Action Model

Taking action in an instance of homophobia can be guided by these steps.

Interrupting the Action :

• Assess the situation for the key elements you need to address (source, direction, relationship, type).
• Act as immediately as possible.

Supporting the Target :

• Offer the targeted person(s) an opportunity to talk about the incident with yourself or an appropriate counselor.
• Be prepared with information about resources available to the target (such as reading materials, community organizations, and support groups).

Counseling the Agent :

• Offer the agent an opportunity to talk about the incident with yourself or an appropriate counselor.
• Provide the agent with information to help him/her understand why homophobic behavior is unacceptable.

Attaining Closure :

• Check out your feelings. Are you still experiencing feelings that came up during the incident and were not resolved with the intervention? Talk with a friend, colleague, or counselor whom you know can provide the informed support you need.
• Review the situation and assess whether and how well these models helped guide you through a successful intervention. Note changes or adaptations you made in resolving this particular situation. Note how you might have handled it differently.
• Affirm yourself for intervening. Remember why it is important to you to intervene and recognize that you have acted according to these values. If you feel doubt about the way you handled the situation this time, make note of it and let it go. The most important thing is that you took action. Affirm yourself for that.

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