General Health

Homophobia

Homophobic words, threats, or even violence can be very damaging to our sense of safety. Each person's response will be unique and may be different from situation to situation. Addressing homophobia without escalating the situation is the best option, but that's not always possible if you feel intimidated, threatened, or if you're not out of the closet. At Brown, you will find that you have allies and supports in students and student groups, in the staff and administration, and in the faculty.

Here are some ideas for ways to handle an incident of homophobia:

  1. Assess your situation. Are you alone? Are you in any physical danger? Do you feel comfortable addressing the homophobia/biphobia or do you have a more immediate need to see to your safety?

  2. If you feel that you're in any danger, try to leave the situation and get to a blue phone to call Public Safety (401.863-4111). If that's not possible look around and see if there's anyone else's help you can enlist. Don't be afraid to be loud and draw attention to yourself.

  3. If you feel you can respond safely, try to respond in a way that does not escalate the situation. 

  4. You can get support from the LGBTQ Center (401.863-3062), the SHARE advocates in BWell (401.863-2794, [email protected]), or CAPS (401.863-3476).

  5. You can also report harassment to Brown through the Title IX Office (401.863-2386, [email protected]) or the crime victim assistance program at the Department of Public Safety (863-2542).

Remember that if you've been harassed it's normal to feel upset, angry, scared or sad. Talk to someone you trust to help you work through your feelings and decide if there's something more you want to do. There is confidential help on campus including Counseling and Psychological Services, and the SHARE advocates in BWell.

[Homophobia is a term used to describe the fear of or aversion to homosexuality, or discrimination against people who are homosexual or perceived to be homosexual. It can also mean hatred, hostility, disapproval of, or prejudice towards LGBTQ people, sexual behavior, or cultures.]

On-Campus Resources

Brown LGBTQ Center   401.863-6062          
The LGBTQ Center is a safe space for all students, staff, and faculty dealing with questions of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Center offers confidential support, information, and referrals for LGBTQ individuals and the people in their lives. Additionally, it offers fellowship advising and assistance with academic projects, as well as educational workshops and social events.

BWell Health Promotion 401.863-2794
Health Promotion is available for individual appointments and group education on a variety of health issues, including LGBT health, alcohol, other drugs, nutrition and safer sex. We have condoms, lube, and dental dams available at rock-bottom prices. Come visit us, we are located at 450 Brook Street.

Health Services 401.863-3593  
Health Services provides a range of services including general health care, STI testing, inpatient services and emergency medical care. You can request a specific medical provider by gender or by name. We are located at 450 Brook Street. Call 401.863-3953 to make an appointment.

Counseling and Psychological Services 401.863-3476
Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual appointments, referrals, and groups on a variety of issues, including SORT (Sexual Orientation Reflection Time).

Chaplain's Office 401.863-2344 
The Chaplains are available for personal counseling about religious and social issues, parental and peer difficulties, career choices, interpersonal relationships and sexuality. A number of programs are offered during the year that include ecumenical discussion groups, innovative worship experience, ecumenical services, and dramatic and artistic events.

Queer Alliance 
The Queer Alliance serves as an umbrella organization for a number of groups on campus. Its mission is to be a multifaceted service to the LGBT community by offering resources through subgroups, community discussions, and events. You can e-mail [email protected] for more information or to get involved.

Off-Campus Resources

Options (Gay and Lesbian Newspaper) 401.781-1193 
Rhode Island's gay and lesbian newspaper provides local news, health information, arts information and lists local resources and support groups. You can request free copies online or view recent issues online.

RI Pride 401.467-2130          
RI Pride promotes and celebrates the diversity and successes of the LGBT community. The web site includes a calendar of events and volunteer opportunities.

Youth Pride, Inc. 401.421-5626   
Youth Pride, Inc. has a drop-in center, support group and outreach activities for LGBT youth ages 13-23.

Related Links

 

The Task Force 
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Policy Institute has published studies addressing issues specifically related to the bisexual community. The most recent (March 2005) study is Bisexual Health: An introduction and model practices for HIV/STI prevention programming.

Go Ask Alice 
This is an LGBTq-friendly question-and-answer web site where you can anonymously email any health questions you have. This site has a huge archive that you can read through or search before posing your own question. Check out this in-depth web site for information about relationships, sexuality, emotional health, alcohol and other drugs, and nutrition. This site is provided by Columbia University's Health Education Program.

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association 
This site provides LGBT-friendly health care referrals, medical information, publications, news and links. GLMA works to ensure that LGBT people are treated competently and not discriminated against when they access health care. GLMA also works to ensure that LGBT healthcare providers do not experience discrimination in their training and at work.

Fenway Community Health
Fenway Community Health is a Boston based clinic that serves LGBTQ patients. Their webpage offers a variety of health information, as well as links to research and resources.

PHONE NUMBERS
  • 401.863-2794
    Health Promotion
  • 401.863-3953
    Health Services
  • 401.863-6000
    Sexual Assault Response Line
  • 401.863-4111
    EMS
  • 401.863-3476
    Counseling & Psychological Services
  • 401.863-4111
    DPS