Article By: Reinbhest
What is homophobia?
There is no single definition for the term ‘homophobia’, as it covers a wide range of different viewpoints and attitudes. Homophobia is generally defined as hostility towards or fear of gay people, but can also refer to social ideologies which stigmatise homosexuality. Negative feelings or attitudes towards non-heterosexual behavior, identity, relationships and community, can lead to homophobic behavior. This is the root of the discrimination experienced by many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Homophobia manifests itself in different forms, for example homophobic jokes, physical attacks, discrimination in the workplace and negative media representation.
The word homophobia comes from the Greek 'homo' (meaning 'same') and 'phobia' (meaning 'fear'). It is used to describe a fear or a negative attitude towards gay people.
These negative feelings fuel the myths, stereotypes, and discrimination that can lead to violence against LGB people.
The word homophobia was constructed by the heterosexual psychologist George Weinberg in the late 1960s. He used homophobia to label heterosexuals’ dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals as well as homosexuals’ internalised oppression. The word first appeared in print in 1969.
The effects of homophobia
There are many different ways in which LGBT people experience homophobia, including malicious gossip, name-calling, intimidating looks, internet bullying, vandalism and theft of property, discrimination at work, isolation and rejection, sexual assault, or even being sentenced to death. All forms of homophobia are destructive, not just for people living openly as LGBT, but for society as a whole.
Living in a homophobic environment forces many LGBT people to conceal their sexuality, for fear of the negative reactions and consequences of coming out. For people who have been brought up to believe that homosexuality is wrong, the realisation that they might be gay can cause feelings of shame and self-loathing, leading to low self-esteem. Suppressing homosexuality involves denying an important part of a person's identity, and can have a serious impact upon their life and relationships. Furthermore, the dilemma of whether to ‘come out’ or not can cause a great deal of personal distress.
LGBT people who make the decision to declare their sexual orientation can face prejudice and discrimination from their family, friends, and also from wider society. Homophobia can cause extreme harm and disruption to people's lives. For example, many LGBT people have become homeless as a result of being rejected by their families after revealing their sexual orientation. In the US, between 20 and 40 percent of young homeless people are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It can take many forms including insults, discrimination or more extreme levels of intimidation and even violence.
How to deal with homophobia and how can you handle homophobic act.
Talk about it
Like bullies, homophobes get satisfaction and power from seeing you upset.
You could try taking the wind out of their sails by refusing to rise to the insult, e.g. "Yes, I'm gay. So what?"
As with bullying, you shouldn't suffer in silence. Secrecy is likely to empower them in their mistaken belief that being gay is something to keep quiet about.
Seek out support from anyone you trust and let them know what's going on. They may be able to intervene or just help you feel supported.
If you act with confidence the average homophobic bully will get bored of trying to annoy you and give up.
Surround yourself with friends who understand and aren't prejudiced about it.
Somebody is not your friend if they laugh or join with the bullies - that's what homophobes are, bullies, who are scared of anything different to them so they react in a hostile way towards it. Confidence is tricky, but if you have some supporters, what anyone else thinks doesn't matter.
Just ignore it at first but don't give in to their ignorance and passively hide your ways. Be proud of who you are if that is the case. Never be ashamed and hide/disguise yourself as a heterosexual if that's not who you are. It can mentally destroy both you and your fake partner, if you ever obtained one to cover your true self up. If it was a personal, hurtful situation with friends or family, peacefully confront that person, telling them that you are proud and what you are is not a result from choice.
Keep calm. don’t let homophobic act will rule you. Just go on being you, why make their problem your problem.
Homophobia can be subtle. You may feel you're being ignored or treated with less respect than your peers, or it can be very obvious.
It's not nice but if you're gay, you may encounter homophobia at some point. Being picked on for your sexuality can be upsetting and embarrassing but remember you're not the problem, they are.
It may be comforting to know that the majority of homophobes act out of ignorance and fear. Often it's a question of immaturity. Take pride in the fact that you're smarter and more grown up than them.
What is BullyingA learner is bullied when s/he is exposed repeatedly over time to aggressive behaviour that intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort through physical contact, verbal attacks, fighting or psychological manipulation. Bullying involves an imbalance of power and can include teasing, taunting, use of hurtful nicknames, physical violence or social exclusion. A bully can operate alone or within a group of peers. Bullying may be direct, such as one child demanding money or possessions from another, or indirect, such as a group of students spreading rumours about another. Cyber bullying is harassment through e-mail, cell phones, text messages and defamatory websites.
Children may be more vulnerable to bullying if they live with a disability, express a sexual preference different from the mainstream, or come from a minority ethnic or cultural group or a certain socio-economic background.
For both the bully and the student who is bullied, the cycle of violence and intimidation results in greater interpersonal difficulties and poor performance in school. Learners who are bullied are more likely than their peers to be depressed, lonely, or anxious and have low self-esteem. Bullies often act aggressively out of frustration, humiliation, anger and in response to social ridicule.