Homophobia
Definition
“Homophobia is the discrimination and prejudice people experience based on their sexual orientation, affecting people who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Homophobia is rooted in the belief that heterosexuality is the norm and that other sexual orientations are less valid, less moral, or less deserving of respect. These beliefs reinforce heteronormativity in society and traditional gender roles and contribute to the marginalization of two-spirit and queer communities.”
30%+ of 2SLGBTQIA+ students report discrimination on campus
11% of students identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
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Homophobia can manifest through avoidance, exclusion, harmful stereotypes, derogatory language, discriminatory policies, or acts of violence. It also appears in more subtle ways, such as assumptions about relationships, erasing queer identities, or expecting people to hide who they are or who they love. Because homophobia is embedded in cultural norms and institutional structures, it can create environments where queer and two-spirit people feel unsafe, unwelcome, or pressured to conform.
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Homophobia can show up in curriculum that ignores or invalidates queer experiences, in classrooms or campus spaces where harmful comments go unchallenged, in campus services that lack inclusive practices, or in residence and social spaces that do not feel safe for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Faculty and staff may also lack training to support queer students effectively.
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Homophobic microaggressions dismiss, minimise, mock, or question 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences. Repeated over time, they erode safety and create barriers within housing, classrooms, and services.
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Macroaggressions are overt, obvious, or institutionalised forms of discrimination. These can be individual actions, like slurs, harassment, exclusion, or targeting someone because of their identity. They can also be systemic patterns, such as inaccessible buildings, biased policies, or a lack of support for marginalised students.
Where microaggressions are often subtle and unintentional, macroaggressions are more direct, and their impact is immediate, harmful, and serious.
available resources for 2slgbtqia+ students
QMUNITY is a resource centre that provides essential programs and services to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
QMUNITY
HIM is a nonprofit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender-diverse people in BC.
Health Initiative For Men (HIM)