Dr. Dorthy Riddle, a psychologist from Arizona, developed the following scale of attitude levels towards queers. What are the terms of your acceptance? Where would you like to be? What can you do to bridge the gap from where you are to where you would like to be?
Negative Levels of Acceptance
Repulsion: Queers are sick, crazy, immoral, and need help. Anything is justified in order to change them (i.e. electroshock treatment, prison, hospitalization.)
Pity: Hetrosexuality is more mature and certainly preferred. Homosexuals "born that way" should be pitied. "It's not their fault."
Tolerance: Homosexuality is a phase of development that most people grow out of, therefore queers should be treated with patience until they "grow up."
Acceptance: Implies that there is something to accept. Characterized by such statements as: "You're not gay to me; you're just a person." "Whatever you do is fine, just don't flaunt it."
Positive Levels of Acceptance:
Support: Works to safegaurd the rights of queers. May be personally uncomfortable, but recognizes the homophobic climate.
Admiration: Acknowledges that being a queer in this society takes strength. Willing to examine personal biases and beliefs.
Appreciation: Values diversity and sees queers as part of that diversity. Willing to combat homophobia in themselves and others.
Nurturance: Assumes queers are indispensible in our society. Willing to be advocates.
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