Homophobia and Heterosexism - New York University

Examples of Homophobia and Heterosexism
* Interacting with a gay man and thinking only of his sexuality, rather than seeing him as a whole, complex person.
* Changing your seat at a meeting or event because a LGBT person is in the chair next to you.
* Assuming that everyone you meet is heterosexual.
* Not confronting a queer joke for fear of being identified as an LGBT person.
* Being afraid to show physical affection to someone of the same sex as you.
* Being careful about the kind of clothing you wear or your mannerisms so that you don't have a "certain look."
* Assuming that if an LGBT person of the same sex as you shows friendliness towards you, she or he is making a sexual advance.
* Not asking about your LGBT co-worker's partner, although you regularly ask about your heterosexual co-worker's spouse.
* Reacting negatively to public displays of affection between gay men and lesbians, but accepting the same displays from heterosexual couples.
* Feeling that LGBT people are too outspoken about their rights.
Read more:
http://www.nyu.edu/life/student-life/diversity-at-nyu/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-student-services/homophobia-and-heterosexism.html