| Session Title: Straight Talk: Threats to Validity Caused by Heteronormative Bias in Opinion Polls |
| Think Tank Session 556 to be held in Preston Room on Friday, November 9, 10:20 AM to 11:05 AM |
| Sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Che Tabisola, Human Rights Campaign, che.tabisola@hrc.org |
| Abstract: Opinion polls play a powerful role in the campaign for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality. But what goes almost unrecognized is a deep-seated bias against GLBT Americans within the language of these polls. The subtext of many of survey questions, even those cited by equality advocates, is tainted by a difficult to identify sexual prejudice. This language can play to the misnomer that the poll's subjects are abnormal, or worse suggest that they are perverse. This Think Tank opens with a brief introduction of heteronormativity theory then examines select questions from polls by the Gallup Organization, Human Rights Campaign, and NBC/USA Network. After reviewing together, participants will form small groups to examine the surveys for further cases of sexual prejudice then identify ways to address threats to research validity caused by a heteronormative bias. |