This paper reports on the preliminary development and factor structure of the Gay and Lesbian Oppressive Situations Inventory–Frequency and Effect (GALOSI-F & -E), instruments designed to assess heterosexist situations experienced by lesbians and gay men across settings, using a web-based sample of 607 (initial) and 293 (revised) self-identified lesbians and gay men aged 18+.
After exploratory factor analyses, the GALOSI-F was reduced to 49 items and the GALOSI-E to 47 items across 7 subscales. Internal consistency was adequate for 5 of 7 subscales: GALOSI-F alphas ranged from 0.63–0.88; GALOSI-E alphas ranged from 0.77–0.93. Two subscales (Couples Issues and Restricted Opportunities & Rights) showed poor structure and need refinement. Neither scale correlated significantly with socially desirable responding.
- Sample was predominantly European American (73–81%), limiting generalizability to racial/ethnic minority LGBQ populations. - Missing data from Non-Applicable responses prevented full-sample factor analysis; subscales were analyzed separately. - Test-retest reliability and structural/convergent/discriminant validity were not yet established at time of publication.
The GALOSI-F and GALOSI-E show early promise as multi-domain measures of heterosexist minority stress across settings, but further validation is needed before clinical or research use. Clinicians and researchers should note that two subscales remain psychometrically underdeveloped.
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