Abstract:
Introduction:
In the 21st century, social attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and identity are
evolving. However, despite constitutional provisions for equality,
discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community persists in various forms
across Indian society. The discourse surrounding LGBT+ rights and
acceptance is dynamic, reflecting ongoing debates and discussions about
equality, human rights, and social justice.
The current study focuses on understanding heterosexual perceptions of
homosexuality and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community,
aiming to address the limited research on this sensitive topic in India,
particularly in Northern Karnataka. By understanding these perspectives, the
study seeks to contribute to fostering a more supportive and accepting
environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Objectives
• To study the knowledge, attitude, and beliefs of students toward the LGBT
community.
• Compare and Correlate the Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of students
with respect to social-demographic variables and their professional
background. Materials & Methodology:
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the colleges of Vijayapura among
students aged above 18 years. All participants who met the inclusion criteria were
included in the study. In-person interviews were conducted using semi-structured
questionnaires to collect socio-demographic data and information on cultural
practices. Additionally, Riddles and CSUN scales were utilized to assess the
knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) of the respondents regarding the LGBTI
community.
Statistical Analysis:
The data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and then analyzed using SPSS version
26. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and diagrams were
employed to analyze the data. The chi-square test was utilized to examine the
statistical associations between the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) and other
independent variables.
Results:
Out of 984 study participants, a notable proportion showed poor knowledge (36.4%),
exhibited poor attitudes (3.5%), and held poor beliefs (35.9%). Conversely, positive
outcomes were observed across various domains, with 24.6% exhibiting good
knowledge, 59.7% showing good attitudes, and 36.0% holding good beliefs. The study
revealed that good knowledge often aligns with positive beliefs in 42.7% of cases.
Negative attitudes correlate with poor beliefs in 4.8% of instances, while positive
attitudes frequently coincide with good beliefs in 88.1% of RespondentsConclusion:
Our study underscores the necessity of incorporating LGBT-related topics into
college curricula and providing training for educators and staff. These steps are
crucial for fostering inclusivity and support for LGBT individuals within
educational institutions. Additionally, launching targeted educational campaigns
is essential for increasing understanding and acceptance of sexual orientation
and gender identity diversity.
