Homophobia Is Horrible

Instructions

ho·mo·pho·bi·a /ˌhōməˈfōbēə/ noun dislike of or prejudice against gay people Homophobia is horrible, and there is a lot of it. I am here to say a few things about homophobia and how it is present in our modern society. Homophobia: Homophobia can take many different forms, including negative attitudes and beliefs about, aversion to, or prejudice against bisexual, lesbian, and gay people. It’s often based in irrational fear and misunderstanding. Some people’s homophobia may be rooted in conservative religious beliefs. People may hold homophobic beliefs if they were taught them by parents and families. Homophobic people may use mean language and name-calling when they talk about lesbian and gay people. Biphobic people may tell bisexual people that it’s “just for attention,” or that they’re inherently cheaters. In its most extreme forms, homophobia and biphobia can cause people to bully, abuse, and inflict violence on lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Some LGBTQ people experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This may be discrimination from religious institutions, companies, or from our government. Examples include same-sex couples not being allowed to marry, getting legally fired just for being LGBTQ, or not being allowed into certain housing. (varies on country) Outing Outing is the act of revealing someone else's sexual orientation without their permission. If you share information about someone's sexual orientation against their wishes, you risk affecting their lives very negatively by making them feel embarrassed, upset, and vulnerable. You may also put them at risk for discrimination and violence. If someone shares their orientation with you, remember that this is very personal information and it’s an honor that they trusted you enough to tell you. Always ask them what you’re allowed to share with others and respect their wishes. What can I do to help stop homophobia? No one has the right to discriminate against or bully another person, or to hurt them emotionally or physically. There are several things you can do to help stop homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia: Don’t ever use negative or offensive language to describe LGBTQ people. Be careful of how even casual language — such as saying “that’s so gay”— can hurt others. Don’t believe stereotypes about LGBTQ people or make assumptions about them. Be a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, regardless of your own sexual orientation and identity. This is called being an ally. Let the LGBTQ people in your life know that you’re a friend and ally. Educate yourself on LGBTQ issues. Respect LGBTQ people’s decisions about when and where to come out. Join your school’s Gay/Straight Alliance, or start one at your school. GLSEN can help with that. Remember that being LGBTQ is just one part of a person’s complex identity and life. Show as much interest in your LGBTQ friends’ or family members’ partners as you would show in a straight person’s partner. If you feel safe doing so, speak up when other people are being homophobic or biphobic, such as making offensive jokes, using negative language, or bullying or harassing someone because of their sexual orientation or identity. LGBTQ+ panic defence... (*may be sensitive subject) The LGBTQ+ “panic” defense strategy is a legal strategy that asks a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is to blame for a defendant’s violent reaction, including murder. It is not a free-standing defense to criminal liability, but rather a legal tactic used to bolster other defenses. When a perpetrator uses an LGBTQ+ “panic” defense, they are claiming that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity not only explains—but excuses—a loss of self-control and the subsequent assault. By fully or partially acquitting the perpetrators of crimes against LGBTQ+ victims, this defense implies that LGBTQ+ lives are worth less than others. One of the most recognized cases that employed the LGBTQ+ “panic” defense was that of Matthew Shepard. In 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student, was beaten to death by two men. The men attempted to use the LGBTQ+ “panic” defense to excuse their actions. Despite widespread public protest, the defense is still being used today. (this means LGBTQ+ people where I live COULD be legally killed, using the panic defense excuse, not to say that that would likely happen) Very little schools educate about LGBTQ+ history. Even though there is still racism and sexism in the world, us LGBTQ+ people want our rights. Same sex marriage wasn't totally legal in the US until 2015. Lets not be homophobic/transphobic or biphobic. Lets support everyone no matter who they like or what gender they identify as.