Heterosexuals' use of "fag" and "queer" to deride one another: A contributor to heterosexism and stigma

This paper is on heterosexuals' use of words such as "fag" and ''queer" to refer to one another in an insulting manner. This behavior perpetuates hete rosexism and the stigmatization of gays. Two hundred and fifty-seven univer sity students (73% Euro-American) served as participants. Males exhibited m ore anti-gay prejudice and anti-gay behavior than females. Heterosexual mal es frequently used words such as "fag" and "queer" to put one another down. Anti-homosexual prejudice was predictive of anti-gay behavior. However, ap proximately half of those who engaged in the behavior were not strongly ant i-homosexual. For these individuals, the behavior may win approval from the ir social group. Awareness campaigns and peer reminders that the derisive u se of "fag" and "queer" harms homosexuals may be effective in changing this group. It is more difficult to reduce this behavior in individuals with st rong anti-homosexual attitudes. The role of individuals and educational and work organizations in bringing about change is discussed.