Overcoming Homophobia - Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity

As with most prejudice, bias against lesbians, gays, and bisexuals and/or transgender (LGBT), is often based on negative stereotypes and lack of information. Due to socialization and fear of the unknown, people often negatively portray lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people stereotypically or deny their existence altogether; individuals and the campus climate as a whole are harmed by such attitudes, which may result in both outwardly hateful and/or subtly discriminatory behaviors.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) representation on campus crosses all socioeconomic and ethnic boundaries, ages, religions, family circumstances, and roles, including faculty, student, staff, and administration. At The University of Iowa, LGBT people are both visible and "out"; others find it necessary to remain invisible and "closeted" in their work or academic environments. Many differences exist among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, but they share in common the experience of discrimination on the basis of their sexual or gender identity.

The University of Iowa Human Rights Policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The University's strength is demonstrated in its ability to bring together a diversity of beliefs and experiences. Toward this end, it is essential that all people be treated fairly and with respect. This brochure is designed to provide information that will assist the campus community in achieving that goal.

Definition of Terms

Lesbians and gays:
People whose primary affections, sexual identities, and social orientations are toward individuals of the same sex. A cultural identity inclusive of, but not limited to, one's sexual identity.

Heterosexuals:
People whose primary affections and sexual identities are toward people of the opposite sex. A cultural identity inclusive of, but not limited to, one's sexual identity.

Bisexuals:
People whose affections, sexual identities, and social orientations are toward people of both sexes. A cultural identity inclusive of, but not limited to, one's sexual identity.

Homophobia:
Fear of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Intolerance of anyone not heterosexual.

Transgender:
People who have or who are perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one's biological sex; this includes people who elect surgical reassignment and/or hormonal therapy to physically become the other sex.

Heterosexism:
Personal and societal systems which promote the superiority of heterosexuals. The assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual. Many people are unaware of making this assumption, of the ways they may communicate it, and of its hurtful impact on lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.

Positive things you can do to promote a safe and accepting environment:: • Treat all people with respect.; • Challenge homophobic remarks.; • Educate yourself about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender culture.; • Assume that the partner of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person is as important to them as anyone else's partner and act accordingly.; • Make yourself aware of how insensitivity injures others.; • Act as a role model for others by being informed and nonjudgmental.; • Apologize if you offend someone.; • Realize that unintended words or actions may be offensive.; • Listen when someone tells you that your words or actions are homophobic.
What Not To Do

Avoid the following behavior that may suggest a heterosexist attitude:: • Do not tolerate "jokes" which are potentially injurious to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons.; • Do not assume that a lesbian, gay, or bisexual person is sexually attracted to you just because you are of the same gender.; • Do not use gender-specific language when alternatives are available (e.g., use "partner" when asking about an acquaintance's home life).; • Do not assume that everyone is or wants to be heterosexual.
Diversity Awareness

How often do you:: • Challenge others on derogatory comments about sexual or gender identity?; • Speak up when someone is humiliating another person because of his or her sexual or gender identity?; • Get to know people with differing sexual or gender identities as individuals?; • Listen when lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender persons speak out on their issues and concerns?; • Follow and reinforce University policies regarding equal treatment?; • Object to stereotypes of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender people?

Educational Programs

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity offers educational programs on sexual identity and gender identity. Please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity for more information at 319/335-0705 (voice) or 319/335-0697 (text) or by e-mail at diversity@uiowa.edu.

Education can help prevent violations of the University Policy on Human Rights, which may lead to disciplinary action ranging from verbal warning to separation or termination from The University of Iowa. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Complaints alleging violations of the University's Policy on Human Rights (based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity) may be pursued in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Copies of the Human Rights Policy and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Procedures for Discrimination Complaints are available upon request from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Additional Resources

Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
202 Jessup Hall
319/335-0705 (voice)
319/335-0697 (text)