Opinions on homophobia.

[Lovemeorleaveme]

What are your guys opinions on homophobia. What do you think about it? What are some of the things that cause it? How mutch of a difference does where you live contribute to the amount of it in your area? etc.

[Cicero]

What are your guys opinions on homophobia. What do you think about it? What are some of the things that cause it? How mutch of a difference does where you live contribute to the amount of it in your area? etc.

Where you live contributes to a lot. If people wanna be homophobic that's fine, I believe homophobia developes from the stereotypes of gays. Where I live, you would be mocked and made fun of everyday for being gay. There is a small group at our school who are known as "the gay group" and comprise of all the gays in our school, which is about 10, which is 6% of our whole school (I think lol). But anyone who slightly likes the same sex is in that group. People say religion contributes to homophobia which is completely wrong, it just teaches that homosexuality is wrong. Not to be scared or grossed out by them. But I believe society will never fully accept homosexuality, because if a wife and husband kiss in public, no one makes a deal out of it, if 2 guys were to kiss in public, many would be grossed out and they would get looked at weird. No matter how pro gay and straight you are, I believe that it will be seen as a bit gross. But we will see where we are in 10 years, will 2 gays kissing in public be seen as normal or will it be seen as gross and abnormal? But I never give my full opinions on anything.

[huginnmuninn]

although i disagree with homophobia i believe people should be allowed to believe what they want to believe. i may try to change someones opinion on something but i will let them believe what they want. i think one of the things that cause homophobia are the influence of parents and role models. of course where you live influences what you believe if you are surrounded by people who are homophobic you have a higher probability of being homophobic but if you are surrounded by people who accept homosexuality then you are more likely to be accepting.

[Breakeven]

everyone have the right to live the way they want without getting judge by anyone

and its sad when u still find people like that doing and hurting others coz of religion or some attitudes or something they believe in
god made us all the same which is being human rather ur gay or les

and every human have the right to live n choose the life they want and not be afraid to be themselves
and when someone judge other coz they r gay? who the hell are they to do that?

[DerBear]

This sort of sums it up in my opinion
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u401/derri5/295268_356514281084279_132809758_n.jpg

To be honest. Humans will hate everything. Its natural. We have done it for centuries.
We just have to get by it, slowly but surely.

[Abigballofdust]

People saying homophobia should be respected are being wrong. You cannot respect a choice which aims at hurting somebody else. I can choose to be a buddhist or a muslim instead of a christian and I won't hurt anybody, but if I choose to be a homophobe, I'm shoving my nose in somebody else's business with intent to hurt and that is not something acceptable.

[Bougainvillea]

Where you live contributes to a lot. If people wanna be homophobic that's fine, I believe homophobia developes from the stereotypes of gays. Where I live, you would be mocked and made fun of everyday for being gay. There is a small group at our school who are known as "the gay group" and comprise of all the gays in our school, which is about 10, which is 6% of our whole school (I think lol). But anyone who slightly likes the same sex is in that group. People say religion contributes to homophobia which is completely wrong, it just teaches that homosexuality is wrong. Not to be scared or grossed out by them. But I believe society will never fully accept homosexuality, because if a wife and husband kiss in public, no one makes a deal out of it, if 2 guys were to kiss in public, many would be grossed out and they would get looked at weird. No matter how pro gay and straight you are, I believe that it will be seen as a bit gross. But we will see where we are in 10 years, will 2 gays kissing in public be seen as normal or will it be seen as gross and abnormal? But I never give my full opinions on anything.

Just about anyone who is homophobic is religious as well, and use the bible as an excuse to act like they do.

[OregonStateDude]

Well obviously I am against it, because I'm gay. If someone chooses to dislike me, then that's fine, but I would hope it's based on something I said or did. And not just because I am gay.

[Neverender]

Where you live contributes to a lot. If people wanna be homophobic that's fine, I believe homophobia developes from the stereotypes of gays. Where I live, you would be mocked and made fun of everyday for being gay. There is a small group at our school who are known as "the gay group" and comprise of all the gays in our school, which is about 10, which is 6% of our whole school (I think lol). But anyone who slightly likes the same sex is in that group. People say religion contributes to homophobia which is completely wrong, it just teaches that homosexuality is wrong. Not to be scared or grossed out by them. But I believe society will never fully accept homosexuality, because if a wife and husband kiss in public, no one makes a deal out of it, if 2 guys were to kiss in public, many would be grossed out and they would get looked at weird. No matter how pro gay and straight you are, I believe that it will be seen as a bit gross. But we will see where we are in 10 years, will 2 gays kissing in public be seen as normal or will it be seen as gross and abnormal? But I never give my full opinions on anything.

Someone can be homophobic I don't care. What I do care about is how that should in no way alter the complete objective legality that gays should have all the same rights as straights.

And because people who are homophobic influence that legality, you should be ashamed of yourself for advocating it.

[Cicero]

Just about anyone who is homophobic is religious as well, and use the bible as an excuse to act like they do.

Well, most Mormons are homophobic. Christians aren't, Catholics aren't. The bible doesn't teach people to be homophobic, it teaches that it's wrong. People teach people to be homophobic, and most straight guys don't wanna see two guys kiss. The bible didn't say "Ok, now, I want all of you to be scared of gays, and I want you to hate them." All it said, is that homosexuals will to inherent the kingdom of God.
Most straight guys find gay men kissing bad, so I guess that's what makes them homophobic. But what I find interesting, is that the straight guys who aren't homophobic, know who they are and don't care about what other people think. They know their sexuality, and their not scared and think "Oh, if I'm around this gay others might think I'm gay".

My uncle is very head strong. He doesn't care who or what you are (he is friends with a billionaire, well his best friend married the daughter of a billionaire which made him a billionaire) and he treats everyone the same. He's friends with plenty of gays. The only thing he cares about, is if they act normal and they look normal. He doesn't question his sexuality and he isn't afraid of what people think of him. So the point of the story, is to back up the fact that people who are homophobic, probably either question their sexuality, or they feel insecure about themselves or they are just homophobic because they don't agree with it and find it disgusting.
Someone can be homophobic I don't care. What I do care about is how that should in no way alter the complete objective legality that gays should have all the same rights as straights.

And because people who are homophobic influence that legality, you should be ashamed of yourself for advocating it.
Wait, I should be ashamed of myself? I'm not advocating anything. I have barely even put my opinions in any of my posts.

[RemoveMemories]

i think love is love and humans should let other humans live they way they want and have the right to live a fulfilled life without being judged

[LiamC]

I do think people should be allowed to believe in what they want to believe but homophobia is one of the things you just SHOULDN'T believe in. Why be against people being themselves and what makes them happy?

[Telkanis]

I think homophobia is awful. I know it hurts a lot of people and lots of people commit suicide because they can't feel like they can live with all the homophobia. Still, I think people should be allowed their own opinions but their opinions shouldn't be allowed to hurt people.

[Cicero]

I think homophobia is awful. I know it hurts a lot of people and lots of people commit suicide because they can't feel like they can live with all the homophobia. Still, I think people should be allowed their own opinions but their opinions shouldn't be allowed to hurt people.

If they shouldn't be allowed, we would basically live in a dictatorship. Great solution

[Skeptical Bear]

What are your guys opinions on homophobia. What do you think about it? What are some of the things that cause it? How mutch of a difference does where you live contribute to the amount of it in your area? etc.

I think that being homophobic is fine. We've been brought up to see man and woman together and some people just aren't adaptable with change and seeing stuff that stands out of the crowd. Others are able to deal with it. Someone can be homophobic and simply keep their feeling towards the topic, to themselves, or state their opinion in a more respectful manner than saying "Ewww! Faggots" or some shit. I think the person's environment and the people who reside around them can contribute to homophobia. Maybe the media. I don't think that all humans will ever adapt to the fact that there are gay people in this world. We as a species, try to find the outcast of the group, the person that stands out the most from what most cultures don't relate to, and we try to ostracize them. Where I live, not that many are homophobic. Some kids I've seen in my school that are out of the closet, don't gain any negative attention from others from. My neighborhood is really calm and peaceful at the most. I haven't come out to anyone in my school, (except for a friend I used to hang out with. He took it well though) and don't really have the desire to, to be honest.

[aanderso_n]

unfortunately there are so many stereotypes and judgmental opinions that exist in society. But what it really comes down to is personal belief. I fully and whole heartedly believe we are BORN THIS WAY. Therefore it is my duty, based upon this belief and my general morals, that we should all treat each other equally and with respect. Every human deserves respect. Homophobia runs rampant in pop culture, the music industry, politics, and religion. But it looks as though things are changing in the current time, with the repeal of DADT and the legalization of gay marriage.

People shouldn't have to come out, there should't have to be laws legalizing gay marriage, and children should not have to feel unwanted, neglected, or ashamed to be themselves. Homophobia is a serious issue in my opinion. But no amount of hatred can conquer love <3

[Human]

If they shouldn't be allowed, we would basically live in a dictatorship. Great solution

Your rights to freedom of speech are broken when you break other peoples rights.
Being homosexual is perfectly fine.

[derpderp]

Yes, homophobes have their right to their beliefs under free speech, however if narrowminded conservative idiocy didn't poison our world, it wouldn't exist...

[Cicero]

Your rights to freedom of speech are broken when you break other peoples rights.
Being homosexual is perfectly fine.
I wasn't talking abut homosexual, I was talking about homophobia. But I don't agree that being a homophobic is good.

[Jupiter]

I wish it was gone, but it would be hypocritical of me to say I hate those who hate anything but heterosexuality.

[Smeagol]

I wish homophobia wasn't an issue, being queer myself, but the thing is... if it wasn't allowed, people wouldn't have free will. It sucks, but people are entitled to their own opinions.

[CrossingtheCourtyard]

Not sure what say about this other than the obvious: homophobia is bad.

I believe that it is caused by ignorance, just like many of the world's problems are.

[havingfun]

.............

[Mortal Coil]

Personally, I think that true homophobia (an intense and irrational fear of homosexuality) is just sad, but that it can be helped.
Homophobia as it is commonly known, is disgusting (in my opinion) and is usually born of ignorance and bigotry. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. as long as this opinion does not infringe on the rights of others, which unfortunately it does in this case, then it's not much of a big deal.

[Cicero]

Personally, I think that true homophobia (an intense and irrational fear of homosexuality) is just sad, but that it can be helped.
Homophobia as it is commonly known, is disgusting (in my opinion) and is usually born of ignorance and bigotry. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. as long as this opinion does not infringe on the rights of others, which unfortunately it does in this case, then it's not much of a big deal.

When you said its an intense and irrational fear, I thought of other things that are like that. If they were slowly exposed to homosexuality, over the course of time, they wouldnt be homophobic. It's like any other phobia. The only true way to cure it, is to be exposed to it, slowly. Like, I'm scared of heights, bugs, spiders, and other stuff I can't think of, and each one of those has it's own phobia. I can't control it, so homophobic people cant control it either cause it's a phobia.

Which, of this generation have a lot of homosexuals, then the next generation want be homophobic as much. For the LGBT community, I'm sure it's very good that many celebrities are coming out (like the guy from white collar and magic mike).

[StoppingTime]

When you said its an intense and irrational fear, I thought of other things that are like that. If they were slowly exposed to homosexuality, over the course of time, they wouldnt be homophobic. It's like any other phobia. The only true way to cure it, is to be exposed to it, slowly. Like, I'm scared of heights, bugs, spiders, and other stuff I can't think of, and each one of those has it's own phobia. I can't control it, so homophobic people cant control it either cause it's a phobia.

Which, of this generation have a lot of homosexuals, then the next generation want be homophobic as much. For the LGBT community, I'm sure it's very good that many celebrities are coming out (like the guy from white collar and magic mike).

Most people don't have an "intense and irrational fear" of LGBT people. They just choose to be prejudice against them. You have provided zero evidence that if people are "exposed" to anyone who is LGBT, they will eventually change. That isn't how it works. People can control prejudice.

And, what are you trying to say in the second paragraph?

[Cicero]

Most people don't have an "intense and irrational fear" of LGBT people. They just choose to be prejudice against them. You have provided zero evidence that if people are "exposed" to anyone who is LGBT, they will eventually change. That isn't how it works. People can control prejudice.

And, what are you trying to say in the second paragraph?

Well, with a phobia, it can't be controlled hence, homophobia. It's a phobia. And like with any phobia, of your exposed to it enough, over time it will become less and less. Here's (http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Phobia-by-Deconditioning) your proof about getting rid of a phobia. So, since homophobia is a phobia, it can't always be controlled.

[StoppingTime]

Right, because everyone who is said to be homophobic actually has a true "phobia." You can't prove something by a name.

[Cicero]

Right, because everyone who is said to be homophobic actually has a true "phobia." You can't prove something by a name.

The name is given for a reason, its an intense and irrational fear. So, is homophobia a intense and irrational fear?

[StoppingTime]

Is true homophobia? I guess. Do the vast majority who are shown as "homophobes" have such a fear? No.

[Cicero]

Is true homophobia? I guess. Do the vast majority who are shown as "homophobes" have such a fear? No.

How would you know that it's not true? You have provided zero evidence.

[StoppingTime]

Because it's a prejudice. It is something that people develop over time for whatever reason, and eventually, will realize they were wrong. Do you think that all racists are xenophobes?
Do you think that all people who like to keep things clean are Mysophobic?

[Cicero]

Because it's a prejudice. It is something that people develop over time for whatever reason, and eventually, will realize they were wrong. Do you think that all racists are xenophobes?
Do you think that all people who like to keep things clean are Mysophobic?

What makes you say the majority of people don't have true phobia towards gays when their is no proof?

[StoppingTime]

What makes you think it's acceptable in a debate not to answer all the questions?
By answering those questions, you'd see that all "phobias" aren't true "phobias."

[Cicero]

What makes you think it's acceptable in a debate not to answer all the questions?
By answering those questions, you'd see that all "phobias" aren't true "phobias."

You never gave answer to the evidence part. You sir, are wrong. Their is no evidence what so ever to back up your claim, that homophobia is not a true phobia. Even when it even has the word phobia in it.

[StoppingTime]

Just because something has the suffix "phobia" does not mean that everyone (some might) has a true "phobia." Here's a scenario:

A "homophobe" in high school encounters a gay teen. If they had a true "phobia" of that person, they would be cowering in fear, and running away. That doesn't happen. Instead, they are picked on, demeaned, and made fun of. Yet, they would still be considered a "homophobe" in the eyes of most. You can't make inferences on a situation using a word.

[Cicero]

Just because something has the suffix "phobia" does not mean that everyone (some might) has a true "phobia." Here's a scenario:

A "homophobe" in high school encounters a gay teen. If they had a true "phobia" of that person, they would be cowering in fear, and running away. That doesn't happen. Instead, they are picked on, demeaned, and made fun of. Yet, they would still be considered a "homophobe" in the eyes of most. You can't make inferences on a situation using a word.

They wouldn't cower in fear. They would have anxiety and they would probably try to avoid the gay. People have a phobia of closed in places, yet I don't see them cower away in fear. Your argument is invalid and poses many faults.

Physical symptoms of a phobia are:
Difficulty breathing
Racing or pounding heart
Chest pain or tightness
Trembling or shaking
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
A churning stomach
Hot or cold flashes; tingling sensations
Sweating

Emotional signs of a phobia are:

Feeling of overwhelming anxiety or panic
Feeling an intense need to escape
Feeling “unreal” or detached from yourself
Fear of losing control or going crazy
Feeling like you’re going to die or pass out
Knowing that you’re overreacting, but feeling powerless to control your fear

Unless your a doctor or therapist, you cannot determine if someone has a phobia by just looking at them.

[StoppingTime]

Just because the fricking word has the suffix -phobia does not mean that everyone who dislikes gays for whatever reason, is going to have a true phobia of them. Say it over and over. Not everyone can be categorized by one word.
And congrats on your copypasta.
And yes, some people who have claustrophobia can become extremely scared. They aren't confined to your little list.
---

That word "homophobia" is, in almost all cases, an incorrect usage. Not everyone who is against gays is a homophobic person. They may be homonegative, or hold a sexual prejudice.

[Cicero]

Just because the fricking word has the suffix -phobia does not mean that everyone who dislikes gays for whatever reason, is going to have a true phobia of them. Say it over and over. Not everyone can be categorized by one word.
And congrats on your copypasta.
And yes, some people who have claustrophobia can become extremely scared. They aren't confined to your little list.
---

That word "homophobia" is, in almost all cases, an incorrect usage. Not everyone who is against gays is a homophobic person. They may be homonegative, or hold a sexual prejudice.

In this thread we are talking about homophobia, not sexual prejudice or homonegative. Your off topic if your talking about sexual prejudice and homonegative. In fact, this might come to a shock to you, but the title specifically says "Opinions on homophobia."

[StoppingTime]

And yet, you're giving me symptoms of people with claustrophobia....
--

Fine then. Tell me the difference between homophobia and homonegative. Also, I'd like to know how many people you think suffers from each.

[Cicero]

And yet, you're giving me symptoms of people with claustrophobia....
--

Fine then. Tell me the difference between homophobia and homonegative. Also, I'd like to know how many people you think suffers from each.

Actually, those were the symptoms of a phobia. Thanks for reding correctly.
Symptoms of a phobia, a phobia, not claustrophobia. (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/phobia_symptoms_types_treatment.htm)


Homonegative- negative attitude toward homosexuals
Homophobia- intense or irrational fear to homosexuality

Im, sure your having trouble with the word fear, so:
Fear- an unpleasant feeling or belief that someone Or something is dangerous

So that's the difference, the negative one is showing negativity, and the homophobia one is a fear. Now you know the difference :)

[StoppingTime]

Once again, congrats on the copypasta. Regardless of your links, can you actually debate and answer questions?

[Joshua D. Boggess]

I think homophobia is something that is taught and in areas where the adult population is largely homophobic, then so to are the kids in said area. For me, ive lived in many homophobic places and that made me hate myself for being gay and i wasn't able to even sort of accept myself till i moved to a more accepting place and a couple years after i came out to my family and a couple friends. For me, I don't hate people that are homophobic, but i do hate that homophobia exists

[Cicero]

Once again, congrats on the copypasta. Regardless of your links, can you actually debate and answer questions?

Once again, I only copy and pasted the link, I actually typed the definitions :) I did answer the questions, you asked what the difference was.

[TheSillyLifeWeLive]

Homophobia pisses me off. I was raised with a full out of the closet lesbian, who later decided to live the rest of his life as my brother. He changed his sex. Hes a transgender. And to think that he was raised the victim of bullying for being openly gay in 5th grade, and to think that he was the one that got his face smashed off of lockers, and to think that he couldnt even change in the girls locker room during PE because the girls thought that he would watch them change. But now that I look at it, I find it amazing that he has a well paying job where as the bullies are going no where but drug filled hell. He is going further than any of them and is soon to be married to his girl friend of 3 years. SO this goes out to all the openly gay people around the world. Live your life. Go further than anyone of your haters, I can assure you-you will. And to the bullies/ Homo phobics; Fuck off.

[StoppingTime]

Once again, I only copy and pasted the link, I actually typed the definitions :) I did answer the questions, you asked what the difference was.

No, I asked you what do you think a homophobic person is, and, do you think the majority of people who claim/are shown as homophobes have a true phobia of gay people?

[Infinityslam]

It may sound strange, but I'm homophobic AND not-homophobic.

Homophobic: to people dancing on streets and yelling they are gay. Sorry but please, act normal.

Not-homophobic: to people that do normal about it and have a marriage/relationship/life like every straight person does, respect for those people, I know a few of these and they have the same opinion as me about those people yelling they're gay.

[havingfun]

.......

[Hermes]

The word homophobia would seem to mean an intense and irrational fear but the way it is used in practice tend to be to describe people who do various things to make gay people's lives less pleasant and fair.

Although these are slightly different there is a link. People do seem to have an inbuilt distrust of individuals who are different from whatever norm they are themselves accustomed to and that distrust seems to translate into forms of bullying varying from social exclusion, emotional bullying and physical violence. All manner of differences can be the factor such as skin colour, being fat or thin etc. and sexual orientation is just one of them.

Of course this sort of bullying is wrong and people need to be taught not to do it. It would be great if we all appreciated the full diversity of humanity in every respect and education can help, but we must also teach people that, while they have a right to their opinions even if those opinions are based on prejudice, they may not use them as an excuse for bullying.

[Stacey.]

Homophobia is just vile. It says a lot more about them than the gay people who they "disagree" with their sexuality.

[Gaybaby94]

Homophobia is just a product of bigotry and ignorance and can be traced back to most religions. Maybe if people would stop playing imaginary friends they wouldn't be so ignorant.

[Losing Sanity79]

Homophobia is idiotic. Stereotypes have corruted our world. It's not even funny. My town has lots of gays and bi's, so many people don't really worry. There are some, who completely flip out. My community doesn't really contribute to homophobia.

[Bath]

It depends on the person. There are crazy lunatic homophobes who bring "God Hates Fags" signs to funerals-- those, I detest.

Then there are people who just disagree with anything that's not heterosexuality for some reason or another. My friend Tay doesn't agree with being LGBTQ. She doesn't believe in God, she just doesn't think it's natural on a scientific standpoint. But she's still my friend. My sexuality isn't who I am so she sees past it. It's not really that big of a deal.

I don't like homophobia, but if somebody doesn't agree with how I see it then oh well. It's a stupid viewpoint in my opinion but there's not much I can do other than tell them why I disagree and leave it at that.