I contuine to see this everywhere and it's really starting to get on my nerves. I see it in the streets, I see it on TV, in books, and also at school. I'm really sick of it.

I contuine to see it everyday in my 2nd period class. One of the students is gay. He's a really sweet guy. However, there's another guy bashing on the kid for his sexuality. We have the freedom to be who we want to be don't we? Why would you be so harsh to a guy who didn't do you any harm. He sits there and complains about how he died his hair blood red and he thinks it's "gay" and that to celebrate Halloween that wearing fake fangs and eyeliner is "retarded". Well, if you are taking the time to judge someone else, why don't you look in the mirror and judge yourself? I don't understand why we have to be so prejudice against other humans just because of their sexuality.

Why are people so afraid of homosexuals? I don't really understand why many people are so phobic of the true sexual nature an individual has. I understand that in the Bible is says it is wrong, but if it is so wrong, why do we have it? Why are people so worried about that now-a-days than other important topics in the world and in the society and environment around us? Can someone please tell me why people are phobic about being homosexual? I really just don't get the meaning to all the madness that's going on about it. It's not so bad as it use to be but still.

It's all about what people are used to. Society has built up the norm that couples are made of a male and a female. It also makes biological sense for a male to pair with a female, which only reinforces that norm. Some people are able to adapt quickly to new norms or challenges to them that arise, such as the relatively recent openness of homosexuality. Some people are able to accept this new concept more quickly than others.

After the Civil War, when blacks were no longer slaves but legally declared as citizens of the United States, they were still considered to be inferior by whites. Some people, when that major change occured, were able to accept it and begin treating blacks as humans and not animals. However, the majority of people did not accept the new norms so easily and even today there are white supremacists and racists.

The same concept can be applied here. The majority of people grew up with the idea of male/female couples as fact. When I was a kid, I wouldn't have believed someone if they told me two boys or two girls could love each other the same way a boy could love a girl. Something like that just doesn't compute in the mind of a child, which is why complicated concepts are never introduced to children, and if they are, they are broken down into simple ideas. So now, when all of a sudden that concept the majority of society has known as simple fact all their lives is challenged by this new homosexuality deal (not saying homosexuality itself is a new concept, I mean the Spartans when they were off to war would have sex with each other >.> I'm just saying in media, etc, it's suddenly become such a big thing), most of them are going to become defensive of the concept they grew up with.

That itself is a psychological concept - when a person's concept of reality is challenged, they are more likely to defend their own perspective, no matter how obviously wrong it may be. You see this in other, very different situations, like when followers are brainwashed into following and supporting a manipulative leader. Nazi soldiers, even after Hitler's death, probably continued to hang on to the concepts buried into their brains.

I don't agree with homophobia on any level whatsoever, and I'm against judgement against someone based on anything like race, sexual preference, clothing style, social standing, etc. However, if we automatically hate them for their own views and ideas (remember, they have just as much right to think homosexuality is wrong as others have to think it's right) are we not just like them? You have to try and see the situation from the other side's perspective, and realize that homosexuality is an idea that people aren't going to automatically accept. If you're taking that path in life, you need to realize that it won't be easy and probably won't be for years. That's just how humans are.

I hope I may have helped somewhat. I'm not arguing with you in any way, I'm just attempting to answer your question~ ;P

I really don't see why this is a debate but people don't like what they do not understand. I get crap when I am out with my girlfriends. I also get crap for "not looking like a girl". I've learned to not give a damn about what people say. There is always going to be people that hate because they are ignorant or because they just do not want to accept a certain life style. I also get crap for being a vegetarian. It's just who I am and in my opinion people need to get over themselves if they can't see a person for who they are instead of just seeing someone who lives a different life style than they do and hating them for it.

You've stated ignorance and fear yourself, I can't think of what there is to debate about. A lot of homophobia is religious-based, and that speaks for itself. A lot of it is also hereditary, in that parents pass their values onto their children.

The rest comes, I think, partly from a fear a being gay. No, I'm not saying all homophobes are secretly gay, I've always thought that was a silly idea.

But imagine, perhaps, that a predominantly straight man had a gay crush, or even just found a man attractive, just one, ever. He knows gays are treated badly, he's frightened now, because he doesn't want to be gay. He wants to like women, he's always liked women. But he thought, just for a second, that Johnny Depp looked nice without a shirt. What if he's turning gay? He gets defensive. Gotta lash out at those gays, keep them in their place. Now they want to get married? That can't be right. Can't be seen supporting gay marriage, people might think he's gay. He can't be gay.

I'm not saying it makes sense, or that it's a good thing. If this straight man in the above scenario were more educated about homosexuality, he probably wouldn't even have had that dilemma. But anyway, that is how I imagine that it works.

I think it's still seen as a social taboo, especially after the 1980s when gay men were all "labeled" to carry AIDS, (when in fact that's completely false). But the idea of 2 men or 2 women forging a relationship is seen as an 'abnormal' bond, unfortunately. And because so many people in our society still have chosen not to except gays/lesbians/bisexuals, many other people who aren't against homosexual behavior are forced to be silenced. People are afraid to stand up for what they believe in... maybe due to the possible shame they will face (like othrs believing that they're homosexual because they believe that homosexuals deserve respect. Trust me, people assume that everyone in the GSA club in our school are either homosexual or bi. It never crossed their mind that the person could be straight for some reason).

And from a biological/evolutionary stand point, people subconsciously believe that being homosexual would not benefit our species since 2 men and 2 women cannot reproduce. (If more people became homosexual, it would essentially be a threat to our population as a whole. The human species would not survive if less offspring were produced). I'm not saying that I believe in this, but every organism has that will for their species to survive. It's just instinct I guess.

It may also have to do with religious beliefs. In fact I thing this is the most influential part in everyone's life. Almost many different forms of religion believe that being homosexual is wrong and that it is a moral sin. Religion plays a big part in many people's lives because it provides the general public with some answers to some questions that are still realistically unanswered. And if those people believe in everything that their religion says, well guess what? They WILL pass those values down to their children and this will continue that struggle of hate.

Don't get me wrong, I am really upset that people are not being accepted for who they are, especially in this day and age. And what sucks is that the hate towards homosexuals is so great, young men/women are literally taking their own lives to save themselves and their family from the evident prosecution they will face. I've know parents who secretly wish their children weren't homosexual not because they hated their way of life but only because these parents know that their children will lead a hard life. This world is a cruel place and its crueler to people who are not considered normal. And I'm not talking about just homosexuals either.

I've heard some really nasty stuff, mostly on the net. Internet is full of people making their opinions heard without a thought. It can be really hurtfull. I've learnd to ignore such things with time. Still not fun though.
I'm a kind of person that takes things ... well personal I guess. I think that many times it comes from ignorance and lack of knowledge. People don't know what they're saying. Sometimes my mom says things that I think are really judgemental and maybe discriminating but she doesn't even see it. I have to explain why I think those things are wrong and hurtfull in my ears. Like my parents they're nice people. But sometimes they say things that hurt me or others. Most people do. I'd like to think that people don't want to hurt other people.

RainbowRhino has it dead on. As a straight male knowing a lot of gay males, I obviously have a different viewpoint than most straight males. Most straight males are frightened by the fact that if they are even associated with someone who is openly gay, they will be seen as being gay as well. And in the kind of society we live in, that's horribly devastating.

F.Y.I, being gay was not "a sin" in the bible until the new testament, because priests were having sex with the alter boys, so they decided to call it a sin...therefore "stopping" it from happening. At least openly.....cause that worked. /sarcasm

Originally Posted by Loveslust

F.Y.I, being gay was not "a sin" in the bible until the new testament, because priests were having sex with the alter boys, so they decided to call it a sin...therefore "stopping" it from happening. At least openly.....cause that worked. /sarcasm

Citation needed.

Why would it be needed if the law against fornication was already there? Wouldn't that already cover it all?

To be honest, I'm at a state right now where I believe in God but am confused on what to believe about him, I guess. Well I mean in terms of the things that people debate over :lol:
...Well anywho lol. It's interesting for how sensitive a topic it can get. I am happy to find that thus far there has been minimal upset in this thread. I hope it stays that way. :0 (pretty please)

I know a few people who are openly gay, and plenty that are openly bi.. Well to me, that they are or that they aren't, I don't consider it something that I should take offense against. Am I going against the Bible in that viewpoint? Who knows. I'm just trying to be impartial. It is fair to look at things from other people's perspectives, isn't it? However any of this started, it didn't just start recently, as far as I'm concerned. It is my understanding that it's been around for a very long time. I don't support the mocking of homosexuals... I mean we are all human, right? Nothing about that makes them a zombie or a monster or a defect we should throw away. That is just cruel. They have thought brilliant things, some of them. More likely all of them, at one point or another. They are ideas and thoughts that we could use to make a better world, if we wanted to. It is like that with everyone, isn't it? We all have some beauty in us, right? Then why should it matter either way?

Originally Posted by strange_dreams_512

Why would it be needed if the law against fornication was already there? Wouldn't that already cover it all?

Because fornication is simply extramarital (or premarital) sex. If a someone who was gay and married to their partner had sex with said partner, it wouldn't be fornication, simply because they are married.

Seems silly to require the state's approval to have sex with someone who consents, though.

Originally Posted by Lexicon of Randomness

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="5"][FONT="Blackadder ITC"]Well, if you are taking the time to judge someone else, why don't you look in the mirror and judge yourself? I don't understand why we have to be so prejudice against other humans just because of their sexuality.

hello ms. randomness,

prejudice is unfortunately something hardwired into all humans. not only does sexuality come into question, but a lot of other factors as well. humans are extremely competitive as indivuduals and as a species. race, ethnicity, sexuality, intelligence, strength, how big a male's genitals are, how big a woman's breasts are, how muscular a man is, how thin a woman is. the list goes on and on. as far as your mirror comment, that will only serve to heighten the already overwhelming ego of the asshole. just because someone looks in a mirror, does not mean they will see their own flaws. in fact, most will intentionally overlook their flaws, because humans generally do not like to admit to flaws and defects. they wish to be perfect, which is a complete impossibility in such a subjective environment.

Originally Posted by Lexicon of Randomness

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="5"][FONT="Blackadder ITC"]
Why are people so afraid of homosexuals? I don't really understand why many people are so phobic of the true sexual nature an individual has. I understand that in the Bible is says it is wrong, but if it is so wrong, why do we have it? Why are people so worried about that now-a-days than other important topics in the world and in the society and environment around us? Can someone please tell me why people are phobic about being homosexual? I really just don't get the meaning to all the madness that's going on about it. It's not so bad as it use to be but still.

people fear that which they do not understand. furthermore, generally people refuse to even try to understand unless they are being forced to as they for the most part, do not care unless it affects them directly.

the bible does not claim that homosexuality is wrong, that is the work of ignorant interpreters that were biased against homosexuality. though i won't say too much about the bible in general as i believe the world is better off without such a commanding fictional dogmatic reference.

Originally Posted by Loveslust

F.Y.I, being gay was not "a sin" in the bible until the new testament, because priests were having sex with the alter boys, so they decided to call it a sin...therefore "stopping" it from happening. At least openly.....cause that worked. /sarcasm

hello loveslust,

being homosexual is not a sin period. it's a very natural and normal condition just as heterosexuality is. priests having sex with altar boys is pedophilia, not homosexuality. pedophilia cannot be considered either homosexual or heterosexual as most pedophiles are instead attracted to the androgynous prepubescent human being. that is, a human being, that has little distinguishable characteristics discerning it as either a male or female since they have not gone through puberty.

however, even with all that being said, i would like evidence supporting your claim that homosexuality became a sin in the new testament, on the premise that priests supposedly had sexual relations with the altar boys. because frankly, i do not believe your claims.

Originally Posted by strange_dreams_512

Why would it be needed if the law against fornication was already there? Wouldn't that already cover it all?

hello ms 512,

simply because fornication does not equate to homosexuality.

Originally Posted by strange_dreams_512

To be honest, I'm at a state right now where I believe in God but am confused on what to believe about him, I guess. Well I mean in terms of the things that people debate over :lol:
...Well anywho lol. It's interesting for how sensitive a topic it can get. I am happy to find that thus far there has been minimal upset in this thread. I hope it stays that way. :0 (pretty please)

if you want my honest opinion. believe in your deity but forget the dogma.

best wishes,
eecummings

Loveslust:
It is stated many times in the Old Testament that homesexuality is a sin. Lev 18:22 just for starters. Please show some proof of your claims.
As for the original question, people fear what they do not understand. It's been explained throughly already, but it's true. Some people are open minded and others are not.

Well people cant handle people being so different.. personally i say let people love whom ever they want, but to some people it is wired. some guys try to put them down to feel better about themselfs.. but i think if someone truly stood up to a homophobe and asked the question "why do you pick on gay people? why do you think its funny who he loves? why do you like the opposite sex?" they will probably be speechless.
At my school there are MANY LGBT people. Most people don't bother them, but there are a few who think its okay to pick on them. Well my buddy Chris is getting threatened to leave the school, his sinor year! or the will kill him.. I think this is a bit ridiculous! but there's not much he can do without threatening his life. he has told this to our LGBT group called care, but they cant do anything seeing as they don't know who it is.
Honestly some people need to stick there nose in there own business and not worry about others sexuality. making fun of some ones sexuality is like making fun of a race, hurts more then one person, and makes you look like an idiot. If you ever hear it again please ask them what there deal is. its not right in any way, shape, or form..

People are so ignorant. I mean, I had to cut off all my hair and I got taunted and called gay and then not to mention people always laughed at me for thinking I had cancer or some other disease. It's just not nice. I have no problem with people of different sexualities. They are just as human as anyone else.

Originally Posted by angelwings13

People are so ignorant. I mean, I had to cut off all my hair and I got taunted and called gay and then not to mention people always laughed at me for thinking I had cancer...

People laughed at you because they thought you had cancer?! That's horrible!

Anyway back on topic...
I don't think that it's right for anyone to hate another person because of their sexuality, any more than it's right for everyone with a prejudice to instantly be considered a jerk. Sometimes all people are trying to do is fit in with their surroundings, and the "cool" kids made fun of the "weird" kids at school, and well... Gays are the minority in a classroom, so it must be "cool" to pick on them, right?

People do things for stupid reasons, and I'm never going to understand everyone, but what I can say is this, as long as you don't join in with those "cool" people, it should be ok. That's the way I see it anyway. You may not be able to stop them saying things, but you can choose not to egg them on.

I don't know if that was actually helpful, but there you have it.

Originally Posted by carzeebear

People laughed at you because they thought you had cancer?! That's horrible!

They laughed at the kids in the St. Jude videos, so I knew I wouldn't get any slack. After that school experience, I really want to volunteer with young cancer patients and make them feel better.

Back on subby: ^_^ nobody should judge. We can all be friends.

Angelwings: That's very commendable :D

I believe it is human nature to automatically become intolerant to something you either fear or you don't understand...maybe automatically is too strong a word, but I know that if I come across something I think is odd I'm not going to receive it well.

I got teased/harassed/much worse for my disabilities but it seemed like my sexuality was just the icing on the cake of Social Fail...and all I ever got was "They do it because they're insecure" or "They like you in secret". No...I think it's because they can't possibly imagine what it's like to "choose" (it's not a choice) to like people of your own sex/gender and they can't imagine what it's like to have a body and mind that operate differently from the "norm".

For me, education has proven to be the most effective...but for the few who really could care less what I have to say...I really could care less how they feel about it ;)

If you're struggling in school or at home because of bullying for ANY reason...I really feel for you and wish you nothing but peace <3