The Equality Act 2010 sets out characteristics that are protected against discrimination - known as the “protected characteristics”.

In relation to the protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment, there are four types of discrimination prohibited by the Equality Act 2010. 

These are:

1. Direct discrimination
2. Indirect discrimination
3. Harassment; and
4. Victimisation

More specifically there is: 

Homophobia is a form of negative, hostile observable behaviour (such as discrimination and violence) towards homosexuality or people who identify as or are perceived as being lesbian, gay or bisexual. Homophobia has been defined as contempt, prejudice, aversion, hatred, or antipathy and can be based on irrational fear and may sometimes be attributed to religious beliefs.

Biphobia refers to the prejudice and discrimination specifically against people who identify as or are perceived as being in the bisexual community. Similarly to homophobia, biphobia is based on irrational hatred, intolerance, fear and can take the form of denial that bisexuality is a genuine sexual orientation.

Transphobia consists of fear, hatred violence or anger towards transgender people, transness in general, other gender diverse people and people who do not conform to social gender roles. Transphobia can take many forms in the same way as other types of bigotry and oppression and can affect mental and physical health, access to healthcare and quality of life.