Whose streets? Understanding sexual minority support for the Black Lives Matter movement

Abstract Using a “political distinctiveness” lens, this study tested the claim that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people valued the goals and tactics of Black Lives Matter (BLM) more than heterosexual people did. Using a sample of currently enrolled college students ( N = 89), the study also tried to explain why a possible sexuality gap (that is, discrepancy in participation between heterosexuals and sexual minorities) for BLM support and involvement existed. Through a set of multivariate regressions, we concluded that sexual minority support of BLM was influenced by sexuality differences in group memberships, commitments to activism, and emotional bonds to people of color. Exposure to diversity courses in college and lesbian/gay communities, along with identifying as a queer person of color, increased BLM support, but they were not a significant force behind greater BLM activism for sexual minorities. We included suggestions for how social justice allies can support anti‐oppressive social movements in an impactful and just manner and how gender and race interact with sexual identity in support for activism.