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.