Participating in homo/bi/trans* phobia scale

Remember there is no ‘one way’ of participating in homo/bi/trans* phobia; rather most of us will have a range of responses depending on the situation, who is involved and how safe it is to challenge what is happening. As you read this list think about what situations you may be at different ends of the spectrum with.

Actively participating

This stage of responding includes actions that directly support the oppression of GLBTIQ. These actions include laughing at or telling jokes that put down lesbian or gays, making fun of people who don’t fit the traditional stereotypes of what is masculine or feminine and  avoiding behaviour that isn’t sex-stereotyped. Engaging in verbal or physical harassment

Denying or ignoring

Includes inaction that supports LGBTIQ oppression, coupled with an unwillingness or inability to understand the effect of homophobic and heterosexist situation. Though not directly homophobic themselves these actions serve to support the system of suppression of GLBTIQ.

Recognition but no action

This stage of response is characterised by a recognition of homophobic and heterosexist actions, and the harmful effect of these actions. However this recognition does not result in action to interrupt the homophobic or heterosexist situation. Homophobia or a lack of knowledge about specific actions to take prevent taking action.

Recognising and interrupting

This stage includes not only recognising homophobic and
heterosexist actions, but also taking action to stop them. Though the
response goes no further than stopping, this stage is an important
transition from passively accepting homophobic or heterosexist
actions. Ie when hearing a queer joke they would not laugh and let the
teller know it is unacceptable.

Educating self

This stage of response includes taking action to learn more about
GLBTIQ persons, heterosexism and homo/bi/trans*phobia. These
actions can include reading, books, attending workshops, talking to
others. This is a prerequisite for the last three stages.

Questioning and dialoguing

This stage is an attempt to begin educating others about homo/bi/
transphobia and heterosexism. This stage goes beyond interrupting
homophobic and heterosexist interactions to engage people in
dialogue, this response attempts to help others increase their
awareness of and knowledge about homophobia and heterosexism.

Supporting and encouraging

This stage of response includes actions that support and encourage
the anti-homo/bi/trans*phobic and anti-heterosexist actions of
others. Overcoming the homophobia that keeps people from
interrupting this form of oppression even when they are offended by
it is difficult. Supporting and encouraging others who are able to take
this risk is an important part of reinforcing anti-homophobic and antiheterosexist behaviour

Initiating and preventing

This stage of response includes actions that actively anticipate and
identify homophobic institutional practices or individual actions and
work to change them. Examples include teachers changing a “Family
Life” curriculum that is homophobic or heterosexist, or counselors
inviting a speaker to come and discuss how homophobia can affect
counselor-client interactions.