Dont' think of LGBT persons solely in terms of their sexual orientation.
Just as the lives of heterosexual people include far more that their attraction to members of the opposite sex, LGBT persons also have friends, skills and multifaceted interests unrelated to their sexual orientation. Don't define anyone by their sexual orientation.
Don't engage in homophobic jokes, comments, slurs or other behaviors.
Speak up against these when you witness them. If you don't, you silence condones and encourages such behaviors.
Educate yourself.
If there are things you don't know or understand about LGBT issues, do some research, ask questions or contact a group that deals with these issues.
Talk about sexual diversity.
Maintain an inclusive group, classroom, living or workspace by talking openly and respectfully about LGBT issues when they come up. Treat these issues as you would any other issue.
Remember that an individual's sexual orientation involves more than sexual behavior.
It includes attraction, companionship, intimacy and emotional attachments as well as sexual activity.
Do not force people to hide
their sexual orientaion or gender identity.
Don't assume that LGBT people are suffering.
Or have regrets about their sexual orientation and want to be heterosexual. Likewise, if someone who is LBGT is having problems, don't assume that sexual orientation is the cause.
Recognize intersections and similiarities of prejudice.
Heterosexism and other forms of oppression and discrimination have similarities and areas of overlap. For example, a black lesbian may experience homophobia, racism, and sexism. An East Asian man may be disadvantaged by racism in ways that are similar to the ways a gay man is disadvantaged by homophobia and heterosexism.
Engage in inclusive practices.
Create work, study and living environments in which gender and sexual diversity are included, modeled and valued. |
