What Can be Done to Educate Others and Stop Homophobia?
Image provided by Florida Department of Health 'Man-Up' Initiative.
As we know from a 2010 public opinion poll, 52 percent of Americans believed that gay and lesbian relationships were acceptable, while 43 percent of Americans who participated believed that gay and lesbian relationships are morally wrong. (1) (2) (6) The Southern states of America are much less tolerant of homosexuality than areas where there is a strong and established gay scene, for example New York City and San Francisco.(3) Within the African-American and Latino cultures, homosexuality is seen as even more taboo and is generally not discussed leading to homophobia and discrimination. For this reason, we must do more to overcome homophobia, stigma and discrimination to improve the health of everyone, especially young black and Latino MSM.
Tackling homophobia can help overcome barriers to health care and encourages gay men to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. (2) Effectively tackling homophobia means addressing prejudicial attitudes and discrimination in all areas of society. Political leaders, police forces, health services, broadcasters and employers can all positively influence the way that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are treated. (3)
Schools have an important part to play in challenging homophobia. Homophobia is fueled by lack of awareness, and educating young people about LGBT issues is fundamental to overcoming widely accepted prejudice. (4) Furthermore, when schools respond strongly to homophobic bullying, LGBT students are more likely to feel able to be themselves, more likely to feel part of the school community and more likely to be happy. There are various ways in which schools can ensure that students of all sexualities feel included and valued. Teacher training and the integration of sexual orientation into the curriculum are important for building knowledge and understanding. Providing information and support for LGBT students, and taking assertive action against homophobic bullying, are also vital for creating an environment where all students are supported. (5)
Community based organizations play an important role in addressing homophobia. They have the scope to provide support to LGBT people who might feel marginalized and isolated, especially in societies where homosexuality is illegal. Such groups can also influence the attitudes of the general public and can campaign for tolerance towards homosexuality. (3)
Many governments throughout the world uphold laws that ban homosexuality. Repealing these laws would reduce discrimination against LGBT people, encouraging societies to embrace the diversity of different sexualities. Eradicating homophobia is crucial for improving quality of life for LGBT people, promoting fundamental human rights, and also preventing the spread of HIV. (3)
To help tackle homophobia close to home, it requires members from all communities to get involved. A few ways to participate are by hanging and distributing some of our awareness posters about this educational project throughout the community in which you live. When others view these posters it will hopefully lead them to this website where they can read more information on this important issue and discover some of the things they can do to help stop discrimination and most importantly the spread of HIV. There are many ways to get involved to support gay and lesbian people living in your community. Visit our POSTERS page to download, print and distribute the awareness posters throughout your community. Share the information and knowledge you have with others. Start the discussion to reduce stigma and discrimination in your community! In other words...BREAK THE SILENCE!
Tackling homophobia can help overcome barriers to health care and encourages gay men to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. (2) Effectively tackling homophobia means addressing prejudicial attitudes and discrimination in all areas of society. Political leaders, police forces, health services, broadcasters and employers can all positively influence the way that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are treated. (3)
Schools have an important part to play in challenging homophobia. Homophobia is fueled by lack of awareness, and educating young people about LGBT issues is fundamental to overcoming widely accepted prejudice. (4) Furthermore, when schools respond strongly to homophobic bullying, LGBT students are more likely to feel able to be themselves, more likely to feel part of the school community and more likely to be happy. There are various ways in which schools can ensure that students of all sexualities feel included and valued. Teacher training and the integration of sexual orientation into the curriculum are important for building knowledge and understanding. Providing information and support for LGBT students, and taking assertive action against homophobic bullying, are also vital for creating an environment where all students are supported. (5)
Community based organizations play an important role in addressing homophobia. They have the scope to provide support to LGBT people who might feel marginalized and isolated, especially in societies where homosexuality is illegal. Such groups can also influence the attitudes of the general public and can campaign for tolerance towards homosexuality. (3)
Many governments throughout the world uphold laws that ban homosexuality. Repealing these laws would reduce discrimination against LGBT people, encouraging societies to embrace the diversity of different sexualities. Eradicating homophobia is crucial for improving quality of life for LGBT people, promoting fundamental human rights, and also preventing the spread of HIV. (3)
To help tackle homophobia close to home, it requires members from all communities to get involved. A few ways to participate are by hanging and distributing some of our awareness posters about this educational project throughout the community in which you live. When others view these posters it will hopefully lead them to this website where they can read more information on this important issue and discover some of the things they can do to help stop discrimination and most importantly the spread of HIV. There are many ways to get involved to support gay and lesbian people living in your community. Visit our POSTERS page to download, print and distribute the awareness posters throughout your community. Share the information and knowledge you have with others. Start the discussion to reduce stigma and discrimination in your community! In other words...BREAK THE SILENCE!
Marsha Ambrosius "Far Away"Marsha Ambrosius devotes the music video for her new single "Far Away" to raise awareness against bullying. Inspired by her real-life experience, the clip revolves around a gay black man who is bullied and treated as an outsider by people in his neighborhood due to his sexual orientation. At the end of her video, Marsha sends out the message below to others, along with a number you can call if you need to talk with someone.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Dear Friends, Every year over 1 million people commit SUICIDE. Some were BULLIED because of their SEXUALITY. I lost a friend to SUICIDE, and I’m asking all of you to support alternative lifestyles. Don’t put up with or join in with BULLYING. It’s time we become more aware in this WORLD. Take responsibility to make a difference. So if my music can save one life, I’ve done my job. I love you all so much! Marsha |
Marsha Ambrosius music video "Far Away"
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Reducing the Effects of Stigma and Discrimination
Image from CDC website
MSM and their family and friends can take steps to reduce the
effects of homophobia, stigma and discrimination and protect their
physical and mental health. One way to cope with the stress from stigma
and discrimination is social support. Some studies show that gay men
who have good social support—from family, friends, and the wider gay
community—have:
Homosexuality Knows No Borders - It Exists in Every Country
It is generally assumed that one out of ten people is gay or lesbian, which should basically be the case in all countries and all cultures. Held on May 17 each year, the International Day Against Homophobia is the moment to remember that homosexuality is a universal fact and cannot be restricted by borders. There are gay men and lesbians in all countries. What actually differs from country to country is how these people are treated. Not all of the worlds' citizens are able to enjoy the privilege of living in a democratic society. In many countries, loving a member of the same sex and having sexual relations with that person are against the law and are not recognized as being a basic freedom. This annual event, proposed by Fondation Émergence, is a growing demonstration of solidarity. It is a privileged moment for inviting all and everyone to join forces to overcome prejudice against gay men and lesbians. Visit International Day Against Homophobia's website to read more on things you can do to break the silence surrounding the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. (7)
- higher self-esteem,
- a more positive group identity, and
- more positive mental health.
Homosexuality Knows No Borders - It Exists in Every Country
It is generally assumed that one out of ten people is gay or lesbian, which should basically be the case in all countries and all cultures. Held on May 17 each year, the International Day Against Homophobia is the moment to remember that homosexuality is a universal fact and cannot be restricted by borders. There are gay men and lesbians in all countries. What actually differs from country to country is how these people are treated. Not all of the worlds' citizens are able to enjoy the privilege of living in a democratic society. In many countries, loving a member of the same sex and having sexual relations with that person are against the law and are not recognized as being a basic freedom. This annual event, proposed by Fondation Émergence, is a growing demonstration of solidarity. It is a privileged moment for inviting all and everyone to join forces to overcome prejudice against gay men and lesbians. Visit International Day Against Homophobia's website to read more on things you can do to break the silence surrounding the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. (7)
Be an Ally to Black Gay People
If you see someone being discriminated against or bullied, stand up for them, say something, and stop the spread of hate! People who harass LGBT people often get away with it because no one speaks up to stop the verbal abuse being said and this just perpetrates the abusive cycle to happen over and over. Violence often happens against people who are most marginalized within a society, specifically someone an abuser feels like he/she can attack without repercussions. If you witness this kind of verbal abuse, harassment, or physical violence you have the power to stop it by intervening, or calling someone in the community who can help. Always report abuse and violence that happen in your community to put a stop to all forms of discrimination.
Accept Diversity in the Community
There are very few LGBT centers within the black community that provide support and care. You can open your community center, home, apartment or personal business to provide a meeting and/or social space for people to find comfort and support in their own community.
Accept Diversity in the Community
There are very few LGBT centers within the black community that provide support and care. You can open your community center, home, apartment or personal business to provide a meeting and/or social space for people to find comfort and support in their own community.
Respect Everyone in your Community...in the end Image provided by Florida Department of Health 'We Make The Change' Campaign. |
...We Are All Human BeingsAs humans, we have more similarities than differences. In the end, we all want the same things...we all want to be happy. Everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse and violence. If we practice this mentality of care and support to everyone within our communities, we will begin to see an end to much of the violence that happens and occurs all around us; not only against Black and other minority LGBT people, but also children, women, the elderly and other groups that are discriminated against.
 Image from CDC website |
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If you are a parent and would like more information please visit our "Info for Parents" page View and download educational awareness posters Learn about HIV/AIDS and other STDs View info, resources and support on homophobia in LGBT communities View Wake County's Gang Prevention Program, Project 110% |
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References
1. UNAIDS Today, 'Growing Concerns Over Rights and Treatment of LGBT People in High-Income Countries', (2010, October 22nd)
2. CDC Website: Gay and Bisexual Men's Health-Stigma and Discrimination. (2010, October 28th)
3. Avert Website: Homophobia, Prejudice & Attitudes to Gay Men and Lesbians-What Is Homophobia. (2010)
4. Educational Action Challenging Homophobia, 'Ten Things You Can do to Challenge Homophobia'. (2008)
5. Department for Children, Schools and Families, 'Safe to Learn: Embedding Anti-Bullying Work in Schools - Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Bullying in Schools'. (2007, September)
6. Gallup Website: Americans' Acceptance of Gay Relations Crosses 50% Threshold. (2010, May 25th)
7. Fondation Émergence, International Day Against Homophobia website: International Day Against Homophobia. (2011)
1. UNAIDS Today, 'Growing Concerns Over Rights and Treatment of LGBT People in High-Income Countries', (2010, October 22nd)
2. CDC Website: Gay and Bisexual Men's Health-Stigma and Discrimination. (2010, October 28th)
3. Avert Website: Homophobia, Prejudice & Attitudes to Gay Men and Lesbians-What Is Homophobia. (2010)
4. Educational Action Challenging Homophobia, 'Ten Things You Can do to Challenge Homophobia'. (2008)
5. Department for Children, Schools and Families, 'Safe to Learn: Embedding Anti-Bullying Work in Schools - Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Bullying in Schools'. (2007, September)
6. Gallup Website: Americans' Acceptance of Gay Relations Crosses 50% Threshold. (2010, May 25th)
7. Fondation Émergence, International Day Against Homophobia website: International Day Against Homophobia. (2011)
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Page last updated: 02/05/13
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