Information behaviour of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT)

Introduction and Aims The studies on information behaviour seek to know why people need, and use information, both in their work environment and in their daily life. Studying these aspects in populations whose life situations may be classified as transitional, it is of a special relevance as far as the information systems planned may serve as a support for individuals in that situation. A clear example is the one that LGBT teenagers in the process of discovering their sexuality are living. The objective was to know the experiences which gave place to their information behaviour. Method A quantitative explorative study was designed and interviews to a group of people selected according to a nonprobabilistic sampling of convenience were led. The population of interest was anyone between 18 to 30 years old included in the group. The information obtained was analysed through a quantitative analysis of content. Results The data obtained described three aspects: a) Personal circumstances and development which includes how they accepted their orientation and identity; b) Mechanisms used by informants to look up information; and c) Opinions on useful improvements for the LGBT youngsters. Discussion and conclusion The identification and acceptance process was produced at early ages. Informants turned to a person who could provide them with information and support, that is, a mentor. As for the type of information sought, among men the search for sexual partners predominates whereas in the case of transsexuals’ information needs, these needs disappear after the surgery. The society is considered “out of the closet” but the information LGBT is not visualised properly, due to prejudices or ignorance. It is important to obtain qualitative data in order to understand the interaction of LGBT people with the information in the different situations of life