The Perpetrator Hypothesis: Victimization Involving LGBT Service Members

The Perpetrator Hypothesis argues that the poorer health status and poorer job attitudes and performance among minorities-such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people-result because perpetrators target these groups. Violent and non-violent actions against minorities occur due to perpetrator attitudes and beliefs about minorities, as well as cultural and organizational policies, programs, and laws that overtly and inadvertently discriminate against minorities and encourage perpetration. Violent behaviors include sexual assault (including rape), hazing, and bullying, while non-violent behaviors include stigma and discrimination. Moderators and mediators of these violent and non-violent behaviors on the health and well-being of minorities include important individual factors, such as the effects of concealment and internalized homophobia, as well as peer and organizational factors, such as peer support, leadership behaviors, and organizational response and support.