Homophobia: A Closer look on its causes and effects
Homophobia has become a very pervasive phenomenon in the society. It is present in all cultures and remains widely practiced. According to the (2007), ‘Homophobia is the fear of, version to, or discrimination against homosexuality pr homosexuals. The term homophobic means ‘prejudiced against homosexual people’, and a person who is homophobic is homophobe.’
This condition is characterized by disapproval of homosexual including their behaviors in various sectors of the society. The levels of disapproval against homosexuality vary from culture to culture. The society responds differently on this issue based on their values, belies and orientations in life. Furthermore, their education and social status also attributes to one’s perception and personal views.
Homophobia and Homophobic Acts
Homophobia can be categorized in four interrelated types; personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural. Personal homophobia is the feeling of fear or discomfort, disgust against same-sex sexuality (1990). This feeling towards homosexuality is a result of the norms that has been dictated by the society or culture over the years. Anything that may upset the normal or standard way of living is perceived to be immoral and is condemned by others. This deadening reality is what causes personal homophobia among those who are experiencing sexual identity crisis. Homosexuals suffer extreme repression of their emotional desires to conform to social and religious beliefs ( 2007). The likelihood of discrimination and the thought that they are different from their peers may lead to depression and other self destructive activities.
Aside from the threat of battling with their own emotions, homosexuals are also victims of Interpersonal homophobia. This type of homophobia is exhibited by people with extreme disgust or hatred toward homosexuality (1990).In this case, they suffer discrimination and other forms of harassments such as verbal and physical abuses.
Another is institutional homophobia in which various institutions such as the government, religious institutions and other organization discriminates homosexuals on the grounds of their sexual orientation (1990). Policies against homosexual relationships are implemented in some organizations. In effect, homosexuals are deprived of the right to participate in events with their intimate partners.
And lastly, cultural homophobia which is based on social standards and norms which dictate that being heterosexual is better or moral than being lesbian, gay or bisexual (1990). The idea that relationships involve a female and a male is imposed to everyone and thus entail conformity from all. More so, heterosexual relationships are depicted to be ideal while homosexual relationships are often portrayed as having disastrous relationships.
Homophobia in the Society
As the pillar of learning, the school is responsible for the improvement of the individuality of the students. It plays a pivotal role in shaping sexuality in gender and serve as a venue in which young people recognize their sexuality ( 2007). The common assumption about young people is that they are innocent about the norms of sexual orientations. However, the inclusion of sex education in the curriculum remains vehemently opposed. Consequently, students are not given the proper education about the sexual orientations. The heterosexual dominance in schools curtails the issue of addressing homosexuality.
Gay and Lesbian students experience injustices and marginalization from their fellow students. They become the target of homophobic bullying and harassments which affects their education. Similarly, homosexual teachers experience these conditions. They are stigmatized and considered as hazardous to children. Thus homophobia in schools is a serious issue. It could be detrimental in the learning process and affect the institution as a whole.
Equal rights and protection of homosexuals is also opposed by conservatives within the major religions. Homosexual acts and desires are condemned and considered to be sinful. The religious believes that the very nature of homosexuality is considered a choice and that it can be treated through prayers. Thus the teaching is to love homosexuals and hate the act of homosexuality (2005). Religion greatly influences people because their basis of morality is anchored with the teachings of their church. The faithful imbibe the indignation which their faith upholds with regards to certain. In the case of homosexuality, it is deemed as sinful and immoral by the religion and so does the believers.
The government is duty bound to guard its people against violation of their civil rights in any form. Homosexuals are entitled of the right to be protected against any form of harassment in the way that heterosexuals are. However, political opposition for the rights of homosexuals still exists in the society. Homophobic oppositions to civil liberties such as same –sex marriage, repeal of sodomy laws, adoption by same sex couples and the inclusion of sexual orientation in school curriculum are attributed to homophobia (2007).
Effects on Homosexuals and Heterosexuals
The emotional anxieties and depression brought about by homophobia greatly affects homosexuals. As they are faced with discrimination they become vulnerable to self destructive activities such as alcoholism. While some may have been caused by self loathing and hatred, it can also be a result of the way they are treated in the society. The propensity to commit suicide becomes imminent especially to those who are physically and emotionally incapable of withstanding harassments and condemnations.
In America alone, a substantial number of suicides among gay and lesbians are committed every year. The youth in particular constitute the large percentage of suicides incidences. The onset of adulthood becomes difficult especially when a person realizes that he is different. The suicide rate of the gay youth is seven times than that of a straight youth (2000).
Homophobia affects heterosexuals as much as it affects homosexuals. The imposition of normal sex relationships among individuals hinders the enjoyment of any sensual or emotional interaction among same sex. For this reason, intimacies among friends are less likely to develop because of the fear of being judged as homosexual ( 1990).
In the same way as homophobia can prevent the development of peer relationships, it can also be destructive to the family. Parents raised their children with normal sexual orientations. And as such they expect them to conform to these standards. Thus, the discovery of a different sexual preference of their children may upset them and ruin the family’s relationship as a whole.
Heterosexual men can experience sexual dysfunction caused by the fear of being a gay. In the long run the marriage can be devastated because of this fear (2000).
The acceptability of homosexuals is also low in the professional field and other institution. Heterosexuals oftentimes refuse to recognize achievements of homosexuals. They deny themselves of the opportunity to learn from the experiences of homosexuals and to enrich their being by being in contact with them (1990).
The government and other institutions that discriminate homosexuals do not uphold the equal enjoyment of civil rights. The act of discriminating these people is a clear indication that oppression may be practiced to anybody on the basis of sex, class, ethnicity or religious beliefs (1990). As institutions, they have the responsibility to protect the rights of an individual against abuses and value the differences that each of them possesses.
Conclusion:
Homophobia is a perennial problem that needs to be addressed seriously. Its apparent existence in the various sectors of the society poses a threat on widespread injustices and discrimination. The family as a basic foundation of the society plays a great role in combating homophobia by supporting and accepting family remembers who are homosexuals. Likewise, institutions such as the church, government and the religious organizations should take part in this effort.
While it is impossible to eradicate homophobic acts, effective measures can be taken in order to minimize incidences of homophobia. Laws that protect harassments should be reinforced to discourage these forms of acts.
Homosexuals as human beings deserve the right to be regarded with respect. To judge them on the grounds of their sexual preference or orientation is in itself immoral. People should start rethinking their distorted views on homosexuality with a great sense of maturity. The uniqueness of each individual must be recognized and respected regardless of their sexual identities. As for homosexuals, self worth is not determined by conforming to societal norms. Being true to oneself is not a crime at all. One has to free himself of pretensions and emotional repressions as the evasion of one’s sexual realities will prove to be a futile effort. The best way to deal with this fear is confronting it. While people may be discriminative, the important thing is that you strive to live a life based on truthfulness and honesty. What other people would say about you doesn’t change you, unless you let it.
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