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| -> Manifestations of Homophobia |  |  |
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Both on a conscious or sub-conscious level, homophobia surfaces in various ways and can even be internalised.
- Homophobic Attitudes
Feelings or convictions that gays and lesbians are abnormal or sick
- Homophobia-inspired Heterosexism
The false belief that everybody is heterosexual and that only heterosexuality is acceptable and legitimate' This belief is based on the idea that the majority sets the norm
- Homophobic Language
The use of vocabulary and expressions that can span from jokes to insults
- Interpersonal Homophobia
Non-verbal displays of being ill-at-ease, feeling unsafe or experiencing fear when in contact with gay men and/or lesbians
- Institutionalised/Systemic Homophobia
The built-in institutional practice of putting gays and lesbians at a disadvantage
- Opportunistic Homophobia
Being interested in homosexuality solely for financial or personal gain, and not wanting to be associated with being homosexual or with gay men and lesbians
- Internalised Homophobia
An often sub-conscious form of homophobia that is a product of education and social values passed down by society' Gay men and lesbians, too, can adopt homophobic behaviour
- Condoned (passive) Homophobia
Silence or lack of response to acts of homophobic language or behaviour that call for someone to intervene and put an end to them
- Homophobic Violence
An extreme display of homophobia that leads to violence and can range from verbal assault to hate crimes
How to intervene when youths display homophobic behaviour
- Put an end to harassment by identifying the aggressor(s)'
- Identify the type of harassment by stating that it degrades sexual orientation'
- Open the debate by informing those involved that such behaviour will not be tolerated'
- Require the aggressors to modify their behaviour by asking them why they said or acted as they did'
- Put the victim's mind at ease by inviting him or her to inform you on such behaviours should they reoccur'
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