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| Why is it proving so hard to root out homophobia? | Why is it proving so hard to root out homophobia? |
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| Despite numerous studies showing increased acceptance of homosexuality in many countries as a natural and healthy part of the sexual spectrum, a disturbing new wave of homophobia seems to be sweeping the world. In Russia, Vladimir Putin's government has reduced its gay citizens to the status of pariahs, banning them from expressing the sentiment that their relationships are on a par with that of heterosexuals. Uganda has passed an abhorrent anti-gay law. Even in the US, the archetyal first-world democracy, lawmakers in Arizona have just passed a bill allowing businesses to refuse – on religious grounds – to serve homosexuals. It was only prevented from progressing because governer Jan Brewster exercised her veto. | |
| Even relatively liberal Europe still has some hang-ups about sexual orientation. In Ireland, teachers can be dismissed on the grounds of their sexuality. Despite an upcoming referendum on same-sex marriage, state broadcaster RTE recently paid a substantial sum to members of a Catholic lobby group who have staunchly opposed equality after a guest on a show accused them of homophobia. In England, UK Independence Party councillor David Silvester made headlines in January for claiming same-sex marriage is not only contrary to scripture, it is also responsible for causing flooding. | |
| The term homophobia itself can be problematic, because it implies a pathological or irrational fear. However, psychological research suggests that discrimination against homosexuals is a form of prejudice, so the term "sexual prejudice" may be more apt. | |
| There are several reasons why sexual prejudice might persist. One is ideological: if homosexuality is viewed in a negative light by the group one identifies most strongly with, it is hardly surprising that this can manifest in individual prejudice. Professor Gregory M Herek has studied this issue in depth, and notes " … sexual prejudice reflects influences of in-group norms that are hostile to homosexual and bisexual people … another source of prejudice is the perception that gay people and the gay community represent values that are directly in conflict with one's personal value system." | There are several reasons why sexual prejudice might persist. One is ideological: if homosexuality is viewed in a negative light by the group one identifies most strongly with, it is hardly surprising that this can manifest in individual prejudice. Professor Gregory M Herek has studied this issue in depth, and notes " … sexual prejudice reflects influences of in-group norms that are hostile to homosexual and bisexual people … another source of prejudice is the perception that gay people and the gay community represent values that are directly in conflict with one's personal value system." |
| Religion is a case in point. Despite Jesus's silence on the subject, the Catholic church insists that homosexual acts are contrary to "natural law" as do many other Christian sects, many of whom label it a degenerate "lifestyle choice" . These assertions fly in the face of observations of homosexual behaviour in many other animal species and studies proving it is far from a choice in humans. Islam and Judaism tend to take an equally dim view of homosexuality, and this prejudice is not confined to the Abrahamic religions. | Religion is a case in point. Despite Jesus's silence on the subject, the Catholic church insists that homosexual acts are contrary to "natural law" as do many other Christian sects, many of whom label it a degenerate "lifestyle choice" . These assertions fly in the face of observations of homosexual behaviour in many other animal species and studies proving it is far from a choice in humans. Islam and Judaism tend to take an equally dim view of homosexuality, and this prejudice is not confined to the Abrahamic religions. |
| Another major reason for the persistence of homophobia may be a defensive reaction, rooted in fears and discomfort about one's own sexuality. A 1996 study by Henry E Adams et al at the University of Georgia in the US took a group of self-identified heterosexual men and split them into two groups according to whether they openly expressed homophobic sentiments. The groups were then shown heterosexual, lesbian and gay pornography while bloodflow to the penis and erectile changes were recorded. | |
| While both homophobic and non-homophobic groups experienced increases in penis circumference when exposed to the heterosexual and lesbian pornography, only the homophobic group showed an increase in response to male homosexual porn. Furthermore, when asked to rate how arousing the material was afterwards, homophobic participants declared it had no effect, despite their penis saying otherwise. | While both homophobic and non-homophobic groups experienced increases in penis circumference when exposed to the heterosexual and lesbian pornography, only the homophobic group showed an increase in response to male homosexual porn. Furthermore, when asked to rate how arousing the material was afterwards, homophobic participants declared it had no effect, despite their penis saying otherwise. |
| This led the authors to conclude that "Homophobia is apparently associated with homosexual arousal that the homophobic individual is either unaware of or denies." | This led the authors to conclude that "Homophobia is apparently associated with homosexual arousal that the homophobic individual is either unaware of or denies." |
| In a similar vein, a 2012 study by Netta Weinstein et al found that individuals who experienced low parental approval were sometimes motivated to conceal same-sex attraction, leading to exaggerated defence mechanisms including homophobia. | In a similar vein, a 2012 study by Netta Weinstein et al found that individuals who experienced low parental approval were sometimes motivated to conceal same-sex attraction, leading to exaggerated defence mechanisms including homophobia. |
| This may in part explain the much publicised cases of virulently anti-gay religious ministers and politicians engaging covertly in the very behaviour they condemn from the pulpit. George Rekkers is a prime example; a Baptist minister and psychologist, he was a founding member of the Family Research Council, a Christian lobbying organisation with an aggressively anti-gay message now classified as a hate group. Rekkers himself wrote a book entitled Growing Up Straight – What Every Family Should Know About Homosexuality, which despite being torn apart by academics, was championed by conservatives. Rekkers also ran a "gay conversion" centre, until he was caught in 2010 travelling with a rent boy he'd hired for the trip. | |
| Washington state Republican representative Richard Curtis opposed gay rights bills prohibiting discrimination, but stepped down in 2007 when it was revealed he had sex with a man he met at an adult bookstore. Evangelist Pastor Ted Haggard decried homosexuality, but resigned his positions when he was confronted with the fact he'd been sleeping with his masseur for more than three years. | |
| These are but a handful of examples – dozens more could be cited. While their actions are undoubtedly hypocritical, it is hard not to feel an undercurrent of sympathy for their predicament, and an overwhelming sense that they are "with themselves at war". As Prof Richard Ryan, an author on the 2012 study, writes, " if you are feeling that kind of visceral reaction to an out-group, ask yourself, 'Why?' … it appears that sometimes those who would oppress others have been oppressed themselves, and we can have some compassion for them too; they may be unaccepting of others because they cannot be accepting of themselves." | These are but a handful of examples – dozens more could be cited. While their actions are undoubtedly hypocritical, it is hard not to feel an undercurrent of sympathy for their predicament, and an overwhelming sense that they are "with themselves at war". As Prof Richard Ryan, an author on the 2012 study, writes, " if you are feeling that kind of visceral reaction to an out-group, ask yourself, 'Why?' … it appears that sometimes those who would oppress others have been oppressed themselves, and we can have some compassion for them too; they may be unaccepting of others because they cannot be accepting of themselves." |
| No amount of special pleading can excuse virulent homophobia, but the truth may be that it says much more about homophobes than homosexuals. | No amount of special pleading can excuse virulent homophobia, but the truth may be that it says much more about homophobes than homosexuals. |