The word "homophobia" gets tossed around a lot. Technically, a "phobia" is an unreasoning fear of something. People may have an irrational fear of water, for example, or heights, that makes them panicky even when there's no real danger. So "homophobia" is an unreasonable, irrational fear of homosexuality, and/or of people perceived to be homosexuals.
But the word is also used to refer to people whose fear is not based on a psychological problem, but on ignorance or prejudice -- refusal to learn the facts. Technically, that's misusing the word, but what can you do?
Heterosexism is now used to mean people who hate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer individuals, as it does not have the false definition of fear, when the person may not actually fear gay people, just hate them.
Homophobia can stem from a variety of factors such as ignorance, fear of the unknown, religious beliefs, social conditioning, or personal insecurities. It often results from a lack of understanding or empathy towards individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and can be perpetuated by societal norms and prejudices.
"Homophobia" is a song by Chumbawamba, released as part of their album "WYSIWYG" in 2000.
Sadly Homophobia exists in all countries on the planet.
Community Action Against Homophobia was created in 1991.
The Homophobia Project - 2010 is rated/received certificates of: UK:12
The Greek root of "homophobia" is "homo," which means "same" or "alike," and "phobia," which refers to an irrational fear. Homophobia is the fear or hatred of homosexuals or homosexuality.
Some words that begin with "homo" are homogenous, homonym, and homophobia.
Nothing.
Most generally do. However, some suffer from internalized homophobia which causes them to devalue their own relationships.
Mark McCormack has written: 'The declining significance of homophobia' -- subject(s): Homophobia in high schools, Teenage boys, High school students, Gay teenagers, Case studies, Attitudes, Masculinity, Homophobia
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ can be affected by homophobia. This includes individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. Homophobia can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and violence against these individuals.
The ISBN of AARGH: Artists Against Rampant Government Homophobia is 978-0861661199.
Luca Trappolin has written: 'Confronting homophobia in Europe' -- subject(s): Law and legislation, Homophobia, Prevention