Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:

Homophobia/Transphobia

Sexuality/Sexual Orientation	Mental Health Issues
Gender Identity	Helpful Resources
Homophobia/Transphobia

What are homophobia and transphobia?

Homophobia is a term that describes negative feelings and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Transphobia is a similar term that describes negative feelings and attitudes towards transgender and gender-queer people.

What are some examples of homo/transphobia?

Negative feelings and attitudes about minorities (being lesbian or transgender) can be shown in different ways. Some ways are obvious and intentional, for example: direct insults, threats, bullying, physical harm or violence, and discrimination. Sometimes, homophobia isn't as obvious. Examples of these hidden forms of homophobia include: people who aren't comfortable around lesbian or transgender people, use of slurs/words in an unintentional way, avoiding discussions about homosexual issues due to feeling uncomfortable. All types of homophobic attitudes and behaviors can be hurtful and sometimes dangerous to lesbian, gay, or transgender people.

Why does homo/transphobia exist?

There is not an easy answer to this question! The best way to understand it is to realize that minority groups in the past have always made mainstream culture to feel uncomfortable. Other minorities such as women and racial ethnic groups are also discriminated against. Even though being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/or gender-queer is common, these groups are still minorities. The good news is that people are becoming more comfortable with these issues, and hopefully homophobic and transphobic behaviors will decrease in the future.

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Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/24/2011