Major study into understanding homophobia

PA 158/11 Society as a whole, as well as institutions and communities within it, need to become more aware of the existence of lesbians and gay men, and more committed to making sure their lives and experiences are visible - without fear of rejection and exclusion. These are the key findings of a project carried out by Dr Andrew Kam-Tuck Yip, an expert in sexuality and fundamental rights in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at The University of Nottingham. Although previous research has shown that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has decreased over the past decades, Dr Yip warns that these figures should be treated with caution. Dr Yip has just completed his part of a European study 'Citizen in diversity: A four-nation study of homophobia and fundamental rights' (www.citidive.eu) which aimed at taking stock of the contemporary settings of hate on the basis of sexual orientation. He will present his findings at a conference in Nottingham to mark International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia which is commemorated every year on May 17. As well as looking at recent achievements, the project, funded by the European Commission and the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme, looked at old and new manifestations of homophobia across four European countries and asked what can be done to reinforce gay and lesbian rights and their citizenship. Although there is evidence to suggest that the UK has become a more tolerant place for sexual difference and diversity Dr Yip says that a more nuanced look continues to tell a cautionary tale.