Homophobia
Homophobia can range from feelings of discomfort to outright hatred. It can even lead to acts of violence.
What is homophobia?
Homophobia is a form of prejudice (irrational opinion) characterized by extreme, negative attitudes, feelings, and beliefs about homosexuality (sexual attraction or relations with a person of the same sex).
Why is homophobia a problem?
Homophobia, like any form of prejudice, is learned and it hurts people (heterosexual and gay people alike). It locks us into rigid gender roles and makes it unsafe for individuals to be different. It leads to discrimination, which is against the law.
Are you encouraging homophobia?
For example, by:
- laughing at jokes about lesbians and gay men
- rejecting family members who come out as lesbian, gay or bisexual
- refusing to include gay partners and friends at family events
- denying basic rights, such as employment or housing, to lesbian or gay people
- harassing or attacking people because you think they are lesbian or gay
- assuming that only heterosexuals have families
- reinforcing heterosexuality as the only social norm by talking about boys only having girlfriends and girls only having boyfriends, instead of referring to “friends” or “partners”
How can you help put an end to homophobia?
- Use language that is inclusive, such as partner, instead of boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Speak up when you hear others using words like “gay” or “fag”.
- Report acts of homophobia to the anonymous Acts of Homophobia Registry site.
This item was last modified on June 12, 2015