1. 2. HOMOPHOBIA Where does it come from?

2. Words/Phrases used to describe lesbians/gays

3. Creation & Perpetuation of Homophobia Similar lists for all oppressed groups. Leads to internalised negative (spoiled) identity for oppressed, internalised positive identity for privileged. We are not born with these ideas Apart from language, what are the six main institutions that create and perpetuate homophobia (sexism, racism, disableism, etc)

4. Exercise In small groups, identify at least three ways in which these institutions have created and/or perpetuated homophobia. Feed back to main group.

5. Historical video clips Brief extracts from television which show examples of institutional homophobia.

6. RELIGION: It ’ s a Sin Anglicanism: ‘ homosexual genital acts fall short of the ideal ’ Catholicism: ‘ homosexuality is an aberrant deviation ’ Judaism: Late Lord Jakobovits – abortion of foetus if homosexual Islam: Late Dr Siddique: elimination of gays Debate on same-sex marriage

7. Medicine: It ’ s a Sickness Homosexuality classed as sickness in Britain until 1992 Causes: arrested development, a phase, immature, parent ’ s fault: too distant, too close We can help you change Only just beginning to be included in strategies but hardly affected practice yet

8. LAW: Significant Changes Until recently Age of Consent: illegal for gay men under 18/21 (lesbians invisible) until 2001 Section 28: no ‘ promotion ’ of homosexuality repealed 2003 Employment (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 Civil partnership 2005 Goods & Services 2007 Criminal Justice & Immigration 2008 (incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation) Equality Act 2010

9. MEDIA: It ’ s Entertainment Used to be invisible or negative images – perverts, pansies, predatory – still stereotypes Sensationalise – lipstick lesbians (or pornography), camp gay men Much more balanced now, included in dramas but still homophobic reporting Allows homophobes to spread hatred & ignorance ‘in the interest of balance’ (recent debates on same-sex marriage)

10. EDUCATION: It ’ s Invisible Omitted from curricula unless related to HIV/AIDS No/few visible role models Homophobic bullying goes unchallenged No books/information Creates homophobes of future

11. FAMILY: It ’ s Heterosexual Brought up to be heterosexual Brought up with parents (often negative) views No support when most need it – coming out Some disown or don ’ t want to know