Recent LDS institutional distinction between same-sex orientation and same-sex sexual behavior, with stigma being removed from the former, has provided a framework for safe discussion of homosexuality. This study attempted to measure the BYU community's attitudes towards and awareness of homosexuality and understanding of the LDS Church's position. While Affirmation recognizes that many gains are being achieved, reactionary forces at BYU and within the church continue to promote prejudice against gays and lesbians. Our presence alone is perhaps the biggest factor in helping our friends and families learn there is a better way.

Methods

A sample size of 420 was selected by randomly drawing classrooms from the BYU class schedule. Respondents were asked to anonymously fill out a survey containing fifteen questions.

Results

• 69% know someone who is same-sex oriented
• 12% have a family member (or members) who is same-sex oriented
• 13% know someone same-sex oriented at BYU
• 24% would avoid befriending a same-sex-oriented student
• 19% would live with a same-sex-oriented roommate
• 56% think same-sex-oriented students should be allowed to attend BYU if they obey the honor code as opposed to 42% who think they shouldn't
• 41% would be opposed to a campus organization that offered discussion groups for same-sex-oriented students
• 91% report they are familiar with the LDS Church's stand on homosexuality
• 33% believe that the LDS Church accepts homosexually-oriented persons who live the Church's law of chastity
• 41% believe that the LDS Church accepts homosexually-oriented persons as long as they change their sexual orientation (become heterosexually oriented)
• 10% believe the LDS Church excommunicates them regardless of sexual activity
• 10% reported "other"
• 26% see genetics as all or some of the causation of same-sex attraction
• 83% see conscious choice as all or some of causation
• 70% see environmental factors as all or some of causation
• 7% believe that sexual orientation is fixed or unchangeable

Analysis/Discussion

There was a significant gender gap as well as exposure gap. There was a trend of greater awareness and more tolerance in women than in men. 74% of women know someone vs. 64% of men. 16% of women would avoid befriending vs. 33% of men. Those who and family members or knew someone were more informed and tolerant than those who didn't know anyone. 18% of both the exposed groups would avoid befriending vs. 38% of the unexposed. 20% and 23% would live with a gay roommate vs. 9%. 31% of those with a family member think they shouldn't be allowed to attend vs. 38% who know someone and 53% of those who don't know anyone. The exposed also were more inclined to think genetics played a part and were more informed about LDS Church policy.