Is it true what people have done to gays over the years???

People who are homophobic are known as homophobes. Generally, a homophobic person is someone who dislikes or hates homosexuals and sometimes bisexuals as well. In a way, homophobia is an intense, irrational fear of same sex-relationships and of people who engage in same-sex relationships.

So how can we define homophobia?

Homophobia can be split into four sections:

Revulsion, Pity, Tolerance and Acceptance

Lets talk about each of the sections separately:

Revulsion

Revulsion is the most extreme case of homophobia. Homosexuality is seen as a crime against nature. Gays are seen as sick, crazy, immoral, sinful and wicked. Many methods are used to change their ways: prison, hospitalization and negative behaviour therapy (including shock therapy).

Pity

Pity is better that revulsion to an extent, but is heterosexual chauvinism. Heterosexuality is seen as being more mature. The possibility of being heterosexual should ALWAYS be reinforced and those who seem to have been born 'that way' should be pitied.

Tolerance

In this view, homosexuality is seen as a phase of adolescence, and thus seen as being immature. The homosexual is seen as a child, and therefore has to be cared for and treated as a child. Gays and lesbians are not to be given positions of high authority because they are still working through adolescent behaviour.

Acceptance

This may be the most positive form of homophobia, it can be characterized by such statements as "You're not gay to me, you are a person" and "What you do in bed is your own business" not to forget "That's fine as long as you don't flaunt it"

This level denies social and legal realities. Acceptance ignores the pain of invisibility and the stress of closet behaviour, "Flaunt" usually means saying or doing something that tells people about your homosexuality.

EXAMPLES OF HOMOPHOBIA : Homophobia is easily spotted!!!

- Thinking you can "Spot one"

- Expecting gay or lesbian people to change their public identity or showing of affection.

- Changing your seat in a meeting because a gay or lesbian sat in the chair next to yours.

- Kissing an old friend but being afraid to shake hands with a gay or lesbian

- Failing to be supportive of a gay or lesbian who has just had a bad relationship

- Not asking about a woman's female lover or a male's male lover, although you regularly ask about a husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend when you run into a heterosexual friend

- Thinking that if a gay of lesbian touch you, they are making sexual advances.

- By thinking that public displays of affection between gays and lesbians are disgusting, while thinking that public displays of affection between heterosexuals are 'nice' or 'acceptable'.

- Feeling that gay people are too outspoken about gay rights.

- Believing that discussions about homosexuality and homophobia are not necessary.

- Being outspoken about gay rights, but making absolute sure that everyone knows you are straight.

- Avoid mentioning to your friends that you are part of a woman's organization for the fear that they will think that you are a lesbian.

- Not confronting a heterosexist remark for fear of being identified as a gay or a lesbian.

- Using the terms GAY and Lesbian as derogatory remarks