'SOS homophobie' is a not-for-profit association whose goals are to take action against homophobic discrimination and violence. It was established on 11 April 1994 and is comprised exclusively of volunteer members from throughout France. SOS homophobie’s Chief Goals Are: 

• To Help Victims Of Homophobic Abuse [The Testimonial And Support Section]:
• By providing an anonymous testimonial hotline through which victims of homophobic abuse can speak out, be listened to, and above all, be given the means to take action by themselves;
• By providing a website through which victims of homophobic abuse can submit their testimony online;
• By taking effective action, when necessary (through supporting letters, counseling, having homophobic perpetrators arrested and put under police custody, etc.);
• By acting as Civil Partners with victims of homophobic abuse in the Judicial System.
• To Run Homophobia Prevention Activities [The Prevention Section]:
• Through in-school interventions and with any group or community that might be faced with homophobia;
• Through partaking in or organizing actions for homophobia awareness and for recognition of the Homosexual person’s dignity (workshops in professional environments such as companies, government offices, etc.).
• To Achieve Equality In Rights Between Homosexual And Heterosexual Couples, And Between Homosexual And Heterosexual Individuals [The Action Section]:
• By drawing the attention of the Public Persons, Institutions and leading organizations in order to stop homophobic discrimination and to promote the undertaking of actual prevention measures;
• By the publication of an annual report, based upon the testimonies received through the hotline and the website, in order to describe France’s yearly overall homophobia “State Of The Place”.

The Testimonial And Support Section

• Manages the hotline;
• Trains hotline advisors;
• Keeps partners’ directory and useful and legal contacts up to date.

The Email Watch Group:

• Collects online testimonials.The Support Commission:
• Helps individual victims;
• Reviews cases received by the association;
• Performs legal analysis of cases;
• Provides legal support (utilizing the French High Authority Against Discrimination and For
• Equality, reporting to Unions or other competent authorities, etc.).

The Prevention Section

• School Intervention Commission:
  • Performs in schools everywhere in France;
  • Trains association members who are willing to visit schools and to introduce the association’s work to students;
  • Remains available to provide support to any school or academic administration.

• Adult Training Commission:
  •  Trains professionals involved in sectors such as health, social work, justice, police, trade unions, etc.;
  • Designs its own training processes and adjusts them to each type of audience;
  • Remains available to provide support to professionals.

Lesbophobia Commission:

• Introduces the association and dispenses information within the lesbian scene;
• Ensures gay/lesbian equity in every commission;
• Focuses on specific lesbian matters.
• Teenagers Workgroup
  • Homophobic Work Environment Workgroup
  • International Relations Workgroup

Staff

Jacques Lizé represent the French NGO ‘SOS homophobie’. This organization rules an helpdesk for victims of LGBTphobia, releases an annual report of the situation of homophobia in France, and implements actions of prevention and communication about the issue. (Internet link : www.sos-homophobie.org). He has a degree in Communications and has been a professional in this sector for twenty years, specializing in networks development for organizations or local administrations. He is also now trainer for a national-wide program of prevention of discrimination.