Homophobia Study in Georgia, 2015

25 Dec 2015

For the country-wide study on attitudes towards LGBTI people, a proper methodology was developed to achieve the maximal data reliability. In order to study the issue thoroughly, the research design included both quantitative and qualitative approaches. LGBT groups are not homogeneous. As most of the studies conducted on this topic suggest, attitudes towards certain groups differ not only by indicators, but by predictors as well. Accordingly, study instruments for homo-, bi-, and transphobia were developed so that the differences between attitudes on the basis of sex and gender were taken into consideration.

Quantitative Research

The aim of the research: to asses public attitudes toward LGBTI people and their rights based on which, recommendations and long-term strategies can be developed in order to overcome homo/bi/transphobia in the country.

Research objectives:

• To measure/assess knowledge about homosexuality/ bisexuality/transgender (including the sources);
• Attitude towards LGBT people (level of homo /bi/ transphobia) and their rights;
• To assess the rate of public awareness in the country about the conditions of LGBTI people (legal environment, violence, discrimination)

• To identify actions directed towards the improvement of life for the LGBTI community in the country

Survey Method: Face-to-face interview

Study instrument: Structured questionnaire

SAMPLE:

Target group: population of Georgia (age group: 18-65 years) Sample size: 2,000 respondents Sampling error: 2.2%, with 95% reliability level Sampling frame: from the 2012 electoral roll Sampling model: Multistage stratified (clustered) random sampling was used. Primary sampling units were Tbilisi and other regions. Cities/regional capitals, and villages were selected in the regions. The number of the sampling points was identified proportionally to the number of respondents. At any given sampling point, nine respondents were interviewed, on average. The sampling household was done through the so-called “random walk” method. Respondents from households were selected using the Kish grid. The table below shows the number of interviews conducted. The sizes of the samples are calculated so that the results of the study are representative according to gender, age, and geographical location.

Quantitative Research

Aim of the Research and Methodology The aim of the qualitative research is to analyse the sources of information and knowledge about sexual orientation/gender identity in society; to examine the level of awareness about the situation of LGBTI persons; to assess homophobic public attitudes; and to collect information about the possible ways of reducing the negative attitudes toward LGBTI persons. Eight focus groups were conducted and three interviews were recorded in the frame of the qualitative research. Four focus-groups were conducted with non-governmental organisations in Tbilisi and regions; the other four were conducted with teachers, physicians, LB (lesbian and bisexual) women, and GB (gay and bisexual) men, respectively. Out of three interviews, one was recorded with a Public Defender’s Office employee, the second - with a Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association attorney, and the third was conducted with a representative of the Social Workers Association. Unfortunately, despite an official request submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an initially planned focus-group with the representatives of law enforcement agencies was not conducted.