Yesterday, I was perusing through Buddy Bear's blog, One Step at a Time (which if you've never checked it out, you should), and came across his post, "10 Ways Homophobia Hurts Straight People.". I found this list he posted from the British Columbia Federation of Teachers to be very interesting. I would love to hear my readers opinions on this list.
- Homophobia forces all people to act "macho" if male or act "feminine" if female. This limits our individuality and expression.
- Homophobia puts pressure on straight people to act aggressively and angrily towards LGBTQ people.
- Homophobia makes it hard to be close friends with someone of the same sex.
- Homophobia often strains family and community relationships.
- Homophobia causes youth to become sexually active before they're ready in order to prove they are "normal." This contributes to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Homophobia prevents vital information on sex and sexuality to be taught in schools. Without this information youth are putting themselves at greater risk for HIV, and other STDs.
- Homophobia can be used to hurt a straight person if they "appear to be gay."
- Homophobia makes it hard for straight people and LGBTQ people to be friends.
- Homophobia makes it hard to put an end to AIDS.
- Homophobia makes it hard to appreciate true diversity, and the unique traits that are the mainstream population.
So, what do you guys think?
Joe: As on overall generalization, I would agree with most of the statements but we have to realize for some people there is no way to logically rationalize with them. Their hatred blinds them to be open and they have no empathy for us LGBT. Only when they know someone who they love or have affection for who is LGBT can they temper some of their fears -- so it is emotion that will win those kinds of people over, not rationale arguments.
ReplyDeleteHi Professor! Thanks for the reference to my blog. As you saw, my original post generated some interesting comments as well.
ReplyDeleteI have several other interesting LGBTQ resources from the same teachers' group which I've been thinking of posting as well. By the way, I've added you to my blogroll.
I just love all the smart stuff on this blog. seriously!
ReplyDeleteanyway, I need to see if you have a post about how Gay Pride parades do help or damage to the community, there was some online article this weekend I read where voters were about 50/50.. but I thought of that for your homophobic list, I mean like is any of it a reaction to the in your face "we're here, We're queer!" etc... stuff.. anyway, keep up the great blogging! later, dan
Homophobia is... a phobia.
ReplyDeleteAnd a phobia is not very pleasant for the phobic person and not plesant at all the people bearing the consequences of his (or her) phobia. And what is difficult with phobic personns is that they may find so many reasons to explain that their probia is the right and only way to consider life, world, people...
May life protect us from phobia and phobic people.
frenchanonymous