title: The influence of media role models on gay, lesbian, and bisexual identity.
abstract: The current investigation examined the influence of the media on gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) identity using both survey and in-depth interview approaches. In Study 1, 126 GLB survey respondents (11 unreported) in Texas indicated that the media influenced their self-realization, coming out, and current identities by providing role models and inspiration. In Study 2, 15 interviewees (6 women and 9 men) revealed that media role models serve as sources of pride, inspiration, and comfort. Our findings suggest that increasing the availability of GLB role models in the media may positively influence GLB identity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas 78626, USA. sarahgom@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Sarah C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Gomillion
authors.forename: Traci A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Giuliano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D012380:Role; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult