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FAQs > How should I respond to heterosexual friends or coworkers who feel negatively about a person who is LGBT in our office, on our residence hall floor, or in any group I am a part of?
- How should I respond to heterosexual friends or coworkers who feel negatively about a person who is LGBT in our office, on our residence hall floor, or in any group I am a part of?
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When such problems arise, it is most useful to discuss this with
the people involved. Help them to see past the issue of “gayness”
to the reality that they are talking about a person, not just a
sexual orientation. Make sure that you have accurate
information so that you may appropriately discuss stereotypes and
misinformation that often underlie such negative reactions. Note
the similarities between people who are LGBT and heterosexual
people. Be clear with others that while they all have a right to
their own beliefs and opinions, you do not appreciate anti-gay
comments or discrimination. Remember that others may take their
cues from you and if you are uncomfortable with, hostile to, or
ignore the person who is LGBT, others may follow suit. Conversely,
if you are friendly with the person who is LGBT and treat them with
respect, others may follow suit.
