The 4 types of homophobia (and their characteristics)

Homophobia consists of an aversion (rejection or disgust) towards homosexuality or people whose identity is homosexual.

Many times this homophobia is accompanied by rejection of similar groups, that is, any of the LGTBI groups (Lesbians, Gays, Transgender, Bisexual, Intersex), whose sexual orientations are far from 'the traditional' or 'more common'.

However, there is not only one type of homophobia, but different types of homophobia. In this article we will talk about them.

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Homophobia

From a social point of view, homophobia is born from an education based on negative prejudices towards what is considered ‘different’, and is closely related to misinformation, intolerance, and clearly a very poor emotional and affective intelligence, as well as lacking in values.

In some particular cases even, specialists associate homophobia with a desire for another person of the same sex, repressed, either by social issues, fear, prejudice or education based on very inflexible and rigid social and identity patterns, and generally taxes.

But what types of homophobia are there?

Types of homophobia

Over the years, homophobia has evolved and can increasingly be classified in a more nuanced and specific way. In this article we explain the different types of homophobia, characteristics, causes and / or origins.

How are you going to observe, some types of homophobia take into account the degree of expression and sample of said homophobia, as well as whether or not it remains in a latent state. Now, we are going to see the different types of homophobia that exist, depending on their characteristics.

1. Cultural homophobia

The first of the types of homophobia that we are going to talk about is cultural homophobia. Cultural homophobia is a type of homophobia that has its etiology in the values ​​and messages that have been transmitted to us through the generations either verbally or by imitation of behaviors.

These messages, which are biased in nature, are often broadcast and received from unconsciously, based on messages previously received by generations previous. The vast majority of homophobic identities are considered to be based on this type of homophobia.

2. Institutional homophobia

This kind of homophobia born from the normative standards of both public and private organizations. Some examples would be the laws of the state or religious groups, which criminalize or morally judge homosexual attitudes or behavior.

This type of homophobia depends a lot on the country where you live, since the laws and religious currents are not the same, so in a more conservative and less tolerant country, this type of homophobia can be found in a much higher percentage.

3. Behavioral homophobia

The third of the types of homophobia could be considered the most empty homophobia, since it lacks a logical or coherent foundation. In this category, those with homophobic behaviors that discriminate and marginalize homosexuals will be considered, for the simple fact of being, without considering these rejection values.

It is a question of behavior, it is rather latent and depends a lot on the context in which the individual finds himself.

In addition to this type of homophobia, is added the fact that behavioral homophobic people they carry out acts of violence towards the group, with threatening behavior and even aggressions physical. This type of person also tends to promote discrimination against homosexuals, alleging and reporting various false concepts about homosexuality.

4. Cognitive homophobia

The latter of the types of homophobia It is based on the person's own biology or cognitive system. This system conditions the beliefs that exist for that homophobic person, which are based on the concept of homosexuality as something negative and detestable, which goes against nature and evolution.

These beliefs are generally based on clichés and stereotypes that associate homosexuality with something that must be rejected, and not accepted as something good or worthy.

Consequences of homophobia

The consequences - especially in the form of suffering and pain - for these people is an undeniable fact. So regardless of the types of homophobia we talk about, all of them can end up generating suffering in other people.

In addition, it is a reality that at a social level, there are no positive homosexual references (cinema, television, politics, sports, life public ...) and this is a negative element to normalize and accept homosexuality as another identity that should and deserves to receive the same Rights.

Stonewall Movement

If we say "Stonewall", perhaps the word does not sound familiar to you. Well, behind this word many realities are hidden for the homosexual community.

Stonewall, was a bar in New York, United States that gave its name to an event that we could consider historical, known as the Stonewall riots (“Stonewall riots”) and which took place on June 28 1969. In this event there were a series of spontaneous and violent demonstrations against a police raid.

The consequences of the Stonewall Movement

This movement had great value for the LGTBI community because it was the first time that it was revealed against a police who persecuted and judged anyone who came out of the normative, with the full support of the government of that then.

Later, this name gave rise to a film, on the general scene of the gay community before and after The Stonewall Riots, considered a turning point for this community. He also named "After Stonewall," a 1999 documentary that talks about gay rights activism. There is even a literary award (“Stonewall Book Award”) sponsored by the LGTBI community.

And finally, there is a study called The Stonewall Report, carried out in 2014, which highlights the current reality of the LGTBI community.

This report talks about the consequences of homophobia and social rejection, as well as the greater dependence on drugs by this community in comparison with the rest of society, closely related to the fact that they are still at risk of social exclusion and continue to receive rejection and damage.

This report emphasizes the fact that the problem that homosexuals have is not their sexuality itself, but the attitude of society towards it.

Homophobia in the future

However, the future seems more and more hopeful, since each time (especially in more developed countries and not governed by right or ultra-right parties, it is that is, more conservative), more laws that regulate homosexual rights are proposed and passed, tolerance activities are carried out and more visibility is given to the collective.

However, there is still a part of society with any of the types of homophobia, and it is evident that a social change goes through a change of mentality and values ​​that must occur from childhood and through a fair, affective and emotional education.

This education should be based on treating the other as an equal person, with the same rights to love. and to express that love or sexual inclination in the way you want and most importantly, not to be judged by it. The aim of all this is to eradicate all the types of homophobia that we have talked about.

Bibliographic references

• Del Castillo, M.N., Rodríguez, V.B., Torres, R.R. and Pérez, A.R. (2003). The measure of overt and subtle homophobia. Psicothema, 15 (2): 197-204.

• Mirror, J.C. (2012). Ideological components of homophobia. Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy and Psychology, 7 (26): 85-106.