ATTITUDES TOWARDS DIFFERENCE: THE RIDDLE SCALE: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender The Riddle Scale is a model

to understand peoples various responses to difference in general and, in this case, to gender in particular. The scale includes four negative and four positive levels of attitudes towards women. The four negative levels contain an element of subordination in lieu of equity. Participants can be asked to identify: At what level are most of the people you educate? At what level are you right now? At what level would you like to be and why? At what level is the organization for which you work? (Campus, College, Department) NEGATIVE LEVELS OF ATTITUDES REPULSION Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans folk are immoral, sinful, crazy, and mentally ill. Their behavior is against nature, and it is our duty to change them, treat them medically, and / or use force against them to bring them back to the rightful path. Gay folks are somehow born that way and they need to be pitied since they can not be full participants in our social and cultural lives; and it is much like a disability that they have to live with. It is our goal therefore to help them become as normal as possible, and teat them with some kindness. Homosexuality is just a phase of human sexual development that many people go through and most people grow out of. Thus they need to be tolerated and protected much like children. Heterosexuals need to make accommodations for gay, lesbian, and bisexual sexual identities. This attitude does not mean that we acknowledge that gay identity is of the same value and importance as ones own, but it is clear that we have to live and let live. This is best summed up in my attitude I dont even think of you as a gay person; I think you are a person just like me.

PITY

TOLERANCE

ACCEPTANCE

POSITIVE LEVELS OF ATTITUDES SUPPORT LGBT people deserve legal and civil rights just like other minority or protected groups. Regardless of the moral issue and ones own comfort with homosexuality, people should have the same civil rights and access, and should be treated fairly. Being lesbian or gay takes enormous amounts of strength, courage, and chutzpah. Therefore, they deserve of my deepest admiration. Open to examining ones homophobic attitudes. Diversity in people is a good thing, and LGBT people are part of that. Willing to confront homophobia in oneself and others.

ADMIRATION

APPRECIATION

NURTURANCE

LGBT folk are an indispensable, accomplished, and necessary part of our society. Views them as genuine colleagues, and comrades; and is pro-active in arguing for their rights, their accomplishments, and their human-ness in all its wholeness.

[Adapted from Dr. Dorothy Riddles Scale Of Homosexuality, 1987]