Homophobia

What is ‘homophobia’ and ’transphobia’?

Homophobia means a hatred of, or discrimination against, lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Transphobia means a hatred of, or discrimination towards Trans people.

What is ‘hate crime’?

Hate Crime is where people are subjected to harassment, victimisation, intimidation or abuse because of a prejudice against the particular social group to which they belong, for example their race, gender or sexuality. Hate crime towards LGBT people is also termed homophobic or transphobic hate crime.

I have been a victim of hate crime, should I report it?

It is important that hate crimes are reported to the police so action can be co-ordinated to tackle homophobic incidents as they occur and also to prevent further such incidents. For example, the reporting of homophobic incidents can lead to the police using CCTV footage to look for evidence on particular crimes or increasing patrols in certain areas at night

You can report an incident, either as a victim or a witness, by going into your local police station or by filling in a self-reporting form available online at www.report-it.org.uk. If you are uncomfortable with reporting an incident yourself, you can phone the Switchboard and we will report it on your behalf. Don’t worry if the incident happened a while ago – it will still be taken seriously.

I’m being bullied at school, what support is there?

All schools should have an anti-bullying policy and many will now incorporate guidelines on homophobic bullying. Teachers and schools have a legal and moral obligation to take steps to prevent bullying – including homophobic bullying. Despite this, some schools are still reluctant to be seen to ‘promote’ homosexuality in any way, and this can lead to LGBT students feeling invisible and ignored.

If you are being bullied, the only way to stop it is to tell someone about what’s happening. You could speak directly to a teacher, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, you could speak to your parents who could then speak to someone at the school on your behalf. If you are worried about your parents finding out about your sexuality it may be a better option to speak to a teacher and ask them not to mention it to your parents.

If you need someone to talk things through with in confidence you can the Switchboard, or alternatively try Childline on 0800 1111 – the call is free and won’t show up on the phonebill. They also have a website with information about bullying at http://www.childline.org.uk/Bullying.asp

I’m being treated unfairly at work because of my sexuality, what can I do?

It is against the law for any employer to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation – either directly or indirectly. This means that your employer cannot sack you because you are gay, and also that they must provide the same benefits to same-sex partners as to opposite-sex partners. It is also against the law for someone to harass or bully you at work because of your sexuality.

If you feel that any of this applies to you, it is important that you get advice before acting. Think about who you can trust to be confidential and non-judgemental. Maybe you could speak to someone at work? Do you have a union representative? Alternatively speak to an independent specialist like your local Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk). It is important to collect evidence to back up your case, such as keeping a diary of things that have happened, as this may be useful to you at a later time. Ultimately you may be able to take your dispute to an employment tribunal for compensation.

Can a hotel refuse to give myself and my partner a double room because we are the same sex?

Currently, the answer is yes. However under the new Equality Act, which is due to come into force in October 2006, this will become illegal. This piece of legislation makes discrimination unlawful in the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal and management of premises, education, and the exercise of public functions. In plain English, this means hotels won’t be able to refuse to give you a room, nor will bars and restaurants be able to refuse to serve you because of your sexuality.