Our workWe will take action to:
Keeping informedTo keep abreast with LGBT politics, try www.theyworkforyou.com. You can keep up with debates and look up MPs voting records. Taking action to reduce homophobiaHomophobia is not actually
a ‘phobia’ or a fear. It is term which used to describe the nastiness
and hatred that is sometimes directed towards LGBT people.
Homophobia is the
opposite of tolerance and understanding. It is a reflection of our
society, and, like racism, is often the result of ignorance,
misinformation and bigotry. The level of homophobia in this country is not to be underestimated. One in five lesbian and gay people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident in the last three years ('Hate Crime', Stonewall, 2008). This can take the form of insults, harassment or physical assault. However, homophobia can also take other forms, such as ignoring the ill-treatment or cruelty meted out to LGBT people or a failure to act decisively in the face of dissent:
The homophobia in this country stems from a number of sources:
What about people who have strong religious views about homosexuality?Everyone is entitled to their political, religious or moral beliefs. However, it would be wrong to express these views in ways that upset other people. The advice given to NHS employees by the General Medical Council, for example, offers this helpful guideline:'...You must not express...your personal beliefs, including political, religious or moral beliefs, in ways that exploit (patients') vulnerability or are likely to cause them distress.' This guidance will be helpful to other professionals, such as teachers, but also offers a 'rule of thumb' to anyone working with vulnerable groups, including the young. How do we keep our children safe from homphobic acts?What is Families Together London doing to reduce homophobia?
Volunteering opportunitiesThe Albert Kennedy Trust seeks mentors to support young LGBT people - www.akt.org.ukThey are also seeking homes for homeless young LGBT people. If you have a spare room, get in touch! Taking part in campaignsCampaigns in the UK
LGCM
(the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement) is campaigning for:
See www.lgcm.org.uk, click on Action. How will including sexual orientation in the next census help LGBT people?This is about the difference between privacy and invisibility. A person's sexuality is private if they choose to keep it so. However, the lack of information on LGBT people can mean that they are statistically invisible, which means that services cannot be directed towards those groups. For more information, see: Beyond Tolerance: Making sexual orientation a public matter (2009) Equality and Human Rights Commission Policy Report 2009 - www.equalityhumanrights.com Moving Forward: Puttinng sexual orientation in the public domain (2009) Equality and Human Rights Commission research summary 40 www.equalityhumanrights.com Also: What's it got to do with you? Ten reasons why you should fill in those funny box things at the end of forms Stonewall - www.stonewall.org.uk Campaigns across the worldVisit our page on LGBT rights around the world by clicking here. Visit the Amnesty International LGBT Network by clicking here. Uganda Uganda has recently introduced a draft ‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’. Homosexuality is already criminalised in Uganda, but this Bill will also allow the death penalty to be used as a punishment for homosexuality as well as imprisonment. People who do not inform on those they know are gay could be imprisoned. The Bill also forbids the provision of funds, premises for activities or other resources. You can find out more about the situation in Uganda At www.lgcm.org.uk, click on ‘Action' to read about their campaigns. You can sign the petition about Uganda (click on the word ‘petition’ at the end of that section). Lithuania The Lithuanian Parliament has proposed amendments to a bill which will criminalise events, campaigning and the production of materials on human rights around the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity.International perspectives and the human rights movement To find out more about human rights and LGBT rights around the world click here. Websites/ResourcesEducational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) 0808 1000 143 - www.eachaction.org.ukExceeding Expectations: Ending Homophobia through Education - www.exceedingexpectations.org.uk The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement - www.lgcm.org.uk choose 'Action' |