Homophobia

Hear Me

Even though queer teens make up less than 10 per cent of the teen population, "one third of all teenage suicides are gays and lesbians," according to the U.S. Department of Health.

In my fourth year of high school, I recall sitting in class and overhearing a conversation between two classmates that caught my attention: "Same-sex marriage is just wrong. It's sick and disgusting. Think about it, they're gonna start trying to make everybody else gay." From this conversation, rage consumed me and many questions formed in my head: What do you know about being queer? What's wrong with same-sex marriages? Why are you straight people constantly tearing us up?

Queer teenagers are often teased, bullied, battered and even kicked out of homes simply because they cannot change. Yet for many heterosexuals, this is not their problem. Straight people do not find a need to read up on sexual orientation; straight teenagers do not need to worry about what life may be like as a queer youth; and certainly when the issue of oppression is raised, gay and lesbian issues are too often ignored and not spoken about.

Sexual orientation is not something that queer youths feel they have control over. It is something that just happens. Yet, due to all the negative connotations that are associated with being attracted to the same sex, it is not easy to accept. Denial, confusion, depression and frustration are often what one must endure in the process of understanding one's own "sinful" feelings.

Understand Me

Coming to terms with being lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, queer or questioning (LGBTTTIQQ) brings a whole set of extra life challenges for a young woman who is coming into her own. Cultural and religious norms in families can bring on tremendous concern, pressure and strain. A young woman pays an emotional price whether she chooses to keep her sexuality a secret, to downplay its importance or to come out to her family and peers.

LGBTTTIQQ youth face barriers as they struggle to honour their sexuality. Creating an environment where they can express their concerns and find the acceptance they may withhold even from themselves is a huge challenge, but fundamental to their development. Fear of repercussions for coming out, and struggling to come to terms with an identity that may not be warmly embraced by some segments of society, friends or family members, can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide if a young woman is left feeling isolated, unsupported or shunned.

The impact of homophobia on young women must never be minimized. Bullying and the fear of being bullied or rejected can have huge emotional repercussions for young women. Some young women will turn to drinking or other drug use to cope. We also know that the suicide rate among young LGBTTTIQQ youth is disproportionately high, so it is particularly important, as a service provider, to take seriously your opportunity to respond to a cry for help.

Support Me

Only a generation or so ago, in the early 1970s, homosexuality was pathologized as an illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and criminalized in the Canadian Criminal Code. Three decades later, with social debates over such issues as same-sex marriage and religious dogma, the need for acceptance and understanding, and the conquering of prejudices against homosexuality, has never been greater.

The first step in addressing the impact of homophobia or other issues related to sexuality and gender identity is to create a trusting, open and non-judgmental relationship. If you ask open-ended questions, it will make it easier for young women to tell you what's important in their lives. As you listen to their stories and develop trust, details of issues such as homophobia may surface. Also, let young women know that homophobia is not tolerated in your workplace, and that you offer a safe space for them to come to. Here are some suggestions for making your environment gay positive:

• Identify your space as gay positive by having posters and pictures of positive images of LGBTTTIQQ youth, or by displaying a pink triangle or the Pride rainbow.
• Celebrate Pride Day or Pride Week in your organization or have your organization participate in Pride activities in your community.
• Help organize programs or self-help groups specifically for LGBTTTIQQ youth.
• Display brochures for LGBTTTIQQ local programs and services in your waiting room, office or school guidance area.
• Familiarize yourself with these programs and services, and get to know some contacts at the agencies so you can let LGBTTTIQQ young women know about activities, programs or groups that they might enjoy or find helpful, or particular contacts whom they might feel comfortable connecting with.

In addition, the following are valuable resources for working with LGBTTTIQQ young women:

Barbara, A.M., Chaim, G. & Doctor, F. (2004). Asking the Right Questions 2: Talking with Clients about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Mental Health, Counselling and Addiction Settings . Toronto: CAMH.

LGBTTTIQQ young women have specific life factors that relate to substance use and/or mental health problems, including coming out, gender transition, societal oppression, loss of family support and isolation. To provide effective addiction and mental health services, service providers need to be aware of these life factors in clients. Asking the Right Questions 2 (ARQ2) helps service providers create an environment where all young women feel comfortable talking about their sexual orientation and gender identity. ARQ2 includes interview items that can be used to facilitate discussion during assessment or early in treatment; an assessment form and guide to be used with a standard substance use, mental health or other service assessment; background information to help clinicians use the ARQ2 guide; and a glossary of concepts and terms.

LGBT Youth Line
1 800 268-9688
http://www.youthline.ca
This is a service provided for youth by youth, which affirms the experiences and aspirations of LGBTTTIQQ youth in Ontario. The service is queer-positive and non-judgmental, and provides confidential peer support through telephone listening, information and referral services, and complementary outreach. The hours of operation are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Friday, except for statutory holidays.