- What is Homophobia and Biphobia?
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Homophobia can be experienced at several levels:
1. The fear or hatred of persons who are LGBT.
2. The fear of being perceived as LGBT.
3. The fear of one’s own sexual or physical attraction toward
members of the same sex (which is referred to as internalized
homophobia).
The fear or hatred which comprises homophobia can be expressed
outwardly through a variety of prejudicial attitudes and
discriminatory actions or behaviors, such as expressing discomfort
or disgust toward persons who are LGBT, denying equal treatment to
persons who are LGBT and expressing hostility or violence toward
persons who are LGBT.
Examples of Homophobia:
Making negative assumptions about a person’s sexual identity based
on dress, behavior, or personality Feeling repulsed by displays of
affection between same-sex couples, but accepting affectionate
displays between heterosexual couples Thinking of persons who are
lesbian, gay, or bisexual only in terms of their sexuality, rather
than as whole, complex persons Being afraid of social or physical
interaction with persons who are LGBT. Avoiding social situations
or activities where you fear being perceived as LGBT. Feeling that
people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual should not discuss or
display their sexual orientation openly while people who are
heterosexual may do so freely. Assuming that persons wo are
lesbian, gay, or bisexual will be attracted to everyone of the same
sex.
Biphobia - fear or hatred of bisexual men and women displayed by
heterosexuals, gay men, and lesbians.
Examples of Biphobia:
Assuming that people who are bisexual are confused about their
sexuality. Assuming that people who are bisexual are promiscuous or
cannot live monogamously. Assuming that people who are bisexual are
in denial about their homosexuality. Believing that people who are
bisexual spread AIDS.
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