What is homophobia?
All of these phobias often stem from discomfort and lack of exposure to people who identify as LBGTQ. When we don’t know something it can feel threatening. People can choose to learn about something instead of feeling threatened by it.
Here are some ways these phobias can impact how people treat others:
This type of behavior is always wrong. No one has the right to hurt any person, either emotionally or physically. And no one should be discriminated against based on their race, gender, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation or any other part of their identity.
1. Find a teacher or administrator that you particularly trust, or who has reached out to you in the past. Talk to him or her about how you are feeling, specifically what it feels like when students make homophobic or tansphobic comments and when teachers don’t say anything.
If your teacher seems interested and asks how he or she can help, here are some suggestions:
2. Do some research. If your state school system has adopted the "Safe Schools" laws, then this harassment must be stopped by the school administrators. Check out our project called "Sex in the States" to review the laws in your state. Be sure to follow the link in the sources for updates.
3. Go straight (no pun intended) to the top and talk to your principle. You could try to talk to him or her about this harassment or bullying and ask that it be addressed in a staff meeting with teachers. If you want to do some research on this topic before you talk to your principle, then try these Web sites: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and Lambda Legal.