Allies Program

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT OF HOMOPHOBIA/HETEROSEXISM

Homophobia is an unrealistic fear of homosexuals and/or homosexuality. Heterosexism involves discrimination or prejudice against gays and bisexuals, or against sexual orientations other than heterosexuality. Homophobia and heterosexism may be experienced and expressed by LGBT individuals and by heterosexuals.

  • Do you stop yourself from doing or saying certain things because someone might think you're gay or lesbian? If yes, what things?
  • Do you ever intentionally do or say things so that people will think you're not gay?
  • Do you believe that gays or lesbians can influence others to become homosexual?
  • Do you think someone could influence you to change your sexual and affectional preference?
  • If you are a parent, how would you (or do you) feel about having a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered child?
  • How do you think you would feel if you discovered that one of your parents or parent figures, or a brother or sister, were lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered?
  • Are there any jobs, positions, or professions that you think LGBT individuals should be barred from holding or entering? If yes, why?
  • Would you go to a physician whom you knew or believed to be gay or lesbian if that person were of a different gender from you? If that person were of the same gender as you? If not, why not?
  • If someone you care about were to say to you, "I think I'm gay," would you suggest that the person see a therapist?
  • Have you ever been to a gay or lesbian bar, social club, or march? If not, why not?
  • Would you wear a button that says, "How dare you presume I'm heterosexual?" If not, why not?
  • Can you think of three positive aspects of a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered lifestyle? Can you think of three negative aspects of a heterosexual lifestyle?
  • Have you ever laughed at a "queer" joke?

Originally by A. Elfin Moses and Robert 0. Hawkins, Jr.; adapted by Gregory M. Weight, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Office, University of Delaware, March 2000