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Homophobia
Homophobia is the irrational hatred, intolerance, and fear
of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. These prejudices help
to perpetuate myths, stereotypes and hatred of lesbians, gay
men or bisexual’s. Homophobia can take many forms and can
affect many areas of an individuals life.
Information for Brighton Students
No students should have to deal with bullying or harassment due to their sexuality.
If you feel that you are being bullied or treated differently
due to your sexuality you can speak to a Welfare Adviser in
Student Services. To make an appointment please contact the Welfare Service on 01273 642888 or email sswelfare@brighton.ac.uk.
UNISEX offers an appointment only and/or e-mail enquiry service.
It is a ‘safespace’ where you can speak to trained LGBT student
volunteers about sexual health, sexual identity and drug/alcohol
issues. Please email us at safespace@unisex.org.uk
and we can offer you advice and information over email or
a separate time to meet up.
Information for Sussex Students
No students should have to deal with discrimination or harassment due to their sexuality. There are a number of support services available to you and which will support you to resolve the situation:
- A Student
Advisor in your school of study. These are members of
university staff who can offer advice and support on personal,
academic and financial issues.
- The Student
Advice Centre is based within the Students union. They
have advisors who are independent of the university and
able to offer independent advice and information on a whole
range of issues. You can email them at ussu-advice@sussex.ac.uk
- The Students'
Union Welfare Officer is an elected student sabbatical
officer. They are elected by students to offer advice to
others students and ensure your welfare is well provided
for.You can email them at welfare@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
- If you live in university operated accommodation and if
the homophobia relates to your accommodation, contact your
Residential Adviser.
You may also like to speak to the Welfare Officer of Sussex LGBT Society. This is someone elected from within the LGBT community to support you and offer information and advice on LGBT related issues.
UNISEX offers an appointment only and/or e-mail enquiry service.
It is a ‘safespace’ where you can speak to trained LGBT student
volunteers about sexual health, sexual identity and drug/alcohol
issues. Please email us at safespace@unisex.org.uk
and we can offer you advice and information over email or
a separate time to meet up.
Information for Staff
Staff at either university have the right to work free from homophobia as discrimination or harassment. Discrimination is not necessarily harassment but harassment is discrimination if it relates to sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and race and ethnic and national origin. Harassment in the first place is defined by the person experiencing it, by the effect on them. Harassment is "unwanted and unacceptable conduct that violates people's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
At the University of Sussex the Equalities Unit provides advice and support to both students and staff. If you need advice as an individual, would like to make any comments about Equality issues at Sussex or if you are working on a policy, service or project where you would welcome equalities input contact:
For information on there work on LGBT issues visit their website.
There is a clear policy of how to report and deal with harassment.
Click here
to view a copy.
If you feel that you are facing discrimination or harassment by another member of staff or from a student you can discuss the issue with Richard Price, Staff Welfare officer. His office is Arts B20 and Ext. 7712 (Direct outside line 01273-877712) or email r.a.b.price@susx.ac.uk
At the University of Brighton you may wish to contact Erica Sosna, the Equality and Diversity Advisor on 01273 642835 or e.sosna@brighton.ac.uk. There is a clear policy of how to report and deal with harassment. Click here
to view a copy.
Violent and Hate Crime
It is still the case that many in the LGBT community face discrimination and abuse. In some cases this can turn into violent abuse this is specifically known as hate crime.
The police in Brighton are very aware of hate crime attacks and take such complaints seriously. They employ specific members of staff to work with the LGBT Community and ensure their personal safety. Sussex Police have a specific Anti Victimisation Unit which deals with hate crime. They are specially trained and have lots of experience in dealing with these issues. They will support you through the process of reporting and then through the criminal justice system. They can be contacted on 01273 665800. For further information about hate crime visit the Sussex Police Hate Crime Policy.
If you have been a victim of hate crime, were a witness or if you know of a hate crime incident you can complete a Self Reporting Form. This records details of the incident for statistical purposes and allow the police to see the true picture of hate crime. If you would like this investigated you can indicate so on the form.
Self-reporting forms can be found in the True Vision packs available from the Unisex Drop-In at Sussex University or in the LGBT room (both are in Falmer House). You can also report the incident online at www.report-it.org.uk or by phoning the police on 0845 60 70 999.
If you have been or are a victim of homophobia, don’t suffer in silence. The
choice to report to the police is a personal one. You may
wish to talk to a friend or family member about it. If you
feel that can’t do this check out our contacts
below.
Internalised Homophobia
Lesbians, gay and bisexual people who are socialised in a homophobic society often internalise these negative stereotypes and can develop some degree of low self esteem and self hatred. This has been described as internalised homophobia.
This is a hotly debated issue and some claim that it does not exist. However, others show examples of people not ‘coming out’ and those people who feel guilt over their desire to have sex with someone of the same sex. This can result in feelings of hurt, anger, isolation and low self esteem which will have a detrimental affect on your relationships and st udies.
If you feel that your sexuality may be getting you down it may be best to talk
to a counsellor. There are many counselling services for the
LGBT community in Brighton who have vast experience of dealing
with issues of sexual identity, self esteem, confidence and
general unhappiness. Check out contact details below.
Other Contacts
Allsorts
Allsorts is a project based in Brighton to support young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or unsure of their sexuality.
website: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
email: allsortsyouth@yahoo.com
telephone: 01273 721211
fax:01273 737378
Anti-Victimisation Unit
Report homophobic attacks, verbal abuse etc. to the Liaison Officer for the LGBT community, who is a civilian member of a specialist police unit dealing with homophobic, racist and domestic violence.
website: www.sussex.police.uk
telephone: 01273 665800
Brighton Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
Whether it's for going out, coming out or checking something out, speaking to an operator who is lesbian or gay makes an important difference to our callers. Information that Switchboard operators have to offer can range from gay hotels or saunas in the area, the date of Brighton Pride, to coming to terms with sexuality or HIV status.
website: www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
email: www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton/email.htm
telephone: 01273 204050 5pm to 11pm, voice and minicom
Counselling for lesbians and gay men at Switchboard
The Counselling project offers short term, focused counselling to individuals and couples, working on an agreed issue/are for a maximum of 12 sessions. Individuals need to fill ina referral form before they commence counselling.
website: www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton/counselling.htm
email: brighton.counselling@switchboard.org.uk
telephone: 01273 204050 5pm to 11pm, voice and minicom OR contact the counselling project coordinator (or leave a message) asking for a form 01273 202384
Victim Support
Practical and emotional support for victims of crime.
telephone: Brighton 01273 234009
telephone: Hove 01273 439942
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