The Cuases, Effects, and Prevention of Homophobia in America

In the article, How Homophobia Hurts Everyone by Warren J. Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld describes his experience growing up as a homosexual, and how homophobia affected him, as well as his family and peers. To begin, homophobia can be separated into two different catergories, personal homophobia and interpersonal homophobia. Personal homophobia can be described as a personal belief system, or prejudice that homosexuals, bisexual and transgender people are entitled to, should be disliked or remain powerless, due to their desires. They are also sometimes seen as psychologically disturbed, genetically modified or defective and overall, unfortunate human beings. While on the other hand, interpersonal homophobia refers to the personal prejudice or bias that affects relationships within individuals. An example of interpersonal homophobia could be making a joke, name calling, or insulting certain individuals or groups. This can be either verbal, physical or intimidation related.

Throughout American history, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has been persecuted for their differences. LGBT individuals have dealt with various forms of discrimination in their lives, and will inevitably experience even more. From police brutality towards the gay community in the 1960's , to blaming AIDS on homosexual relations in the 80's, to No Promo Homo laws in 2017, gays have been blamed and punished for a number of things in American history. The states of Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah all enforce ‘No Promo Homo’ laws in their sex education

Before we can address the issue of homophobia. We must distinguish what exactly homophobia is, Homophobia is a term to describe hate towards homosexually oriented people. Homophobia is a form of stigma based on sexual ideas. This is also explained in the book “The Challenges of being a gay rural gay man, coping with stigma”. It states “sexual stigma is defined as social disapproval of any-non-heterosexual behavior”. Stigma that is based on hate towards people that are different, or people we don’t understand.

Many people from the United States hold the belief that being gay is something that has always been considered to be okay. They believe that it is just a given. Despite people’s current beliefs on the subject, for a very long time, it was something that was widely believed to be taboo. In the past, people were imprisoned due to their sexuality. Regardless, throughout the decades, people have pushed for the widespread acceptance of people who are part of the LGBT community. Today, homophobia still exists in some parts of the United States, but we have come a long way since the early 1900s.

People in America who choose to identify as members of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A community have been chastised and mistreated for years, specifically Black Americans. Thousands of people who identify as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual community have been suppressed of the ability to love freely without being ridiculed. Every human around the world deserves to be loved, regardless of their sexual orientation. Identifying as a member of the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A community does not make you abnormal. There is nothing troubling with liking the same sex, it does not classify you as anything less than a man or woman. Furthermore, society has created this negative notion about identifying as an L.G.B.T.Q.I.A member, we are all humans, with emotions. Homosexuality amongst the African American community is prevalent; it has its detriments and burdens on individuals. The effects of how Blacks are ostracized amongst the Black community is disheartening and is displayed through homophobia, violence, and acceptance.

Regrettably, in the US there are a lot more problems than homophobia. One of the ongoing problems in the US (that has been an issue forever) is racism. Yes, racism is still an issue, and now thanks to social media, it continues to be a trending topic. An example is this summer there were riots in Charlottesville that ended with death. (SAYERS) “One person was killed and 19 were hurt when a speeding car slammed into a throng of counter protesters in Charlottesville, where a "Unite the Right" rally of where white nationalists

Whether we like it or not, discrimination is a problem that has been occurring for thousands of years and is one that will continue to occur for years to come. American history has seen its share of discrimination, perhaps none more evident than the mid-19th century. Political tensions between northern and southern states concerning states’ rights and slavery sent the country into turmoil. The bloodiest battle in American history soon began and the country would never be the same again. However, after the conclusion of the war at Appomattox Court House, the definition of American citizenship and personal liberties would be changed forever. Unfortunately, discrimination has continued to take place within the nation’s borders against other groups of people. Recently, discrimination against homosexual individuals has been quite an intense topic of debate. Although I do understand the logic behind people’s beliefs, it is astonishing to me that there are people in this world that aggressively disallow others to be who they are and live the life that they so choose to live. Persecution of others for religious or political beliefs, although understandable, is a devastating problem to the entire world. In my eyes, how can America be the land of the free and the home of the brave when citizens are unable to be free in their choices and are forced to be brave to act against these unethical doings? We have seen reforms take place to minimize discrimination throughout

Whilst facilitating an enrichment project for KS4 learners, it was my pleasure to work in collaboration with a ex-pupil of mine (who had left the school two years previous.) in order to explore the issue of homosexuality, homophobia and briefly touch on stereotypical views in society.

In light of the recent election putting a man with questionable morality in the powerful seat of President, many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community are fearful of the repercussions this will cause. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, “867 cases of hateful harassment or intimidation [were reported] in the United States in the 10 days after the November 8 election”, and swastikas adorned people’s cars and homes in angry graffiti, accompanying words such as “white power” and “fag”, “he she” and “die” (Yan). While the American legal system has come a long way in granting the homosexual community their natural rights, the present climate gives many a fear that things will go back to the way they were before, with homosexuals being oppressed and persecuted for simply loving who they love.

Homophobia present in the black community has decreased over the years. Black culture is becoming more tolerant and accepting of the LGBTQA community. Churches are becoming more tolerant towards the LGBTQA community. A few decades ago, homosexuality could not be talked about in public without being shamed, however many Black celebrities are making their sexuality public, inspiring the change of mentality in the younger generations. Some of these artist include Frank Ocean, Azealia Banks, and Jason Collins. Also, the portrayal of LGBTQA persons of color in the media is becoming less stereotypical, they were portrayed as flamboyant gossipy men with feminine tendencies, however now they are represented as people that you can identify with. For

Homophobia, and other issues which come with a homosexual population, have been increasing dramatically in the recent years as more movements are started for gay rights, such as legalization of gay marriage. Though the homosexual population is very small, less than 2% of the total population, homophobia and other issues create social injustice and divides within society. This issue has become such a large issue with in the United States because of the historically high population of Christians/Catholics dating back to the founding of America. The reason this high religious population conflicts with the homosexual community is because the Bible speaks of homosexuality as a sin.

Homophobia Through the years it would be delightful to believe that society has gotten more accepting of minorities. While in many ways this is true, it is also a false statement as well. The United States has gone through leaps and bounds over the last century. Women were the first to win their rights, and after that African Americans broke through the barriers of oppression.

I could not agree with you more on the issue of homophobia against same-sex couples. The treatment spans from bullying in schools, random attacks, to verbal and physical abuse against this population. As a result of peoples intolerances against the LGBT community we are starting to schools catering to this population. Harvey Milk High School in East Village, New York City is designed for ( not limited) to LGBTQ high school students. I think in years to come, we will begin to see more schools targeting this community. Although it is an unsettling thought that is has come to this point, I can appreciate the fact that the teenagers have a place where they can learn, enjoy, be themselves and feel safe. It just amazes me the level of hate, discrimination,

The realization of the homosexuality in the modern western world as a cultural, sexual and a social category has been a result of complex power relations that surround sexuality and gender. The acceptance of homosexuality in the society has met its fair share of resistance and skepticism. The view that homosexuality can be in the same league as heterosexual has led it to be viewed as a normal behavioral and moral standard (Gallagher & Baker, 2006). Inasmuch as the skeptics may not want to accept the existence of homosexuality studies show that the habit is rampant today with many gay people coming out in the open. Of interest is the political acceptance of homosexuality with passing gay rights so that it can be recognized by law. This move has given homosexuals the ability to engage in legal entities like marriage (Gallagher & Baker, 2006).

Homosexuality has in recent times being the topic of much heated debate. Simple opinion has divided the line between many and conclude those that stand for traditional values and those who take a progressive stance in civil rights. While the nation has become a buzz of opinions and perspectives, many arguments that have been made have been exaggerated and slandered to the extent that they are no more than myths that have been left off of a leash unchecked. Ultimately, there is nothing inherently wrong with homosexuality, and despite even the best arguments made against the principle, little carry any weight.