WHAT IS HOMOPHOBIA??? * Looking at a gay male/lesbian and automatically thinking of their sexuality, rather than seeing him/her as a whole, complex person. * Failing to be supportive when your gay/lesbian friend is sad about a quarrel or breakup. * Changing your seat in a meeting because a gay male or lesbian sits in the chair next to you. * Thinking you can "spot one". * Using the terms "gay, lesbian, queer, fag, homo" as accusatory. * Not asking about a gay man/woman's lover although you regularly ask "How is your husband or boyfriend?" when you run into a heterosexual friend. * Kissing an old friend, but being afraid to shake hands with a gay/lesbian person. * Thinking that if a gay male/lesbian touches you he/she is making sexual advances. * Stereotyping gay males/lesbians as promiscuous, "recruiters", separatists, or radicals. Using those terms accusingly. * Feeling repulsed by public displays of affection between gay men or lesbians, but accepting the same affectionate displays between heterosexuals as O.K. * Wondering which one is the "man/woman" in a gay or lesbian couple. * Feeling that gays and lesbians are too outspoken about gay rights. * Assuming that everyone you meet is heterosexual. * Feeling that a gay male/lesbian is just a man/woman who couldn't find a woman/man, or believing a man or woman is gay/lesbian because they were a victim of rape or child sexual abuse. * Avoiding mentioning to friends that you are involved with a gay rights organization because you are afraid that they will think that you are gay. * Not confronting a heterosexist remark for fear of being identified with gay men/lesbians. Adapted from: "Lesbians, A Consciousness Raising Kit", by the Boston NOW Lesbian Task Force -- Tina M. Wood ____ | "And when the walls begin to al715@yfn.ysu.edu \ / | fall, can't hold back the joy EQUALITY is not a \/ | that love will conquer all." "special right"! | --Three Dog Night