Any form of discrimination towards an LGBTQ+ person because of the LGBTQphobic views of the perpetrator is LGBTQphobia. This could be a physical attack, using slurs and derogatory terms to describe a person, it could be making jokes about a person’s LGBTQ+ identity, etc.; LGBTQphobia does not ‘look’ a certain way.

The Equality Act (2010) makes it unlawful to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, so LGBTQphobia must be challenged.

How do can we challenge LGBTQphobia?

There is not one ‘right’ way to challenge LGBTQphobia, but you are doing the right thing by challenging any discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour. With young people, we would encourage you to explore their behaviour. If for instance they are using LGBTQphobic language, they may not be aware that the language is LGBTQphobic and so they would not have considered the impact their language could have on their LGBTQ+ classmates and their friends who have LGBTQ+ family members. Education is key.

You can read some of the exemplar responses we have put together for challenging LGBTQphobia with young people here.