Experiences of Sexual Harassment Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer University Students in Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people are vulnerable to experience sexual harassment because of inequality and discrimination. This study investigated the experience of sexual harassment and associated factors among LGBTQ university students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted among 355 undergraduate students from universities in Bangkok, Thailand, through snowball sampling using self-administered standardized questionnaires. Associated factors were examined using binary logistic regression.
Results: The participants had an average age of 20 ± 2 years, and the majority consisted of gay men (30.7%) and lesbian women (18.6%). Nearly all participants (99.4%) had experienced one or more forms of sexual harassment in their lifetime, with 48.2% at a moderate level and 22.3% at a high level. Transgender individuals, higher monthly income, and frequent posting of pictures and occasional chatting with strangers on social media were more likely to experience sexual harassment while having fewer sexual partners, a moderate tolerant attitude, and a moderate perception of sexual harassment were less likely to experience it.
Conclusions: In this study, LGBTQ students experienced sexual harassment. Institutions and student welfare organizations should urgently implement policies and programs for preventing and responding to sexual harassment among this group. Future research should focus on LGBTQ students across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and various social/sexual behaviors.
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