstract

Objective. I estimate the impact of knowing someone gay on acceptance of homosexuality and support for gay rights. Method. Logit analyses on individual-level data from 27 national surveys control for demographic and political variables that predict both acquaintance with lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) and support for gay rights. Findings. Knowing LGBs affects beliefs on the morality of homosexual relations, employment discrimination, gays in the military, sodomy laws, and same-sex marriage. Conclusion. Coming out remains an important strategy in the battle for gay rights.

Suggested Citation

Lewis, Gregory B., The Friends and Family Plan: Assessing the Impact of Knowing Someone Gay on Support for Gay Rights (August 2008). Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Research Paper Series No. 08-19, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1260400 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1260400

Gregory B. Lewis (Contact Author)

Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies - Dept. of Public Management & Policy ( email )

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
PO Box 3992
Atlanta, GA 30302-3992
United States

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