Homophobia
The information below is mostly for gay people but parents should also find it useful. There are contact numbers at the bottom of the page for making complaints or getting further information from organisations.
If you are a victim of hate crime, you can fill in an online form to report the incident to the police, click here to do so. (West Midlands Police Web Site).
The following Categories are covered below:
Homophobia is a type of physical, verbal or mental abuse against homosexuals. People who discriminate or are prejudiced against people for being gay are called homophobic.
This type of harassment can cause stress, worry, depression and very low confidence. It can harm peoples physical and mental health.
If the abuse occurs on more than one occasion then it is considered to be harassment.
The Police
Nearly all police forces have policies promising fair treatment to homosexuals. There are a lot of gay and lesbian officers in the force as well as homophobic ones.
If more people report homophobic abuse and assult, there is an increased likelihood that more money may be given to this area, both to tackle the underlying problem and to punish offenders. At the moment some people are scared to report incidents of homophobic abuse.
There are police officers at almost every station who are designated and specially trained to help gay and lesbian people. You may want to contact these officers first. Call your local police station and ask for the 'police lesbian and gay liaison officer'.
Homophobia in the Family
When family and friends find out, there can be some harsh reactions, some violent. Some families throw their son or daughter onto the streets, but these reactions are rare. Often families react and accept it better than expected.
People to talk to:
Homophobia in Schools or Colleges (also see: 'The Law', info about section 28)
Schools and colleges have a duty in providing a safe environment for learning. Some teachers do not know how to deal with it. By preventing homophobic abuse the school or college can not be prosecuted under section 28. It is bullying - schools and colleges have a job to stop it.
The problem with many young people in school is that they can be immature and ignorant, so don't understand. If you decide to 'come out' you will be supported by lots of people. It's the bullies who are now the minority! Remember that you haven't done anything wrong. They're the ones in the wrong if they start bullying you.
People you could turn to:
Homophobia on the Street
The attackers are looking
for a confrontation, but is it worth it?
Don't give them what they want.
Ways to avoid danger:
Homophobia at Work
Nearly all organisations have equal opportunity policies which enable the employer to discipline the offender or even dismiss them. There is no law protecting you from anti-gay discrimination at work, but existing rights may be used if you think you are being treated unfairly.
Ways of Tackling Homophobia
Contacts: (contacts in bold-most useful, in the midlands area, or related to the BPSG)
Gay Switchboards will be able to give you contact numbers for parents' groups, youth groups and other organisations in your area. Calling the Terrence Higgins Trust will also give youth groups in your area and also other services run by them.
Remember:
E-mail us with your stories
about homophobia, we may add them to the site. Are
you part of an organisation and would like to be added to the contact list?
Contact the webmaster (webmaster@birminghamparentssupportgroup.co.uk) for any web site related problems, content and out of date links only. Any other contact relating to Birmingham Parents' Support Group must be made via the address or telephone number on the contact page of this site.
Disclaimer: Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organisation in articles or advertising on any part of this website should not be construed as any indication of sexual orientation of such person or organisation.