Ten Ways Homophobia & Transphobia Affect Straight People

1. Homophobia and transphobia force us to act "macho" if we are a man or "feminine" if we are a woman. This limits our individuality and self-expression.

2. Homophobia and transphobia put pressure on straight people to act aggressively and angrily towards LGBTQI people.

3. Homophobia and transphobia can make it harder to be close friends with someone of the same sex.

4. Homophobia and transphobia often strain family and community relationships.

5. Homophobia and transphobia can cause youth to become sexually active before they are ready in order to prove they are "normal." This can lead to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

6. Homophobia and transphobia prevent vital information on sex and sexuality to be readily available in classrooms, medical offices, and other educational venues. Without this information, LGBTQI people are putting themselves at a greater risk for HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

7. Homophobia and transphobia can be used to hurt a straight person if they "appear to be gay" and/or express her/his gender outside societal expectations.

8. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard for straight people and LGBTQ people to be friends.

9. Homophobia and transphobia, along with racism, sexism, classism, etc. make it hard to put an end to AIDS.

10. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard to appreciate true diversity and the unique traits that are not “mainstream.”

Crossposted via Q Resources.

Listing of LGBT Advocacy Organizations by State

Here is a listing of LGBT advocacy organizations by state, get involved and see how you can make a difference where you live =)

AL-Equality Alabama
AZ-Equality Arizona
AZ-Wingspan (southern AZ)
CA-Equality California
CO-Equal Rights Colorado
CT-Love Makes a Family
DC-Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance
DC-Rainbow History Project
DC-Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
FL-Equality Florida
FL-Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
GA-Georgia Equality
GA-Marriage Equality Georgia (MEGA)
HI-Aloha Pride Center
IA-Iowa Equality
IA-One Iowa
ID-Your Family, Friends, & Neighbors (YFFN)
IL-Equality Illinois
IN-GayIndy
IN-Indiana Equality
KS-Kansas Equality Coalition
KY-Fairness Campaign
KY-Kentucky Equality Federation
KY-Kentucky Fairness Alliance
MA-Freedom to Marry Coalition of Mass
MA-Mass Equality
MD-Equality Maryland
ME-Equality Maine
MI-Michigan Equality
MI-Triangle Foundation
MN-Outfront Minnesota
MO-PROMO
MS-Equality Mississippi
MS-Unity Mississippi
NC-Equality North Carolina
ND-Equality North Dakota
New England-GLAD
NH-New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition
NJ-Garden State Equality
NM-Equality New Mexico
NY-Empire State Pride Agenda
NY-Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley
NY-Marriage Equality New York
OH-Equality Ohio
OK-Cimarron Alliance Foundation
OK-Oklahomans for Equality
OR-Basic Rights Oregon
PA-Common Roads
PA-Equality Advocates Pennsylvania
RI-Marriage Equality RI
SC-Alliance for Full Acceptance
SC-Outsmart In the Midlands
SC-South Carolina Equality Coalition
SC-South Carolina Gay & Lesbian Pride Movement
TN-Tennessee Equality Project
TX-Equality Texas
TX-Texas Freedom Network
TX-Houston Equal Rights Alliance
UT-Equality Utah
VA-Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance
VA-Equality Fairfax
VA-Equality Fauquier/Culpeper
VA-Equality Loudon
VA-Equality Virginia
VT-Outright Vermont
VA-Equal Rights Washington
WA-Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington
WI-Center Advocates
WY-Wyoming Equality
Midwest-Rainbow Families