Although no formal events are planned to mark the International Day Against Homophobia today, many people at Ohio University recognize the importance of addressing homophobia.
Homophobia - fear or prejudice toward someone based on sexual orientation - is a large problem for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, said Mickey Hart, director of the LGBT Center.
(The LGBT community) really is one of the last minority groups that it's still in many ways OK to openly discriminate
openly call certain names. ... Anything we can do to raise awareness about that is important he said.
Hart said although homophobia directly affects LGBT individuals most, it also influences allies, who are supporters of the LGBT community.
Sarah Chadwell, a freshman studying theater, said that she grew up in a homophobic home, but has very close gay friends.
Homophobia is based on the idea that being gay is fake or that they do it for attention. That's just so not true she said. There shouldn't even be a distinction.
Chadwell said her gay friends have been hurt by homophobic acts. Earlier this year, Chadwell said her mother advised her not to introduce her gay friend to her sorority, because it would change the way she was perceived.
My gay friends just want to be who they are
she said. They don't want to pretend and they shouldn't need to.
Hart said though harassment does happen, it takes many forms and is not often easy to catch.
Overall OU is a very friendly
welcoming place
but the reality is that we have a lot of people that are coming through here and they're not all so open minded to LGBT issues
he said. I think that despite the great job that residential housing does
(there are) stories that I often hear play out
whether it's something written on somebody's board or notes left on someone's door. Typically when it's done
it's done in a very cowardly way.
Parker Rom, a freshman studying political science, said he sees the need and importance of raising awareness about homophobia.
I know people who have been made fun of for being gay
he said. One friend had 'faggot' written all over his board. ... It happens.
Hart said that blatant harassment and discrimination are not the most common forms of homophobia.
It's not always done face-to-face but it's kind of that existing threat and intimidation that starts to make someone feel unwelcomed or uncomfortable in their own home living environment
