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Homophobia

Discrimination against people who are gay.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

We might think that the Irish are a modern, open-minded lot but in reality there’s still a lot of intolerance and ignorance here.

Homophobia is discrimination against people who are gay. You can also be a victim of homophobia just because other people think you’re gay, even if you’re not.

People who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transvestite and transgender often worry about being open about their sexuality in case they face aggression, discrimination or misunderstanding.

If you’re being bullied, assaulted or harassed because of your sexuality or because other people think you are gay then you’re a victim of homophobia.

“I left school early and moved to the tech. I was bullied from 1st to 4th year. I had to leave. I didn’t come out at school, but people said I was gay. I didn’t really understand what gay was. Teachers would say: Don’t be such a sissy/ girl to me too”.

If you’re being discriminated against, contact a Citizens Advice Bureau or the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland or the Equality Authority in Ireland.

Stop homophobia!

  • Be open to the idea that some of your friends might be gay, bisexual, transgender or transvestite. This is normal and you shouldn’t make it more difficult for them by being prejudiced against gay people.
  • If you’re homophobic and can’t accept gay or bisexual people, then it’s YOU that has a problem and not them. Your attitude is narrow-minded and behind the times. Get with the noughties!
  • Don’t use phrases like “That's so gay” or “You look like a queer”. Imagine how hurtful it is if someone you’re speaking to is actually gay.
  • Don’t make smart comments on the street or in bars because you think someone is gay. Get to know someone before you decide what they’re like.
  • Forget prejudices- just because someone is gay or bisexual, it doesn’t mean they’re shagging loads of people or that they fancy you.
  • Don’t get weird on a friend if they tell you they’re gay or bisexual. Your friendship will stay the same if you give it a chance.
  • Don’t try to tell a gay, bisexual or transgender friend that they are “going through a phase”.
  • If someone is gay or bisexual, it doesn’t mean that they’re anymore likely to have a sex infection. Anybody who has unprotected sex is at risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections.
  • Don’t treat a gay friend’s sexuality as a big joke. How would you like it if everybody constantly teased you about being straight?

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Your Comments

Posted by : waimea - 10 days ago

Have to say that I agree with galwegian77. For me, it depends on the person, and the way they use the word e.g. "gay." For close friends and family, those who I know have no issue with me being gay....I know that when they use such a word that their intent is not to hurt. To be honest....it is the same for many other non gay related words such as f**k, eejit...etc. It is how you use the word(s), who say's them, and how they are delivered. There is no point in making an issue or creating over sensitivity in an area, becoming too PC about things to the point where we feel we have to pick our words and feel like we are walking on eggshells....

Posted by : galwegian77 - 31 days ago

i thought i might as well express my views on this article, as a gay lad myself. a lot of stuff i agree with (like the whole "don't hate gays cause they're gay" thing, obviously) but, honestly speaking, if people call something "gay" i don't mind. i say it myself. it's kinda entered common slang and there is little to no hope of changing people saying it. a lot of my friends know i'm gay and they haven't changed the way they act around me at all. they still say things are "gay", they still call people "***s" if their irratated (something i don't mind either, although i know some people will slaughter a person for sayin it) and they still joke about gay things (taken in the literal sense here) i think if you want people to be fully okay with it, you shouldn't make it a big deal. i'm not saying let them slag you about it for all your worth but don't be completely up-tight about it and say how such and such offends you. take most things in your stride. i think that is one of the best ways to show your still the same person

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