LGTQI - Homophobia
Homophobia refers to a range of negative attitudes, feelings, or actions against homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). It can include prejudiced beliefs, discrimination, or a lack of understanding about non-heterosexual orientations. Homophobia can manifest in various ways, including social exclusion, verbal or physical bullying, discrimination in the workplace or in social institutions, and negative media representation.
Persecution of gay men, or individuals who identify as homosexual, has been prevalent throughout history in various parts of the world. Many societies have held discriminatory attitudes and enacted laws that specifically target or marginalize individuals based on their sexual orientation. Persecution can take many forms, including legal discrimination, social exclusion, physical violence, and even state-sanctioned punishment. In some countries, homosexuality is criminalized, leading to arrests, imprisonment, or even the death penalty. Even in places where homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, societal stigmatization can result in harassment, violence, and other forms of mistreatment.
Alan Turing was a British mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in breaking German codes during World War II. Despite his contributions, he was persecuted for his homosexuality. In 1952, he was convicted of "gross indecency" and subjected to chemical castration. Tragically, he died by suicide two years later.
Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet in the late 19th century. He faced persecution for his homosexuality when his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas became public. In 1895, Wilde was convicted of "gross indecency" and sentenced to two years of hard labor.
Harvey Milk was an American politician and gay rights activist in the 1970s. He became the first openly gay elected official in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Tragically, he was assassinated the following year by a fellow supervisor who held homophobic views.
David Lawrence Geffen is an American business magnate, producer, film studio executive, and philanthropist. Geffen has an estimated net worth of $6 billion, making him one of the richest people in the entertainment industry. In May 2007, Out magazine ranked Geffen first in its list of the fifty “Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America”.
James Catherwood Hormel was born on January 1, 1933 and is an American philanthropist and a former United States Ambassador to Luxembourg; appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1999. In 1981 he was one of the founders of the Human Rights Campaign. Hormel was the first openly LGBT person to serve as a U.S. Ambassador and is a noted LGBT activist.
Hosato “George” Takei is an American actor, director, author, and activist, probably most widely known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek. He also portrayed the character in six Star Trek feature films and in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. In October 2005, Takei revealed in an issue of Frontiers magazine that he is homosexual and had been in a committed relationship with his partner, Brad Altman, for 18 years.
Anderson Hays Cooper is an American journalist, author, and television personality who is also the primary anchor of the CNN news show Anderson Cooper 360°. In 2012 Anderson Cooper publicly acknowledged that he is gay. He said that for years his family and friends and colleagues all knew that he was gay and he never hid this fact, however didn’t want his sexual orientation to be a distraction in his professional life. New York Times in 2013 called him “the most prominent openly gay journalist on American television.”
Neil Patrick Harris is an American actor, writer, producer, director, comedian, magician, singer, and television host. In 2006 Neil Patrick Harris made it public that he is gay. The movie Starship Troopers takes place in a fascist, militaristic future complete with jingoistic military heroes and a triumphant ending. Marking one of his first major movie roles, Harris plays Dr. Carl Jenkins, a psychic general and a scientist at the Ministry of Paranormal Warfare, in a sinister all-black uniform and long leather coat similar to the SS.
Homophobia relies on religious, political and cultural values and beliefs, as well as, generally, negative attitudes towards homosexuality are inspired by the concept of heteronormativity. Heteronormativity is a principle according to which heterosexuality is the standard for legitimating social and sexual relationships whereas homosexuality is a variant and may be seen as an abnormality Some people may have negative attitudes toward gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These attitudes can lead to rejection by friends and family, discriminatory acts and violence, and laws and policies with negative consequences.
It has been proposed that at an individual level, homophobia as well as other aversions against minority may be linked to a psychopathological construct such as the intolerant personality disorder with the following characteristics: (a) a rigid set of beliefs and values based on the superiority of race or religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc.; (b) lack of empathy; (c) antagonism and hostility against a specific target population; (d) aversion and efforts to block, contrast, impede people considered to be inferior; (e) use of power to contrast the intolerable people or ideas; (f) a sense of entitlement based on the sense of being part of a superior group; (g) disregard for human rights; (h) lack of remorse.
Homophobia, stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs), and discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people) against gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men still exist in the United States and can negatively affect the health and well-being of this community. These negative beliefs and actions can affect the physical and mental health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, whether they seek and are able to get health services, and the quality of the services they may receive.
Homophobia is harmful and can lead to significant distress and discrimination for people who identify as LGBT. It can cause mental and emotional harm, limit opportunities, and create a hostile or unsafe environment for individuals who are or are perceived to be LGBT. Homophobia is a human rights issue, as everyone has the right to be treated equally and with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Homophobia, stigma, and discrimination can be especially hard for young men who are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These negative attitudes increase their chance of experiencing violence, especially compared with other students in their schools. Violence can include behaviors such as bullying, teasing, harassment, physical assault, and suicide-related behaviors. Gay and bisexual youth and other sexual minorities are more likely to be rejected by their families. This increases the possibility of them becoming homeless. Around 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. A study published in 2009 compared gay, lesbian, and bisexual young adults who experienced strong rejection from their families with their peers who had more supportive families. The researchers found that those who experienced stronger rejection were about:
- 8 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide
- 6 times more likely to report high levels of depression
- 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs
- 3 times more likely to have risky sex
Efforts are made globally by individuals, organizations, and governments to challenge and overcome homophobia. This includes educating people about the realities and diversity of human sexual orientation, creating laws to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect for all people.
Internalized homophobia also exists, where individuals can have negative feelings, beliefs, and biases about homosexuality within themselves, particularly if they identify as LGBT. This can occur due to absorbing societal, cultural, or familial prejudices and stigmas and can cause significant distress and self-esteem issues.
The term "homosexual panic" has been used in two significant, yet distinct, contexts throughout history: psychology and law. In psychology, "homosexual panic" is an outdated term that was originally used in the early 20th century to describe a supposed psychological condition where an individual experiences an acute and irrational fear of same-sex attraction or relationships, either in themselves or in others. The concept is no longer accepted in contemporary psychology and has been heavily critiqued for pathologizing homosexuality.
In law, the term "gay panic" or "homosexual panic" defense refers to a legal strategy in which a defendant claims they acted in a state of violent temporary insanity because of unwanted same-sex sexual advances. This defense has been heavily criticized and has led to changes in law in many jurisdictions to prohibit its use. The American Bar Association and numerous individual states in the US, for example, have moved to ban the use of gay panic defenses.
Both uses of the term reflect historical and ongoing homophobia and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The idea of "homosexual panic," in either psychological or legal contexts, stems from a period of time when homosexuality was more heavily stigmatized than it generally is today, although discrimination and homophobia still persist.
Gay and bisexual men and their family and friends can take steps to lessen the effects of homophobia, stigma, and discrimination and protect their physical and mental health. One way to handle the stress from stigma and discrimination is by having social support. Schools can also help reduce stigma and discrimination for young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. A positive school environment is associated with less depression, fewer suicidal feelings, lower substance use, and fewer unexcused school absences among LGBT students. Schools can help create safer and more supportive environments by preventing bullying and harassment, promoting school connectedness, and promoting parent engagement.
The problem is heterosexism, not bisexuality/homosexuality. Heterosexuality is politically supported by giving legal, financial, and emotional privilege to heterosexual relationships while legally denying LGBT individuals involved in same-sex relationships housing, jobs, and child custody. Homophobia is often used to stigmatize heterosexuals; those perceived or labeled by others to be LGBT; children of LGBT parents; parents of LGBT children; and friends of LGBT people. Young people, of all sexual identities, are often pressured to become heterosexually active to prove to themselves and others that they are "normal”.
In communities based on homophobia, the fear of being identified as gay is higher and may be recognised as a social-homophobia: this may lead to an exhibition of heterosexual behaviors, congruent with the heteronormative culture,
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