Young people in society column

Provided by the Professional Order of Social Workers of Québec (Ordre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux du Québec), these articles are intended to help you deal with everyday life. They could also help you help a friend!

Come back to read it!

Homophobia, you say?

If you think homophobia is an allergy to homogenized milk, you'd better take a couple of minutes to read the following!

Homophobia is, like racism, a form of discrimination, but toward homosexuals rather than toward people of colour or of a different religion or nationality. Unfortunately, homophobia can lead to physical and psychological violence and sometimes even to hatred. It's a serious social issue, but one against which we can all do our part.

Although gays, lesbians and bisexuals have the right in Quebec to freely live out their differences, the ignorance, intolerance and rejection they can experience can sometimes have disastrous consequences. Did you know that the rate of suicide is three times higher among young homosexuals than young heterosexuals?

Imagine for a moment how you would feel if people in your environment held you in contempt just because you were gay or a lesbian? Would you choose to hide your sexual orientation for fear of being judged or rejected? How long do you think you could hold on to such a big secret?

When you think about it, it's easy to realize just how much you can hurt someone who's different by making fun of him or rejecting him. But things don't have to be this way if each of us does his own small share. How? By accepting others for what they are, with all their differences, and not judging them. Parents and friends must also be encouraged to behave like us and be made aware of the dangers of homophobia.

Respecting others' differences is way cooler and smarter!

To find out more, visit the following Web sites :

• www.homophobiaday.org
• www.gayline.qc.ca