Homophobia

We are with you all the way!

What is homophobia? It's a discomfort, fear or hatred, discrimination against, and ignorance towards the realities of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people. It is expressed through discrimination, exclusion, prejudice, verbal or physical abuse, and/or violence. It arises mostly out of ignorance.

According to the Québec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission (2001), “Youths are often exposed to homophobic jokes and innuendos, harassment, outright rejection, incomprehension, and are sometimes victims of violence. At the very moment, when they most need a supportive school and family environment, they are too often left alone, unable to look for the help they so desperately need.  In many cases, such situations can cause them to refuse their own sexual orientation, to drop-out of school, and, in some cases, to run away from their own family.”

What does homophobia look like, sound like and feel like? Being called a “fag” or a “dyke” is a common insult that is heard in the halls of any school. “That's so gay!” is also a derogatory phrase that's used all the time, Sometimes, your friends can use inconsiderate language without realizing that it does hurt. However, if you are offended, if it makes you feel bad, then it is offensive, whether or not it was intended to be.

So, why would friends use language that hurts? Many people don't really mean to be insulting, it's just that those are the words they've heard and learned growing up. Heterosexism, the belief that many of us are raised with, is the assumption everyone is heterosexual and that this sexual orientation is superior, and all other choices should be rejected. But sexual orientation is not a choice. We're born LGBT and our only choice is how we live out our lives. As LGBT kids begin to learn that their own sexual orientation is not in line with these heterosexist values, they struggle with their own internalized homophobia, as well as that of their their friends and family, and society.

Current studies show that, conservatively, around 1 in 10 people self-identifies as LGBT. This substantial number tells us that heterosexist views are not acceptable. We need to provide for, and are reaching out to, youth struggling with feelings of isolation and alienation, and with little to no access to the resources and assistance that society ordinarily provides in the face of life's stress. [2] The stress caused by homophobia may be worse than other types of stress because of a sense of rejection and the need to hide their feelings, a belief that no one understands them, or that they have no access to a supportive community and people who understand and care what they're going through.

So, how can we combat homophobia? Having supportive people around through one's self-discovery and eventual coming out is the best way to learn that you're not wrong or bad, that this is a natural part of life. Youth organizations and institutions have the responsibility to inform all kids and personnel about the diversity of sexual orientations, and to encourage them to express a respect for differences. There are community organizations here in Montreal that offer support services to help prevent homophobia. We need to make people aware of the facts about alternate sexual orientations and most of all, of the need to treat each individual with respect and dignity.

The LGBTQ Youth Centre in Beaconsfield aims to connect LGBT youth with a non-judgmental community of people who will help each other to discover themselves as LGTB persons and to support one another while exploring what being queer indentified means and as a way to combat homophobia and its effects. Whether you're learning to accept yourself or someone you care about, it may be helpful to speak with someone who understands what you're going through. And here, diversity is embraced not denied.

We are with you all the way.

The It Gets Better Project

Growing up isn't easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. This is especially true for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves.

Justin Aaberg. Billy Lucas. Cody Barker. Asher Brown. Seth Walsh. Raymond Chase. Tyler Clementi. They were tragic examples of youth who could not believe that it does actually get better.

While many of these teens couldn't see a positive future for themselves, we can. The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.

What is the It Gets Better Project?

In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.

Two months later, the It Gets Better Project (TM) has turned into a worldwide movement, inspiring over 5000 user-created videos and over 15 million views. To date, the project has received submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities, including President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Adam Lambert, Anne Hathaway, Colin Farrell, Matthew Morrison of "Glee", Joe Jonas, Joel Madden, Ke$ha, Sarah Silverman, Tim Gunn, Ellen DeGeneres, Suze Orman, the staffs of The Gap, Google and Facebook, the Broadway community, and many more. For us, every video changes a life. It doesn't matter who makes it.

The website www.itgetsbetterproject.com is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future.  It's a place where our straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members.  It's a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help through the Trevor Project and GLSEN.

THE PLEDGE : Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I'll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens by letting them know that "It Gets Better."

Montreal Youth Coalition Against Homophobia
Sexual orientation and homophobia: reaching out to young people
Community organizations and studient alliances have joined forces to create a unique document to help youth workers better support queer youth. This document of Montreal Youth Coalition Against Homophobia provides a listing of the tools and resources offered in the Montreal area.

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia The International Day Against Homophobia, held on May 17 every year, is a rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another. Fondation Émergence promotes, mainly on a pan-Canadian level, the International Day Against Homophobia and encourages organisations and individuals to highlight this event in their environment. Find out more at: http://www.homophobiaday.com/

"Word can hurt. Choose them wisely."

International Day Against Homophobia website with ideas for the 2010 campaign: idahomophobia.org/

You can buy this poster in English or French from www.pflagcanada.ca/

[1]http://www.coalitionjeunesse.org/documents/YouthCoalition_Guide_vEN_Optimale.pdf

[2] (Waldo, Hesson-McInnis & D’Augelli, 1998; Saunders & Valente, 1987; Prince, 1995) from The Cost of Homophobia: Literature Review on the Human Impact of Homophobia In Canada.
http://www.rainbowhealth.ca/documents/english/homophobia_human.pdf

Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E., Hunter, J., & Braun, L. (2006, February). Sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths: Consistency and change over time. Journal of Sex Research, 43(1), 46–58. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from PsycINFO database.