What is homophobia?
Homophobia still exists mainly due to ignorance, but also due to pure, irrational hatred.
In society
Although laws have changed, many people’s attitudes haven’t. Homophobia still exists mainly due to ignorance, but also due to pure, irrational hatred.
Many LGB people can feel intimidated and under threat in many situations that may seem normal to straight (heterosexual) people, such as getting on the bus, going to school, or simply walking along the street.
This leads to many LGB people becoming withdrawn and having to cope with life long problems with anxiety and confidence. One in five lesbian and gay people have experiences a homophobic hate crime or incident in the last three years. 75% or lesbian and gay people experiencing hate crimes or incidents did not report them to the police.
Despite major shifts in general opinion of sexuality, LGB people are still being bruised, beaten or killed just because of who they choose to love.
At home
Everyone needs to feel safe at home. It’s the one space we can truly be ourselves, without fear of intimidation. For a young person questioning their sexuality, it’s important that they see parents or carers being sensitive to issues of sexuality.
Left unchallenged, homophobia can spread. If impressionable minds see homophobia being ignored by parents or carers, they’ll think it’s acceptable and carry on.
Homophobia can infiltrate our homes through social networking via home computers and mobile phones. Often homophobic bullies use these online spaces to spread rumours about someone or exclude them. This can also include text messaging, video messaging and picture messaging.
For an LGB couple sharing a home, they can also be the target of homophobic hatred. These couples may find their home is the target of vandalism, or malicious gossip and rumours. If this has happened to you, or you know its happening, report it.
In school
Our school years help shape us into the people we become. We learn valuable lessons on how to interact with people, and we form opinions and behaviours that will stay with us for years. This means that often, homophobic attitudes can begin at school.
Young LGB people, who may still be dealing with coming to terms with their sexuality, are much more likely to be the victims of homophobic hate crime at school, at youth clubs, at home and on the street.
Negative use of the word 'gay' is the most common form of homophobia in our schools. Children see and hear it being used in the media, and by their friends. It’s pervasive and often common place as a means of describing an object, person or activity as rubbish.
In a research study 65% of young people said they had experienced homophobic bullying within school, and national figures show that this form of bullying is up by 30% since 1984.
At work
Job security and safety at work is just as important as security and safety at home. Sadly, many LGB people face discrimination in the workplace because of their sexuality.
We spend a great proportion of our time at work. For LGB people facing homophobia in the workplace, this can mean dealing with the fear of their own colleagues. This can be unbearable, and lead to anything from increased absenteeism to thoughts of suicide.
Sexuality may be seen as a barrier to promotion or recognition of achievements. Nobody is suggesting that LGB employees should be given special or preferential treatment. They should be treated as fairly and equally as their straight colleagues.
Bullying and intimidation of LGB people in the workplace can lead to depression and a sense of worthlessness. Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and develop in their careers, regardless of sexuality.