Are We Done With Homophobia Yet?

Homophobia.  Its definition is commonly known, or at least a basic handle of the concept.  But is it truly understood how much it has infiltrated our daily life, or how the subtext of homophobia can be seen in the simplest things?

 The etymology of the word “homophobia” is simple.  The prefix “homo” means “same”, used in this context to refer to people who experience attraction toward someone who is the same gender as them.  The root “phobia”, as some might already know, means fear.  But in this case, said fear has evolved into prejudice against people who are not straight. This is a problem. Ever since Biblical times, homosexuality and gay people have been discriminated against, and while we as a society are moving beyond such behaviors, as evidenced by the legalization of same-gender marriage in many countries, the ashes of hatred still stand.  

An anonymous eighth grader stated that while he did not consider himself to be homophobic, his parents had raised him “not to have gay friends, or to “be gay and such.” What this says is that homophobia has been internalized by a lot of people, and that to be free of it, we must break the vicious cycle.  Even at an inclusive place such as MS 447, phrases like “that's so gay” and “no homo” are seen as mere commonplace.  Unfortunately, these phrases assign being gay as a negative aspect.  But how exactly does one defy homophobia?  

Mr. Ensminger, 8th grade ELA teacher and faculty advisor to the GSA, says “ I think that education is a really good force to combat homophobia.” Also movies, books, television shows, music by or starring, or about the LGBTQIA+ community helps to bring the LGBTQIA+ community into the mainstream and gives voice to its members. Lastly, as more people come out and people outside the community get to know people who identify as LGBTQIA+ it becomes more normalized which leads to more acceptance.”  Essentially, greater representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in media and education is key to equality and normalization.  

Overall, our society is still attempting to overcome the unfair discrimination associated with homophobia, and judging by what 447 students sometimes hear in the hallways, it may take a while.