• seek information
• speak up for parents who are silenced within their own communities
• challenge homophobia
  

• The General Teaching Council of England, seeking information
  
• Michael Gove MP , Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, seeking information
  
• Bishop Michael Ali-Nazir

Keeping informed

To 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 homophobia 

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:

• Sexual acts between men were illegal until the Sexual Offences Act decriminalised homosexuality in 1967. The criminalisation of same-sex relationships contributed to the secrecy and silence that causes so much harm to LGBT people.Even now, this impacts on attitudes, particularly amongst older people.
  

• Homosexuality was considered an illness and was not removed from the 'Diagnostic ad Statistical Manual of Mental Illness' until 1973. Damaging treatments were attempted. Alan Turing, often considered the father of modern computer science, was convicted of gross indecency in 1952 because of his relationship with another man. He was offered the 'choice' of imprisonment or chemical 'treatment'. He opted for treatment and ended up taking his own life. In 2009 Gordon Brown apologised for this on behalf of the government, describing what was done as: 'horrifying'.

• In 1988 the Conservative Government introduced the infamous 'Section 28' which prohibited local authorities and schools from doing anything to: 

'...intentionally promote homosexuality...or...promote the teaching ...of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretend family relationship'.

This had the effect of preventing anti-homphobic bullying work in schools for fifteen years. In 2009, David Cameron apologised on behalf of the Conservative Party for its part in introducing Section 28.

• Some newspapers and other media sources perpetuate ignorant and homophobic views. For example, the ‘No Outsiders’ project (see Education), which aimed to reduce homophobic bullying and prejudice in primary schools, was incorrectly described by the Daily Mail as being about: ‘...teaching gay sex to under 11s’ (Daily Mail 16.9.2008).

• Some ethnic groups who have come to Britain over the past few decades come from homophobic cultures, often countries where homosexuality is illegal. This includes a large number of African countries and some of the Caribbean islands. Some reggae, rap and hip hop songs emanating from Jamaica encourage violent homophobic acts, including murder. A campaign called 'Stop Murder Music', set up by Peter Tatchell's 'Outrage!' has recently been successful in the cancellation of concerts by some of the most serious offenders. See our section on Black and Ethnic Minorities.
  

• A number of religions have ambiguous attitudes towards LGBT people and incorrectly promote the notion that people can change their sexuality. See our section on Religion.

What about people who have strong religious views about homosexuality?

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?

• See Keeping Busy, Healthy and Safe

What is Families Together London doing to reduce homophobia?

• Our education campaign is aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding. Children and young people will be less likely to grow up to be homophobic if they are taught by adults who  use the words: 'gay', lesbian' and 'homosexual' in context and without embarrassment.


• We try to act as a voice for parents who are silenced within their own communities by explaining the issues that confront us and our children to those who perhaps have not considered things from our perspective. We also write to those who make inaccurate or inappropriate remarks about lesbian and gay people in public.

• Many parents from our group have gone on to speak out against homophobia within their own communities and their places of worship.

Volunteering opportunities

Taking part in campaigns

Campaigns in the UK

LGCM (the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement) is campaigning for:

• Allowing churches to perform civil partnerships
• Sexual orientation to be included in the next census

See www.lgcm.org.uk, click on Action. 

Campaigns across the world

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

Websites/Resources