HOMOPHOBIA

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HOMOPHOBIA

• Jimmy Dean
• Contraception and Sexual Health Service June
  2008.

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Aims of session.

• To increase understanding of homophobia and help
  guide individuals to a level that has personal
  meaning for them.
• To enable people to feel comfortable discussing
  issues related to homophobia.
• To help develop an awareness of peoples rights.
• To enable people to know where and how to access
  information, advice and support.

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HOLOCAUST

• Nazis came into power in 1933.
• One of their aims was to eradicate homosexuality.
• In 12 years imprisoned approx 50,000 gay men.
• Up to 15.000 deported to concentration camps.
• Lesbians were also persecuted.

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WHAT IS SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

• We all have one!
• Emotional, romantic, sexual or affectionate
  attraction to another person.
• Who you are attracted to, fall in love with and
  want to live your life with.

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DEFINITIONS

• Heterosexual a person who is emotionally,
  physically and/or sexually attracted to members
  of the opposite sex.
• Bisexual a person who is emotionally, physically
  and/or sexually attracted to men and women.
• Homosexual a person who is emotionally,
  physically and/or sexually attracted to the same
  sex.

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HOW MANY LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE ARE
THERE?

• Possibly 5-7 of the population.
• No definitive figure available.
• No national census has ever asked people to
  define their sexuality.

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WHAT IS HOMOPHOBIA?

• The irrational hatred, intolerance, and fear of
  lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
• Myths.
• Stereotypes.
• Discrimination.
• VIOLENCE!

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(No Transcript)
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WHAT IS HETEROSEXISM?

• A bias shown by society or community where
  individuals are conditioned to expect everyone to
  live and behave as heterosexuals.

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WHAT IS MULTIPLE DISCRIMINATION?

• Most of us belong to several communities.
• We have multi-faceted identities.
• Black, woman, lesbian.
• Jewish, man, gay.
• White, disabled, Muslim.
• These should be a source of pride and identity,
  but also make us targets of prejudice.

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HOMOPHOBIC BULLYING!

• Can be verbal, physical or psychological.
• Increases truancy rates.
• Increases likelihood of self-harm and suicide.
• Lowers educational attainment.
• Damages self esteem.

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What can your school do?

• Do not tolerate any bullying!
• Know how and where to report bullying!
• Use your schools anti bullying policy!
• Stand up for yourself and others!
• Initiate a Celebrating Difference Day.
• Make space for SPACE.

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ADVICE AND SUPPORT

• www.stonewall.org.uk
• www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
• SPACE
• www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
• Tel [phone]
• OVER THE RAINBOW
• www.rainbowbournemouth.co.uk
• Tel [phone]