Homonegative Microaggressions and Their Impact on LGB Individuals: A Measure Validity Study

Three studies were conducted to develop and assess the Homonegative Microaggressions Scale (HMS), a new measure applying Sue et al.'s (2007) taxonomy of microaggressions among racial minorities to sexual minorities. Study 1 assessed content validity through consultation with experts on lesbian, gay, bisexual discrimination and measures of discrimination and a small pilot study. As a result, items were added or reworded (for clarity and reading level), finalizing a measure of 45 items. Study 2 provided evidence of reliability as well as discriminant and convergent validity by comparing the HMS to similar and dissimilar measures. Finally, Study 3 examined criterion-related validity by assessing the relationship between homonegative microaggressions and self-esteem, negative feelings about one's gay identity, and difficulty in the process of developing gay identity.