This section includes some resources to get you started, including positive statements for your office space and lists of statements to challenge homophobia and heterosexism.
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Celebrate Diversity
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Equality for All
Family
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Value All Communities
Love Makes A Family
Love Equals Rights
Equality Network
Top 5 Ways to Challenge Offensive Statements in a Public Meeting
1. Be explicit about your stance on inclusion and equality - 'This meeting is for everyone in the community, and we would ask that you respect people's differences'.
2. Use your audience for support. Ask other members of the community to challenge offensive statements: 'Can anyone answer ____ as to why gender-neutral bathrooms might be more inclusive?' or 'How about a different perspective on this?'
3. Reword. If someone makes an offensive statement just because they don't know the correct term, reword what they've said. Ex: someone uses a euphemism (as in 'that lifestyle' for 'gay people') simply reword their statement with a less offensive term in it: 'So-and-so has raised a point about gay people's access to...'.
4. Stay on track. 'Hot button' issues such as sexuality can raise questions bigger than your meeting. If people are veering off topic and it looks like the discussion might get heated, say something like 'Today we are just focusing on access to the pool. Can we keep the discussion focused, so everyone can leave on time?' This keeps the discussion focused and avoids divisive confrontations.
5. Challenge the statement, not the person. Try to avoid 'you' statements, as they sound accusatory. Saying 'that kind of language is offensive' rather than 'you are being offensive' is more constructive.
For links to LGBT organisations and further resources, please see the Contact page.
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