Sense of belonging to a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender event: the examination of affective bond and collective self-esteem

This study examined behavioral intentions of sexual minority attendees at an event from a sense-of- belonging perspective. Based on social identity theory, attendees' social representations are examined via affective bond at the event level and collective self-esteem at the community level. A survey was conducted with 261 respondents from the sexual minority community at a large, annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) event. Findings revealed that affective bond positively impacts satisfaction and behavioral intentions. In addition, collective self-esteem also had a positive influence on behavioral intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications for event managers and destination managers are provided.