“I hate the word homophobia. It’s not a phobia. You are not scared. You are an asshole.” – Morgan Freeman.
The hatred for queer people has been around for ages; it’s older than some of you guys, including myself. LGBTQIA+ oppression is usually trampled over, belittled, and is seen as a ‘non-issue’. Some people can’t even stand the thought of two guys kissing or two girls kissing.
Some people may view homosexuality as ‘erratic’ or ‘unnatural,’ but I’m here to tell you that it’s VERY natural. Homosexuality is found in 1000+ species and is a natural part of biology, yet we’re the only ones who seem to show signs of homophobia. This deep, profound hatred is something so idiotic and futile. If it really bothers you that much, blatantly ignore it, who someone likes or what their gender orientation is doesn’t affect you. They’re humans, just like everyone else, openly expressing themselves.
Homosexuality has always been around; it’s just viewed as a problem now. Ancient Greeks, Indigenous people, and many African societies acknowledged same-sex attraction and gender variants. Homosexuality became a term in the late 1800s by heterosexual people. Queer people have always existed, even before modern-day society gave them a label. Homophobia was adopted by religious, political, and cultural views.
There have been many instances where queer people had to endure suffering and public ridicule. During the Holocaust, queer Jews had their own separate group because of their sexuality and/or gender orientation. This was a form of discrimination and oppression against queer people, as it was a way of mockery. Years later, after the Holocaust, queer people still faced oppression from police brutality in 1969. This particular event was called the Stonewall Uprising. Many queer people revolted against the harassment. During this event, an activist group called the Gay Liberation Front formed, which also led to the very first organized Pride march. Over the years, Pride recognition extended into a week and then into a month, which is called Pride Month and celebrated in June. It was federally recognized by former president Bill Clinton in 1999 as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. Then in 2011, former president Barack Obama made it more inclusive by including the entire LGBT community. Lastly, in 2021, former president Joe Biden formally used the title LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Most queer people resonate with the fact that they aren’t able to freely express themselves. Every queer person has the right to openly choose whether they should share their identities with the world; they also have the right not to. Most, if not every queer person, want to live and share their truths publicly, but most aren’t able to. Whether it’s the people they’re surrounded by or fear of homophobia arousing, many choose not to come out. They’re scared. They’re afraid of accepting their truths because maybe, all their lives, they’ve been told that it’s not right. In some religious households, they’re told it’s a sin. They face the struggle of internalized homophobia and self-hatred because they believe that their existence is meaningless all because of their queerness. Many queer people use the phrase “coming out of the closet” as a way to represent whether they’ve been able to, or not, share a big part of themselves. “The forced conformity of the closet cannot be answered with forced conformity in coming out of it.” (Red White & Royal Blue).
I’ve recently viewed a video on the internet about a comment being made on a post. It was a father stating, “Never. I disowned my son for being gay. He committed suicide 2 weeks later. And I’m ok with that.” A bitter taste of detestation and disappointment resided with me for a few hours after seeing that. Imagine your own father, the one who’s supposed to be there for you no matter the circumstances, suddenly switches up on you because you tell him “I’m gay” or “I like boys.” Condoning heinous behavior against queerness can actively ruin someone and shred them into pieces like a piece of paper. Mental health is a big component in LBTQIA+ oppression, as it can provoke suicidal ideation and other serious mental problems. Not realizing how much words can impact someone reflects something in you as a person.
There will never be a complete resolution to homophobia, but we can always start somewhere. Instead of instantly going haywire over their confession, acknowledging their feelings should always be the first move. Acceptance doesn’t always have to be immediate, but it can also be gradual. There are many ways to come to terms with someone’s queer identity without responding to it with hatred or ostracism. The only way to combat hate is to retaliate with love.
Elijah Roa – Carmel Catholic High School – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: @WOKANDAPIX – Pixabay