Homophobia

Most lesbians and gay men understand what it is like to be discriminated against because of their sexuality. We grow up in a world where heterosexuality is the assumed norm and anything different is considered unnatural or perverted. Even when friends and families give us love and support, we are usually aware of others who don't or won't. Homophobia is the deliberate targeting of lesbians and gay men based on ignorance, prejudice and fear. Gay men experience this in many forms, including:

Laws which forbid intimacy in public places.

Lack of understanding of gay relationships.

A virtual invisibility of positive role models and stereotyping on TV and in film.

Negative reporting and abuse in the media.

Sex education in schools based on reproduction.

Laws preventing same-sex marriage.

Discrimination or dismissal from work on the grounds of sexuality. Homophobia is made worse by stereotypical images of what lesbians and gay men are, and often takes the form of verbal abuse, physical violence, or attacks in the media. Even today, homophobia is rife and creates an environment in which we can feel less valued and more vulnerable than our straight counterparts. Moreover, the law provides little protection and, in some cases, actively discriminates against us. For example, Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 states that no local authority shall 'promote the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship'. While it has few teeth, its mere existence has fuelled discrimination and hampered effective HIV prevention. For some organisations (often funded to carry out work targeting gay men) Section 28 has legitimised homophobia and given them grounds to downgrade work or take it off health agendas all together. Currently, law in the UK perpetuates the notion that lesbians and gay men are second-class citizens and legitimises situations where there is no easy redress for discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. As part of the Local Government Bill, the current government has tried to repeal Section 28 but was defeated in the House of Lords in July 2000. The government has now dropped the repeal of Section 28 so that other parts of the bill are passed. Age of consent In 1967, the Sexual Offences Act decriminalised sex between two consenting males - as long as those involved were aged 21 or over. This remained in place until the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which lowered the age to 18, although for straight men and women it was 16. In May 1996 the European Court of Human Rights heard a case challenging the unequal age of consent and ruled that the unequal age of consent was unlawful. Between 1998 and 2000, the House of Commons and House of Lords played ping pong voting for and against an age of consent of 16. Finally, in November 2000, the Parliament Act was invoked and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill was passed for Royal Assent, bringing the age of consent for gay men in line with everyone else - 16. What's next? While society is becoming more understanding of lesbians and gay men this is mainly confined to urban areas and larger cities. But don't think for one moment that the battle for equality is over or that the removal of homophobia is in sight. It's easy to feel safe, cocooned by a large city or ghetto. Fundamental changes to the law, in education and a concerted effort by government will be essential if we are to eliminate discrimination and achieve the equality so easily squandered by our heterosexual counterparts. If you can support any of organisations listed below - do so. Many of them have fought for gay rights for many years and are often neglected by the majority of gay men who seem to think that changes in the law just happen. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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