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 |