Sexual orientation and gender identity - Homophobia
What is homophobia?
Homophobia is a fear of people who aren’t straight. It also means being really negative towards someone or discriminating against them because they’re gay. In New Zealand, the Human Rights Act of 1993 prohibits discrimination because of someone’s gender, age, race or culture, or their sexual orientation.
Homophobiaphobia is fear of homophobia. This is usually because people are scared of being seen as homosexual and experiencing the homophobia themselves.
Heterosexism is a view that everyone is, or should be, heterosexual. It is about assuming that heterosexual people are better than other sexualities.
Homophobia is just like racism or sexism – it’s discriminating against someone. It judging someone or treating them differently because of a part of who they are.
Homophobia, bullying
Saying things like “that’s so gay” or using the word “fag” as an insult can really hurt people. Even if you’re only joking around with mates it can make people who overhear you, or are around you, feel unsafe and pretty down about themselves – especially if they’re struggling with this already.
Homophobia is one of the most common kinds of bullying in New Zealand. You can make a big difference in making your school, work, home and town a more open place. You can:
- Not use language
- Let other people know that it’s not okay to talk that way
If you want to take it further check out:
