CAS Scholars Lecture Series: "Nurture, Not Nature: Why Lesbians, Gays, And Bisexuals Become Liberal Democrats And Engaged Citize

Patrick J. Egan
Assistant Professor of Politics
Why do lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGBs) tend to affiliate with the Democratic Party and hold distinctively liberal views on a wide range of issues - including issues that have nothing to do with gay rights? Using survey data with nationally representative samples of LGBs, I find that this happens for two reasons: selection (LGBs are more likely to be brought up in environments associated with liberal views later in life) and conversion (the life event of adopting a gay identity is accompanied by the acquisition of a cohesive set of liberal beliefs). These processes lead LGBs to become liberal Democrats well before they have much contact with other gay people or gain exposure to politics. They also result in LGBs participating in politics at higher rates than heterosexuals and being more interested and engaged in public affairs.
Location:Jurow Lecture Hall, Room 101A Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East