INFORMATION FOR

How can I respond when someone tells a homophobic joke?

Many people believe jokes are harmless, and get upset by what they perceive as “politically correct attitudes” when others are offended by inappropriate humor.  Labeling a belief or attitude as “politically correct” is an indirect way of supporting the status quo and resisting change.  Most people who tell jokes about any minority group have never thought about how those jokes perpetuate stereotypes, or how they teach and reinforce prejudice.   Someone who tells jokes about people who are LGBT probably assumes everyone present is heterosexual, or at least that everyone shares their negative attitudes toward LGBT people.  However, most people do not tell jokes to purposefully hurt or embarrass others, and will stop if they realize this is the effect.  Responding assertively in these situations is difficult, but not responding at all sends a silent message of agreement.  No response is the equivalent of condoning the telling of such jokes. It is important to remember that young people, particularly those questioning their own sexual identity, will watch to see who laughs at such jokes, and will internalize some of the messages.  In some instances, the inappropriateness of the joke could be mentioned at the time.  In other situations, the person could be taken aside afterwards.  Try to communicate your concerns about the joke with respect.