Comments on: How to Respond to a Homophobic Comment

on 1/24/2008 I think some people really don't understand when they are being offensive, while others don't care or do it on purpose. The ones who really don't understand are the ones people have the best chance of influencing, so I like the strategy of making people explain what they said. Also, it's true that people tend to assume a person is gay or lesbian if they object to homophobic comments, but it's not the only time such assumptions are made. Once I was substitute teaching and got after a girl for making an anti-semitic comment, and she assumed I was Jewish. Now I don't care if she thinks that, but I'm not, as it happens. I just think it's wrong to make prejudiced remarks about anyone, but some people don't get that.

on 6/21/2007 Totally disagree with the last person. The people that make these comments are usually ignorant and fearful of homosexuals and lesbians. They won't care a donkeys arse if they are upsetting you or you think that they are making a fool out of themselves because that's just how they are.

on 6/4/2007 I find it strange that people tend to think one is homosexual if anti-gay and lesbian comments offend them. People can stand up for people, no matter what their personal practices are. In turn, standing up for human dignity should not prompt personal speculation from others. I often come back to people who say something like "that class is so gay" with something like: "Really I was unaware that the class is homosexual" so that someone can understand what they said is not right. I usually follow with something like, "Really, what you said offended me. Please don't use comments like that around me, and perhaps consider not using them at all - you never know who you could offend."

on 5/18/2007 I think laughing at homophobic comments is disgusting. The person should be told in a serious matter that what she said was offensive.

on 2/1/2006 A woman I know responds to offensive comments by pretending to not understand and asking to have it explained to her. Often people don't realize that what they're saying is offensive unless you can get them to pick it apart.

on 12/8/2005 A good, belly rumbling laugh is usually how I respond when people make homophobic comments. As long as they're not directed toward me.

on 11/22/2005 If the comments persist, gently tell the person that the comments are upsetting, not only to yourself but others, and you respect their opinions about homosexuals but could they please not voice them in public because they are making a fool out of themselves and you don't like to see people embarrass themselves like that...

on 11/22/2005 Remember, it is not only homosexual people that are allowed to be offended by such comments. Be true to yourself and your beliefs when you hear them made, and stand up even though you may not be homosexual yourself.

on 11/22/2005 If you can find a way to make your response into a gentle joke, it may go over better than a regular correction, and will be easier to do in a crowd. check out http://itchy.calarts.edu/%7Ecristin/hetero_questions.html for a start!