First Congregational Church of Glendale
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The Riddle Tolerance Scale


 
  • Repulsion: Homosexuality is seen as a crime against nature.
    Gays/lesbians are considered sick, crazy, immoral, sinful, wicked, etc. Anything
    is justified to change them: incarceration, hospitalization, behavior therapy, electroshock
    therapy
    , etc.
     
  • Pity: Represents heterosexual chauvinism. Heterosexuality is considered more
    mature and certainly to be preferred. It is believed that any possibility of
    becoming straight should be reinforced, and those who seem to be born that way
    should be pitied as less fortunate ("the poor dears").
     
  • Tolerance: Homosexuality is viewed as a phase of adolescent
    development that many people go through and most people grow out of. Thus,
    lesbians/gays are less mature than straights and should be treated with the
    protectiveness and indulgence one uses with children who are still maturing. It
    is believed that lesbians/gays should not be given positions of authority
    because they are still working through their adolescent behavior.
  • Acceptance: Still implies that there is something to accept; the
    existing climate of discrimination is ignored. Characterized by such statements
    as "You're not lesbian to me, you're a person!" or "What you do in bed is your
    own business." or "That's fine with me as long as you don't flaunt
    it!"
     
  • Support: People at this level may be uncomfortable themselves, but
    they are aware of the homophobic climate and the irrational unfairness, and work
    to safeguard the rights of lesbians and gays.
  • Admiration: It is acknowledged that being lesbian/gay in our society
    takes strength. People at this level are willing to truly examine their
    homophobic attitudes, values, and behaviors.
  • Appreciation: The diversity of people is considered valuable and
    lesbians/gays are seen as a valid part of that diversity. People on this level
    are willing to combat homophobia in themselves and others.
     
  • Nurturance: Assumes that gay/lesbian people are indispensable in our
    society. People on this level view lesbians/gays with genuine affection and
    delight, and are willing to be their allies and advocates.
First Congregational Church of Glendale, United Church of Christ
Worship:  Scholl Canyon Estates, 1551 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, CA  91206

Office:  2233 Honolulu Avenue #309, Montrose, CA  91020
818.243.2100  office at fccglendale.org
  • Home
  • Open & Affirming
    • ONA Statement
    • Tolerance Scale
    • Coalition News
    • PFLAG
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Photo Gallery
    • Newsletter
    • Members Only
  • Contact
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