Page 231 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

The Detrimental Impact of Sexual-Orientation Microaggressions 205

they are heterosexual. What impact does physical invisibility have on their
experiences of sexual-orientation microaggressions?
2. Further, it is possible that of the three devalued groups discussed in
this text, LGBTs may face more overt forms of prejudice and discrimina-
tion than women or people of color. No empirical support exists for this
statement, but it is based upon individual observations of the explicitness,
and the apparent comfort and freedom many of my straight brothers and
sisters seem to have in making heterosexist comments and taking preju-
dicial actions against LGBTs in our society. If this is the case, microassaults
(explicit, direct, and intentional) might be a more frequent experience than
unintentional forms (microinsults and microinvalidations) for LGBTs.
3. The question is what can we personally do to deal with our own het-
erosexism, because the cultural changes that are called for are massive.
However, there are things that can be done if we personally become com-
mitted to individual change.
• Keep yourself free of heterosexual assumptions by becoming aware of
the ethnocentric heterosexist language and vocabulary in everyday use.
Monitor your language and change it to be inclusive of LGBTs; this can
go a long way to altering your own worldview. For example, language
and words shape perceptions. Instead of using the phrase “sexual prefer-
ence,” say “sexual orientation.” Instead of husband and wife, use the term
partners. Become aware of other people’s use of heterosexist language
(e.g., “gay” used in a demeaning way). Being constantly vigilant of your
own words and phrases and those of others is a powerful way to keep
sexual identities in your awareness.
• Educate yourself. Develop partnerships and collaborative relationships
and efforts with local and national LGBT organizations. Read their literature
and make a strong effort to understand their hopes, fears, and con-
cerns. Attend LGBT events, enroll in diversity workshops, and read
literature for and by LGBTs.
• Become a valuable and powerful ally of the LGBT community. Become
active in schools, employment committees, religious organizations,
and neighborhood groups to educate others. Work against “don’t ask,
don’t tell” policies, condemn “gay bashing,” and support job protection
for LGBTs, and antidiscrimination in housing, marriage, and so forth.
Work on behalf of passing legislation that benefi ts LGBTs, and work
against antigay legislations or efforts that would prove detrimental to
(Continued)

1/19/10 6:13:00 PM
c09.indd 205
c09.indd 205 1/19/10 6:13:00 PM