How to Combat Heterosexism

The Safe Zone program at Kansas State strives to provide a safer environment by those affected by homophobia, hateful acts, or sexual violence. This article is part of the resources provided by the Safe Zone website.

Be non-judgmental.
Being GLBT is nothing to be ashamed of or judgmental about. Homophobia, not sexual orientation or gender identity is the problem.
Use gender inclusive and non-heterosexist language.
Do not assume that you know someone’s sexual orientation and/or the gender of one’s romantic/sexual interests. Use inclusive language even if you know someone is heterosexual. Help educate and encourage others to use inclusive language, as well.
Assume that anyone could be GLBT or heterosexual. Don’t assume that everyone is heterosexual “unless you know otherwise” or that everyone should be heterosexual. Similarly, don’t assume that someone is GLBT based on stereotypes or assumptions about one’s friends.
Don’t tease or harass others. Don’t tease or harass others for exhibiting behaviors that are not traditionally associated with their gender (or what you perceive their gender to be).
Don’t “out” people. Do not force anyone to disclose their sexual orientation. Also, if you know that someone is GLBT or is questioning their sexual orientation, don’t assume that you may tell anyone else. Be sensitive to the fact that some people are “out” in some areas of their lives, but not in others.
Don’t think of GLBT persons solely in terms of their sexual orientation. Just as the lives of heterosexual people include far more than their attraction to members of the opposite sex, GLBT persons also have friends, skills and multifaceted interests unrelated to their sexual orientation. Don’t define anyone by their sexual orientation.
Don’t engage in homophobic jokes, comments, slurs or other behaviors. Speak up against these when you witness them. If you don’t your silence condones and encourages such behaviors.
Educate yourself. If there are things you don’t know or understand about GLBT issues, do some research, ask questions or contact a group that deals with these issues.
Talk about sexual diversity. Maintain an inclusive group, classroom, living or work space by talking openly and respectfully about GLBT issues when they come up. Treat these issues as you would any other issue.
Remember that an individual’s sexual orientation involves more than sexual behavior. It includes attraction, companionship, intimacy and emotional attachments as well as sexual activity.
Do not force people to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity. Don’t assume that GLBT people are suffering or have regrets about their sexual orientation and want to be heterosexual. Likewise, if someone who is GLBT is having problems, don’t assume that sexual orientation is the cause.
Recognize intersections and similarities of prejudice. Heterosexism and other forms of oppression and discrimination have similarities and areas of overlap.
Engage in inclusive practices. Create work, study and living environments in which gender and sexual diversity are included, modeled and valued.

Taken from: http://www.geocities.come/heterosexismhomophobia/Co