Attitudes toward homosexuality: intergenerational comparisons of migrants living in Southern Italy

BACKGROUND: The construct of homophobia is often associated with sexual minorities, whose members are immersed in a hostile and judgmental environment in which personal identity, especially sexual orientation, is not recognized. Scientific production, despite multi-ethnic societies, appears incomplete with regard to studies on attitudes toward homosexuality among migrants living in host countries, such as Italy.METHODS: Convenience sample of first- and second-generation migrants living in Southern Italy (75 subjects aged between 18 and 55 years participated in the study [29.72±10.74 years], including 38 first-generation and 37 second-generation subjects). A form was used to collect demographic information The Italian Scale for the Measurement of Homonegativity (SIMO) was used.RESULTS: The results showed significant effects of ethnic and religious affiliation on attitudes toward homosexuality, especially in the first generation.CONCLUSIONS: This finding can probably be attributed to a higher level of integration in the host country as well as to a more conscious religious affiliation.