a Other Press Telereg Extravaganza! September 20, 1993 ~ L.G.B.C. info LEVELS OF HOMOPHOBIA REPULSION Homosexuality isseen as a “sickness, a sin, or a crime.” Anything is justified to change “those people.” PITY Heterosexual chauvinism. Heterosexuality is assumed to be more mature and certainly to be pre- ferred. Any possibility of becoming straight should be reinforced and those who seem to be born “that way” should be pitied...”the poor dears...” TOLERANCE Homosexuality is viewed as just a phase of adolescent development that many people go through and most people “grow out of.” Thus, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are seen as less mature than straights and treated with the protectiveness and indulgence one uses with a child. This belief implies lesbians, gays and bisexuals should not be given positions of authority because they are still working through adolescent behaviours. ACCEPTANCE Still implies there is something to accept, characterized by such statements as “You are not gay to me; you're a person.” “What you do in bed is your own business.” “That's fine as long as you don’t flaunt it.” Not to mention the famous, “We love you anyway.” This ignores the pain of invisibility and the stress of closet behaviour. “Flaunt” usually means say or do anything that makes people aware. It also denies the social and legal realities with which lesbian, gay, and bisexual people live. HOMOPHOBIA Because homophobia (fear and hatred of gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals) is pervasive in our cul- ture, failing to act against homophobia allows it to continue. We need to take positive steps to change this norm. Inaction singles acceptance of homophobia. LEVELS OF POSITIVE ATTITUDES SUPPORT Works to safeguard the rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Aware of the climate and the irrational unfairness of attitudes and realities. ADMIRATION Acknowledges that being gay, lesbian and bisexual in our society takes strength. Willing to truly look at themselves and work on their own homophobic attitudes. APPRECIATION Values the diversity of people and sees lesbian, gay and bisexual persons as a valid part of that diversity. Willing to work towards combating homophobia in themselves and others. NURTURANCE Assumes that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are indispensable in our society. Views lesbian, gay and bisexual people with genuine affection and delight and are willing to be lesbian, gay and bi- sexual advocates. Dr. Dorothy Riddle Tucson, Arizona Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Collective Active on Campus The Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Collective (LGBC) is an alliance of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of Douglas College. We support the diversity of human sexuality. Racism, sex- ism, classism and heterosexism destroy our society. One of the mandates of the LGBC is to counteract these ‘isms’ and to educate and sensitize the campus on these issues. The LGBC will use discussion groups, floor raps and special events such as seminar workshops to eradicate these problems. Joining the collective will give you an opportunity to meet other lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender students and to discuss the issues affecting our community. We meet every thursday, starting September 16th. Confidentiality is guaranteed. For more information call 527-5335, then dial voice box #4550. Photoby Maunce Stanley and Lisa of the Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Collective INIEP Representatives Visit Douglas College y Holly Keyes During the summer semester Douglas College had two special visitors from Nicaragua working in the college. Emilia Ruiz and Roberto Madriz were from INIEP (Nicaraguan Institute for Research and opular Education) in Managua. They were here to learn about computers and publishing so they could teach others in Nicaragua. INIEP and Douglas College are working together on an exciting four year project to improve literacy and encourage education. While they were here Emilia and Roberto underwent an intensive computer course involving many desktop publishing programs, the use of peripherals (mouse, scanner, printer, fax), photography, video quipment and publication of print media. Emilia and Roberto also attended many community activities such as a boat launching, picnics and camping. As well they gave two discussions, one on the political situation in Nicaragua and one on popular ducation. The two Nicaraguans learned a lot about our language and culture during their stay here. All the people who got to meet Emilia and Roberto also learned about Nicaragua and their culture. A permanent ond has been created between INIEP and Douglas College that will never weaken.