Using Visual Media to Reduce Homophobia: A Classroom Demonstration

A classroom demonstration using visual media was designed as a means for decreasing homophobia. Slides and video scenarios showed that gay/lesbian/bisexual characters are most often depicted as stereotyped, suicidal, or pathological. Homophobia and empathy for homosexuals were measured at the beginning and end of the term. Results showed a significant decrease in homophobia and a significant increase in empathy among students exposed to the demonstration. Analogous changes in attitudes toward homosexuals were not found among students not exposed to the demonstration.