Once the round is complete say that these examples show us that homophobia is alive in our workplaces and union. It is important as stewards that we can recognize homophobia and work to stop it in our workplaces and union If any of the following examples do not come up, you may want to reference them as well: Name calling Stereotyping Using words that hurt i.e. – “fag”, “dyke”, “that’s so gay” Discrimination in the form of refusal of service, denial of an opportunity Deliberate exclusion or avoidance Ridiculing Refusing to acknowledge family Physical threats or attacks Teasing or taunting Say that we just talked about examples of homophobia. Ask: What might bi-phobia look like? Would it be the same as homophobia? How might it differ? [examples to include] Often straights and gays and lesbians alike negate bisexuality referring to them as fence-sittings or not willing to make a decision Some may see bisexuality as a phase
1913 – The word “faggot” referring to gays first appears in print in Portland Oregon. 1933 – The National Socialist German Workers Party bans homosexual groups and sends homosexual to concentration camps. 1938 – The word “gay” is used in film for the first time to reference homosexuality. 1942 – Creation of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in the US began to create all sorts of concern and speculation about women’s sexuality and the potential breakdown of heterosexual norms and sexuality morality; that WAC would attract women who were already “sexually deviant”. Indeed lesbians thrived in the WAC and established their own code of communication! Post World War II - The aggressive harassment of lesbians and gays was connected to this glorification of the nuclear family and domestic sphere. Homophobia became a way of reinstituting male dominance and strict gender roles that had been disrupted by the war. 1950s-1960s – RCMP kept tabs and records of individuals that frequented gay bars. 1963 – The Directorate of Security and Intelligence’s A-3 Unit of the RCMP was charged with removing homosexuals from government and law enforcement. 1964 – Canada’s first gay-positive organization is formed: “ASK Newsletter” in Vancouver and “Gay” published in Toronto. 1967 – Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Justice Minister – “there’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation”, as he defended the legislation to decriminalize homosexuality; brought in sweeping changes to Canada’s legal fabric pertaining to abortion, homosexuality, divorce, etc. It was in 1969 the Omnibus legislation was used to decriminalize homosexuality, allow for contraception,
Conversation theme #4 The group of members is having a conversation and are referring to how immoral it is that the union has negotiated and expanded the definition of family to extend benefits to same-sex couples and parents. Interventions might include: If people use religious reasons to back their motive for using homophobic language, it is important to reiterate that whilst they have the right to their faith; it is their responsibility to ensure that they do not impose on other’s rights to their beliefs, feelings and to their safety and equality. Include in your discussion that homophobia is a violation of human rights. Therefore, homophobia and homophobic bullying is also against the law. After the roles plays are complete, say: Stewards must be proactive in addressing homophobia. Make it clear that you do not find it acceptable to use the language in the themes we just explored. Use of the word ‘gay’ to describe a person, event or object that people don’t like or find different, is homophobic and needs to be challenged. The use of other words such as ‘queer’ or ‘faggot’ – even if used in normal discourse or banter – are homophobic and need to be challenged. Please note however that many in the GLB communities have proudly reclaimed “queer”, especially those who are younger.