Sense Project

Lots of things! Yes, there are loads of ways that you can make a difference. And, while this list is not exhaustive, it’s a good start…

1. Don’t use slurs. Don’t use “queer” or “gay” to mean stupid, lame, etc… And, when other people use slurs, you can call them on it using a variety of comebacks.

For example, here’s a few things you could say if you heard something like “Mac computers are so gay”:

-You know, saying that is insulting to gay people.

-Right, because Mac computers are all attracted to other Mac computers.

-How would you feel if I used a characteristic of yours, like your race, gender or religion as an insult?

-I know a lot of people say that, but I find it offensive. Can you make an effort not to use that phrase?

2. Don’t gossip. Rumours about who’s dating who and who’s sleeping with who can make people feel even more self-conscious about their dating choices (or their decision not to date).

3. Watch your language. If you’re with a group of people, don’t assume everyone is straight. Using “partner” instead of girlfriend or boyfriend is a good way to be more inclusive. For example, “everyone’s invited to bring their partner to this party.” If someone asks what partner means, just explain. It’s a good way of introducing the topic of sexual diversity into the conversation.

4. Speak up! This can mean a lot of things, from myth-busting to starting discussions on homophobia and sexual diversity in or out of class and/or workplace (e.g., create a “Coming Out” bulletin board featuring LGBTTI heroes and role models) to actually challenging someone directly. You’ll have to decide what your level of comfort is, but it can help to think of every homophobic comment as an opportunity to get people thinking and talking.

Myth Bustin’ Question I

Animals do not engage in homosexual behaviour; therefore, homosexuality is not natural.

FALSE!

First, what does “natural” even mean? If we’re talking about animals, scientists have known for a long time that many species engage in homosexual sex. Yeah, that’s right; we’re talking about dwarf chimpanzees, dolphins, killer whales, lions and many many others. Some animals form lifelong bonds with another animal of the same sex in the same way that other members of their species form lifelong bonds with a mate of the opposite sex.

Here are some interesting links pertaining to homosexual sex in the animal kingdom:

Homosexual Activity Among Animals Stirs Debate (National Geographic)

Homosexual Behaviour Widespread in Animals According to New Study (Telegraph.co.uk)

1500 Species Practice Homosexuality (The Medical News)

Now, if we’re talking about human beings, we need to remember that many things/ behaviours/ beliefs that are considered “natural” today weren’t considered that way not so long ago. For a very long time, the Catholic Church, for instance, tried to prevent people from using contraception because it wasn’t considered “natural” and therefore, wrong.

So, this means that the “natural” argument simply doesn’t fly!

Animals do not engage in homosexual behaviour; therefore, homosexuality is not natural.

TRUE or FALSE?

Hi folks! Hope that the holiday season treated you to some mighty delicious food and fun times. For the next few weeks, the Sense Project’s “e-division” will be tackling the topic of homophobia.

As stated in our lovely Peer Education Manual (which can be downloaded from www.senseproject.org), the literal definition of homophobia is the fear or dislike of people who form the LGBTTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender and intersex) communities. But, like all things “Sense-y”, the literal definition is just too simplistic as it doesn’t take into consideration the many complicated and complex ways homophobic behaviours are experienced and/or dished-out. This is why it’s so important to talk about homophobia so as to debunk the many myths surrounding homosexuality and ultimately, raise awareness about this very important issue.

So, please share your stories, your links, your images and any other artifacts pertaining to the topic of homophobia. We’ll be posting a variety of myth-busting questions and polls to keep you busy in the meantime.

Cheers!