The Psychology behind Homophobia

“To be afraid is to behave as if the truth was not true.” – Bayard Rustin

From the beginning, we grow up as a result of the accumulative decisions of our life. The journey begins with the protection of our parents. They nurture us. Make us the people we are. They dream for themselves and only hope we share the same dreams. We evolve into teenagers. Our mannerisms change. Also, we imbibe the thoughts and cultures of our societies. Now, some people begin a different journey. They feel differently about themselves and the world that revolves around them. This is also where generation gaps and strikingly different mindsets come forth. Homosexuality has been in the talks for quite some time now. We, as the upcoming generation, have developed with this evolving ideology. It is easier for us to accept two people of the same gender falling in love.

Although, there exists a bracket of people who hold prejudice towards this community. This section of the society is called the homophobic species. Moreover, they are a victim of homophobia. For time immemorial, from the eras of kings and queens, homosexuality existed. But, it was considered a sin. Only now have we let people live their lives on their terms and conditions. However, even in the 21st century, the LGBTQIA+ community is a recipient of constant mental harassment and prejudice.

In today’s Brag Social article, we unearth various layers of Homophobia. We also try to only instill the value that everyone is unique. Read on to uncover the Psychology behind Homophobia:

The true meaning of Homophobia:

Source: Feminism in India

The entire word breakdown of Homophobia includes mistrust, fear, hatred, and discomfort towards people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Homophobia can be translated into different shades. Furthermore, it can even be bifurcated to transphobia and biphobia. Homophobic people display negative attitudes and beliefs about the community. Additionally, there usually exists an irrational fear and misunderstanding towards homosexual people. This is where things start taking a downfall. One may say it is an illness that can be cured. While others might believe that people from the homosexual community are instilled with the wrong values.

Although, none of this is true. Like any other person, adhering to the stereotypical society the people belonging to the LGBTQIA+ are human beings. We should not even believe they are different. They are what they choose to be. Like every person who wakes up in the morning and chooses to be straight. Furthermore, be in the protective bounds of their loved ones. Homophobia has led to inconceivable circumstances. It leads to humongous mental strain and unrest in society. The foundations of the homophobic society have resulted in parents losing their children to depression. In addition to that, some live in society with masks of fantasies. They never come out to the public and go on to live their lives in terms of the supposed reality of society.

Source: Live Science

The Psychological Background of Homophobia:

Firstly, we begin by introducing how research has proved, that there exists a psychological milieu that causes homophobia. Psychologists have noticed higher levels of psychoticism and unusual coping mechanisms behind the propagation of this behavior. Although, no one claims that people who are homophobic are psychotic. Rather, it is the already present personality trait that causes them such delusional beliefs. Psychoticism includes traits such as hostility, anger. It also conceives the thoughts of aggression towards others.

Many researchers tell us that homophobia is a very complex subject matter. To some, it may seem bizarre how people cannot accept someone else’s choices. Although there is a huge grey area in those sections. Shockingly, some revealed how people who were completely against homosexuality, had deep-rooted homosexual feelings themselves. But this was far fetched . Although, some constant ideologies bred these feelings.

Religion has always been the most common reason behind homophobia. Some religious beliefs were found with the natural course of nature. People are biased towards homosexual beings due to their religious understandings. In no way, does this reflect upon the religion itself. It is solely based on how the person interprets his or her godly beliefs.

Psychologists also mentioned how hypermasculinity and misogynistic traits cause homophobic feelings. One of the most unexpected studies showed how people with commitment issues would fall prey to homophobia. Homophobia is the real disease. Conservative values and orthodox approaches can be harmful. Furthermore, the ideology of looking at people who live their lives in the four stereotypical squared lines of society.

Conclusion:

Source: Marie Claire

Lastly, at the end of the day, we all go back home and sleep on our beds. We all breathe the same air and lead our lives as we wish to. Everyone has the right to be with whoever they wish to be with. Man or Woman. Additionally, we live in a world with diverse cultures and backgrounds. It influences us. Also, we influence the functionalities of these cultures. So why not just look forward towards the light of progress. We have come a long way in our acceptance of homosexual society.

Moreover, we are also including provisions to make them feel as though any other human being. But, having said that we are far from our destination. We need to propagate a world, where no one is distinguished as the other. No one has to live in the shadows of lies. The bottom line is “Love is Love”. So let’s all flourish towards a better tomorrow, to the future where no one hides!

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