Almost a third of gay men ‘experience homophobia from family members at Christmas’
Around 30% of gay men experience homophobia from close family at Christmas, according to a new study.
A new study has found that almost half of gay men experience homophobia from family members at Christmas.
The study, conducted by gay dating app Chappy in association with Survation, surveyed over 500 gay men in the UK and found that 30% of them had experienced homophobic reactions by close famil.
It also found that another 17% experienced homophobia from extended family who come to visit.
The survey also revealed that the homophobic reactions received from family resulted in anxiety about visiting family members at Christmas, as well as depression.
Ollie Locke, the co-founder of Chappy, said: “We understand the Christmas period can be an anxious time for many members of the community, especially when particular family members are imposed upon them.”
“We hope that if people are feeling isolated, Chappy provides some respite by offering a transparent safe haven.”
Psychotherapist Lee Valls said: “It’s increasingly common for gay men to feel isolated and alone all year round. This is only exasperated during the festive season when cut off from the social support system gay men so often rely upon.”
“Spending long periods of time with family members can often cause anxiety, sparking difficult memories of coming out, and the insensitive comments made by family members – it’s worrying, but no surprise that 47% of gay men have experienced homophobia from family members.”