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

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

How do can we challenge LGBTphobia?

There is not one ‘right’ way to challenge LGBTphobia, 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 LGBTphobic language, they may not be aware that the language is LGBTphobic and so they would not have considered the impact their language could have on their LGBT+ classmates and their friends who have LGBT+ family members. Education is key.

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