International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a day to raise awareness for the realities of members of the LGBTQ+ community and to help erase these phobias through understanding
When we think about the LGBTQ+ community, the first thing that may come to mind are the pride parades, colourful flags or the iconic television shows built around queer culture that have started to gain a following over the last decade but unfortunately for many people in the LGBTQ+ community, life isn’t always flag waving and rainbows.
Acts of homophobia, transphobia and/or biphobia can for some people, be a daily occurrence and can range from a simple comment intended as a joke to more serious offenses that can lead to people getting hurt. It is therefore important that we create an inclusive environment not just at Hugh Baird College but across our communities so everyone can feel welcome and included.What you can do to support LGBTQ+ people:
1. Report any homophobic, transphobic or biphobic bullying you see take place at Hugh Baird College to a tutor. 2. Don’t use negative or offensive language to describe LGBTQ+ people. 3. Don’t believe stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people, make assumptions about them and be careful about saying phrases such as “that’s so gay” in everyday language. 4. Be vocal about your support of LGBTQ+ people and respect LGBTQ+ people’s decisions about when and where to come out. 5. If you feel safe doing so, speak up if you witness homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying taking place such as someone making offensive jokes or bullying somebody because of who they are. 6. Educate Yourself! There are plenty of places online where you can find clear and simple to read educational resources to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. A good place to start though are on the following websites:- www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people
- www.youngstonewall.org.uk
- www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
- genderedintelligence.co.uk
- lgbt.foundation
Hate Crimes
Homophobia, transphobia and/or biphobia can sometimes lead to hate crimes.A hate crime is defined as “Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.'”
What to do if you think you witness a hate crime
If you feel like you have been the victim of a hate crime, you can access the 'Stop Hate UK' button from the desktop on any computer in Hugh Baird College.Your concern goes straight to the Hate Crime reporting services in your local area. Alternatively, you can visit the Stop Hate UK website.
We work in partnership with these services and with the Sigma Unit of Merseyside Police and together, we will be able to take a collaborative approach to stop hate crime in our local area.
You can also always speak to Student Services if you ever feel unfairly treated, intimidated or bullied in any way. Or, you can send a confidential message to the safeguarding officers at Hugh Baird College by emailing safeguarding@hughbaird.ac.uk.
