University students’ attitudes towards homosexuality: translation and validation of a measurement scale

ABSTRACT The official recognition of homosexuality, driven by the legalization of marriage between same-sex couples in Portugal, should have reduced homonegative attitudes and behaviors and, consequently, persecution of non-heteronormative individuals. Based on this assumption, this study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the attitudes of university students (N = 151) regarding homosexuality. To that end, a scale of attitudes towards lesbian and gay men (“The Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale” - ATLG) has been translated and socioculturally adapted. The results obtained showed low levels of prejudice of university students related to sexual orientation, especially from female respondents. However, although we assume that the respondents' answers may have been conditioned by the social desirability of lowering their levels of prejudice, there were incongruous discourses when dealing with issues such as homoparentality or homophilia, towards which respondents took a more homonegative attitude. The conclusions of this study have showed the need to create conditions for university students, during their education, to reflect on their attitudes towards homosexuality, as well as develop educational processes that include the promotion of respect and healthy coexistence with sexual diversity and the defense of human rights.