The Riddle Scale

Attitudes Toward Difference Survey: The Riddle Scale
Put a check next to each statement with which you agree. Bracket the 2-3 consecutive
statements that reflect your current range of thinking about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) people.
___ 1. Homosexuality is unnatural and immoral. LGBT people are emotionally or

psychologically ill.
___ 2. LGBT people should participate in reparative therapy or any other treatment
available to help them change their sexual orientation.
___ 3. We should have compassion for LGBT people. They can’t be blamed for how they
were born.
___ 4. LGBT people didn’t choose to be the way they are. If they could somehow
become heterosexual, they would surely do so.
___ 5. Homosexuality is a phase that many people go through and most grow out of.
___ 6. LGBT people need our support and guidance as they wrestle with the many
difficult issues associated with their lifestyle.
___ 7. I have no problem with LGBT people, but see no need for them to flaunt their
sexual orientation publicly.
___ 8. What LGBT people do in the privacy of their own bedroom is their business.
___ 9. LGBT people deserve the same rights and privileges as everybody else.
___10. Homophobia is wrong. Society needs to take a stand against anti-LGBT bias.
___11. It takes strength and courage for LGBT people to be themselves in today’s world.
___12. It is important for me to examine my own attitudes so that I can actively support
the struggle for equality that LGBT people have undertaken.
___13. There is great value in our human diversity. LGBT people are an important part of
that diversity.
___14. It is important for me to stand up to those who demonstrate homophobic attitudes.
___15. LGBT people are an indispensable part of our society. They have contributed
much to our world and there is much to be learned from their experiences.
___16. I would be proud to be part of an LGBT organization, and to openly advocate for
the full and equal inclusion of LGBT people at all levels of our society.
Attitudes Toward Difference Survey Scoring
Guide
Find the numbers below that correspond to the bracketed range on your survey. Read
the attitude and characteristics that encompass this range. According to the Attitudes
Toward Difference Scale developed by psychologist Dorothy Riddle, this is where you
stand with regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
1-2 Repulsion: LGBT people are strange, sick, crazy and aversive.
3-4 Pity: LGBT people are somehow born that way and it is pitiful.
5-6 Tolerance: Life for LGBT people is hard; anti-gay attitudes just make things worse.
7-8 Acceptance: Homosexuality is a fact of life that should neither be punished nor
celebrated.
9-10 Support: The rights of LGBT people should be protected and safeguarded.
11-12 Admiration: Being LGBT in our society takes strength.
13-14 Appreciation: There is value in diversity. Homophobic attitudes should be

confronted.
15-16 Nurturance: LGBT people are an indispensable part of society.
Adapted from: Riddle, D. (1985). "Homophobia Scale." In Opening Doors to

Understanding and Acceptance. ed. K. Obear and A. Reynolds. Boston: Unpublished
essay.
Your Rating:
1-4\ Your personal feelings may be preventing you from accepting and respecting LGBT
people.
5-8\ You are somewhat accepting, but may not be willing to actively work against anti-
LGBT bias.
9-12\ You are willing to provide support and work toward equal rights for LGBT people.
13-16\ You are able to fully embrace LGBT people as equal and valuable members of the
community.
Food for Thought:
Are your attitudes toward LGBT people based upon experience or preconceptions?
Are you as accepting of LGBT people as you are of people from different racial, ethnic or
religious backgrounds? Why or why not? Have you ever had an LGBT friend? How
might your attitudes help or hinder you from being an ally for LGBT people? What can
you do educate yourself about LGBT issues and improve your attitude with regard to
LGBT people?

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Attitudes Toward Difference Survey: The Riddle Scale

___ 1. Homosexuality is unnatural and immoral. LGBT people are emotionally or

___14. It is important for me to stand up to those who demonstrate homophobic attitudes.

11-12 Admiration: Being LGBT in our society takes strength.

13-14 Appreciation: There is value in diversity. Homophobic attitudes should be

15-16 Nurturance: LGBT people are an indispensable part of society.

Adapted from: Riddle, D. (1985). "Homophobia Scale." In Opening Doors to

Food for Thought:

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