Homophobia - Kaleidoscope - Mornington Peninsula Gay-Straight Alliance

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Homophobia

What is homophobia?

Homophobia is any action, attitude, or behaviour that limits same-sex attracted people because of their sexuality

There are lots of terms and definitions that are sometimes confused with homophobia e.g. heterosexism* – assuming that all people are heterosexual and that people who are GLBTI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex) aren’t ‘normal’

Homophobia results in discrimination towards GLBTI people, not unlike sexism or racism. Homophobic acts are things such as: not allowing someone to pursue a particular career or interest because of their sexuality, putting someone down through name calling or physical violence, bullying and harassment, ‘singling out’ GLBTI people when straight people aren’t e.g. kissing their girlfriend/boyfriend in the school yard.

Homophobia is not the fault of GLBTI people, it is society’s problem. Some people take on the negative feelings and comments and come to believe that they are not ‘normal’ and don’t deserve the same things as straight people. This is called ‘internalised homophobia’

So, how does Kaleidoscope aim to reduce homophobia?

Through awareness raising in schools and creating links to services via our myspace page and this website. Because Kaleidoscope is a gay-straight alliance our group is open for anyone to participate who is passionate about the rights and opportunities of GLBTI people.

So, how can you help to reduce homophobia?

Speak up when you see a homophobic act – show that you don’t think it’s ‘okay’ …by keeping silent ppl might think you agree
Accept others for who they are
Wear a Kaleidoscope or rainbow pride wristband that shows you support the rights of GLBTI people (contact us for where to get one!)
Join in the activities of the gay straight alliance
Become a friend on our myspace page
Look through the information on our website
Don’t laugh at jokes that put down GLBTI people
Put a rainbow sticker up
Put posters up around your school that support the rights and opportunities of GLBTI students

We want your ideas for strategies too – why not post them to our wall or on our myspace comments? (www.myspace.com/kaleidoscopegsa)

*Go to our online services page for other great websites that explore these definitions further