HOMOPHOBIA: TYPES, DATA AND CONSEQUENCES - GEOGRAFÍA - 2025

The homophobia is the hostile attitude towards gay people, whether men or women. We could say that it is also "the hatred and fear of those people who do not fit within the heterosexual label."

Homosexuality is the sexual and emotional attraction to people of the same sex, which as such, implies - although not exclusively - sexual desire, erotic fantasies, emotional attachment and desired behaviors with people of the same sex.

Within this group we can find two groups: gays and lesbians. The former are men who are attracted to other men, while the latter term refers to women who are attracted to other women.

Homophobia data worldwide

Here are some data from 2014 on homosexuality and homophobia worldwide.

-In 76 countries homosexuality is still considered illegal, punishing it with the death penalty in eight of them.

-In 19 countries the adoption of minors with parents of the same sex is allowed, they also recognize civil unions.

-In 63 countries discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation is prohibited and 31 countries also prohibit hate speech based on sexual orientation.

-In 34 countries, sexual orientation is considered an aggravating factor in the case of hate crime.

-To conclude by pointing out that in 117 countries homosexuality is authorized by law.

As we can see, little by little homosexual people are becoming visible in large institutions and are gaining rights such as marriage or adoption.

However, there are still many countries where this possibility is unthinkable and where homophobia is more present than ever.

What types of homophobia are there?

Next, we present the types of homophobia that exist according to UNFPA (2013):

Affective homophobia

It could be considered that all those feelings of rejection towards homosexual people are within this type of homophobia, that is, the feelings that arise when interacting with a homosexual person.

This type of rejection can be manifested by having physical contact or by feeling uncomfortable when observing displays of affection in public.

Behavioral homophobia

This type of homophobia is related to the behaviors that are had towards homosexual people. They can range from teasing or joking, which would be considered the slightest on the scale, to physical assault.

Cognitive homophobia

They are the ideas and concepts that are had towards homosexuality. Homosexuality has always been understood as something negative, unnatural or amoral based on stereotypes and therefore sometimes wrong.

Institutional

In addition to the above, signs of homophobia can also be found at the institutional level, whether in laws or even in the media. According to Maroto (2006), there are four levels of homophobic attitude:

• Repulsion. Homosexuality is understood as a crime against nature.
• Pity. It is considered a mature and preferable option. They feel sorry for those who are not heterosexual.
• Homosexuality is a development, that is, these people have not matured and have to be treated with great protection.
• Acceptance. There is still something that has to be accepted.

Arguments from homophobia

It is very difficult to know exactly why homophobia occurs, since it can vary both in each case and in society. Despite this, some causes can be pointed out according to Generelo and Pichardo (2005):

Normality of heterosexuality

Even today, heterosexuality continues to prevail as the "normal" in society, so there is social rejection of homosexuality.

For many people, it can be understood as a threat to social norms and values, since the practices carried out by homosexual people can be conceived as dirty and immoral.

Inability to procreate

We also find rejection towards homosexuals since they cannot procreate, so the species may be in danger.

Opposing social roles

In addition, these people are out of the male and female mold, roles that have been understood as correct by society.

AIDS

Finally, add to the above the appearance of AIDS, which has been related to homosexual people.

What consequences does homophobia have for homosexual people?

Homophobia brings with it many psychological problems for homosexuals, especially minors or adolescents. Next we are going to list some consequences:

• It usually prevents the development of ties such as intimacy with other people.
• It can limit communication with the family.
• Adolescents may decrease their ability to express themselves as they lock themselves into rigid and static roles.
• It leads to expressing a wrong sexuality to show that they are not homosexual.
• It prevents the richness of diversity.
• During adolescence, it is very important to belong to a group and be accepted by it. There may be rejection of that which is different from the majority.
• It leads to self-limitation and self-exclusion, since discriminatory and violent environments are prevented.

In addition to the above, homosexual people, due to social pressure, can become aggressive or even present psychosomatic disorders. They can also suffer from social anxiety, depression or even panic (UNFPA, 2013).

How can you combat homophobia?

We as family members and educational professionals can directly influence the society in which we live to try to reduce homophobia. What can we do?.

Some actions that are very effective in treating this problem are detailed below as a summary.

From family, school and community can perform many actions to help alleviate homophobia in society:

• One of them could be to promote dialogue and debate on this issue, always pointing out the importance of human rights.
• Given that homosexuality is a reality, it should be discussed with the family about this issue with the intention of raising awareness.
• This topic could also be discussed at school since each person has the right to be different.
• Finally, one should speak with the teachers of the centers, as children can also imitate homophobic sentiment. For this reason, it is very important that there is an “acceptance of differences” on the part of the teaching staff.

Finally, for homosexual people who are receiving homophobic treatment, you should:

• Support him to accept his identity, as well as in the event that he suffers bullying on the grounds of his sexual orientation.
• You may also want to encourage him to talk about his feelings.
• Help you contextualize the situation since many times they tend to exaggerate.
• Remind you that as a family you will always have support.
• In the event that your discomfort is extreme and family and educational support is not necessary, it would be advisable to seek help from professionals.

References

1. from UNFPA, P. (2013). UNFPA report.
2. Generelo Lanaspa, J., Pichardo Galán, JI (coord.) (2006) Homophobia in the educational system. Madrid: State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals.
3. Maroto Sáez, AL (2006). Homosexuality and social work. Madrid: General Council of Official Associations of Graduates in Social Work and Social Assistants
4. Ugarte Pérez, J. (2006). Without Bloodshed: An Essay on Homosexuality. Madrid: Infoprint, SL