We can all fight against heterosexism. This would help not only the lesbians. Not only the homosexual community as a whole, but the heterosexuals themselves. It is proved that when we fight against heterosexism, we fight against injustices in our society. We can do that in many ways. We can support our lesbian friends, explain and stand for their position in the workplace, the school, and the university; in front of our friends and acquaintances, and everywhere in society. We can be alert and refuse to accept homophobic and heterosexist expressions in the very moment of their appearance. We can call for help from acquaintances and financially well off people for the purpose of building a world which is more just for all of us. We can do many things.

 Law in the fight against Homophobia and Heterosexism

Appraise your situation carefully. Don’t place yourself or another person under any kind of physical or emotional threat. Evaluate all consequences, the positive and the negative, the financial, emotional, social, and legal, before you undertake anything.

Things that every lesbian should do:

1. Educate yourself on the topics of homosexuality and homophobia, so that you can educate the others better.

2. Do not tolerate anti-homosexual jokes or opinions even if others criticize you for having no sense of humor. Counteract insulting remarks by pointing to factual information.

3. If there is a resource center for lesbian and bisexual women (Bitilis) in the place you live- join it. If there is none, try to create one.

4. Support in any possible way organizational or business initiatives of lesbians.

5. Counteract homophobic expressions in different collectivities (business, student, social) and fight for including sexual orientation in the Law against sex discrimination. Insist that homosexuals must have equal chances.

6. React against homophobia, disinformation, and censure in the media which are directed against homosexuals. Write letters to editors or program directors of media outlets which have published homophobic or misrepresenting materials. Call on the phone or write letters to the sponsors of such media and insist that they discontinue their financial support because those media publications are inadmissible. At the same time, show your regards to and praise those media outlets which have broadcasted shows and movies or published articles which properly describe homosexuals (and their problems) and which have called for tolerance. Call or write their sponsors and ask them to increase their support.

7. React on improper representation of homosexuals in talk shows, discussions, everything which relates to the topic.

8. Use, whenever possible, substitute for the words “husband” and “wife” like partner, for example.

9. Disseminate the homosexual culture everywhere where it`s possible. Recommend to your friends and family books, movies, poems, and songs which treat homosexual themes.

10. Support and participate in all cultural, sport, or fun events set up by organizations which support homosexuality.

11. Discuss, to the extent possible, the problems of homosexuals and homophobia with family, friends, neighbors, co- students, and colleagues.

12. Keep in track with the newest tricks of the anti- gay individuals, so that you can prevent attacks on the homosexual community.

13. Educate yourself about the homosexual culture and history. Learn about all lesbian women who have contributed something valuable to society.

14. Carry and disseminate the symbols of homosexuality with pride (the rainbow is a the symbol of homosexuality around the world)

15. When you feel ready, gather enough experience, and find support, reveal your sexual orientation to everyone. This will not only represent an affirmation of yourself, but will also decrease the influence which the anti-gay individuals exert. Silence and invisibility of lesbians gives these people an opportunity to continue harassing the lesbian community.

16. Don`t allow others to categorize you according to stereotypes for lesbians - be yourself!

17. Advance in your carrier; help other lesbians to do the same.

18. If another lesbian is in need or trouble- forget all personal biases or previous fights, the personal small wars; leave those for later and stand next to her in her fight. Support all people like you, and don`t be ashamed to ask for support.

One of the best ways to make heterosexuals feel as we, the homosexuals, do when we are discriminated is to ask them explain on some of the questions which every lesbian hears every day. So, here is the list of questions… which are based on heterophobia instead on homophobia. I`m very curious what will be the response of heterosexual men.

HETEROSEXUAL QUESTIONNAIRE:

01 - Aren`t you ashamed of your heterosexuality, don`t you think that heterosexuality is perversion?

02 - What do you think are the reasons for your heterosexuality- is it inborn or you have become heterosexual for other reasons?

03 - When and how did you decide the first time that you would be heterosexual?

04 - Don`t you think that your heterosexuality is just a temporary phase which will fade in time and you will become a normal homosexual man?

05 - Don`t you think that your heterosexuality stems from your fear of men? May be what you need is just one real potent man for a lover.

06 - Doesn`t your heterosexuality stem from your homosexual relationships? From disappointment by the homosexual love? Why don`t you think you won`t find the same rejection and disappointment in heterosexual relationships?

07 - Is your heterosexuality based on the fact that you are ugly and boring and homosexual men avoid you because of that?

08 - Is your modest symbol of “manhood” and the fear to compare it with other man the reason for your heterosexuality?

09 - If you haven`t had sexual relation with a man, how can you state that you would not prefer the normal homosexual love?

10 - To whom did you reveal your heterosexuality? Have you shared with your family that you are not homosexual? How did these people react to that? Did you find understanding and support in them?

11 - Your heterosexuality does not bother me, but why do so many heterosexual people try to attract others to their heterosexual orientation? Isn`t that because you try to share the guilt of your heterosexuality? Because you try to dominate and manipulate the young people, pushing your sexuality in their faces?

12 - If you have children, would you want them to become heterosexual when you know the problems they will face? For example, the rejection of the homosexual societies.

13 - Why are you heterosexuals so boring in publicly expressing your heterosexuality? Can`t you be as you are, without parading that you are heterosexual?

14 - How can you be fully satisfied, emotionally and physically, from a relationship with a person of the opposite sex when there are obvious physical, biological, and psychological differences between the two sexes? How is it possible for a man to realize what a woman needs… and for a woman to realize what a man needs if the differences are so huge?

15 - Don`t you think that your attraction to persons of the opposite sex can be a disease, because there are so few happy heterosexual relationships? Will you agree to undergo treatment so that you become a normal homosexual man?

16 - Why do heterosexuals change partners so much and create so many relationships? Does it come from the fact that only hyper- sexual polygamous individuals become heterosexual?

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