Homophobia

Homosexuality

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"Homophobia" is a widely used term of dubious meaning. It is a coinage modeled on terms such as "claustrophobia" and "hydrophobia" but unlike those terms "homophobia" has no basis in clinical psychology.^[1] In response to the so-called "normalization" of homosexuality, pro-homosexual activists attempted to stigmatize political opponents using a smear tactic to imply religious believers and others suffered from a "mental illness". The word caught on in academia, news media, and among Hollywood celebrities and is still used to imply discrimination against a person with a disability is perfectly legitimate and acceptable.

Etymology and definition[edit]

The word homophobia comes from combining the Greek prefix homo-, meaning "same", and suffix -phobia, meaning "fear of". In its early usage, the term described heterosexual fears that others might think they were homosexual.^[2] The neologism was promoted by George Weinberg, a homosexual activist and psychologist, who attempted to define it in clinical literature shortly before the downgrading of homosexuality as a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973. Weinberg claimed it was "the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals -- and in the case of homosexuals themselves, selfloathing."^[3] The term then entered common usage beginning with pornographic publications.^[4]

A study by University of Arkansas researchers concluded that the word homophobia is technically incorrect. Doctoral student Bunmi Olatunji, lead author of the study stated that homophobia is not actually a fear, and therefore it should not be "pathologized," or treated as a disease would be treated. The 138 participants in the 2001-2002 study, whose gender preferences were unknown to the researchers, were asked to complete a series of questionnaires and surveys. While some subjects displayed conservative sexual attitudes of elevated levels of disgust and dread of contamination toward homosexuals, the results showed a negative correlation between attitudes about homosexuals and measures of fear or anxiety.

The term's meaning has not been accepted or agreed upon within the psychological therapeutic community. William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles ^[5] have concluded based upon research within the therapeutic community a clear understanding of the term has not been adequately evaluated and it is not clear whether the term can be accurately characterized. They have concluded, "the construct of homophobia, as it is usually used, makes an illegitimately pejorative evaluation of certain open and debatable value positions, much like the former disease construct of homosexuality."

Gregory M. Herek, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, and a recognized authority on prejudice against lesbians and homosexual men, credits psychologist George Weinberg with inventing the word homophobia in the late 1960s. However, the word "has a number of problems with it," said Herek, particularly because there is no basis for the "phobia" suffix in a clinical sense.

Connie Ress, a regional media manage at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation stated that she had no intention of dropping the use of the word due to semantical controversy, as she claimed discrimination against homosexuals and the need for laws to protect them was the real issue.^[6] At a minimum, its continued use stigmatizes people with disabilities.

Application[edit]

The term homophobia is primarily used by LGBT campaigners and their supporters, to disparage persons who in any way oppose homosexuality and its practices. Some claim that "it is intended to sound like a form of mental illness", but this does not describe its popular use or the definition of the word. According to the National Association for Research & Therapy on Homosexuality (NARTH), homosexual-rights advocate Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D. wrote that the term "homophobia" was useful in pushing forward the homosexual agenda in our culture.^[7] "In his paper on homophobia, stigma, and sexual prejudice, Dr. Herek suggests that although the term "homophobia" was useful in pushing forward the gay agenda in our culture, the term may be too limited in its scope today."

For example, NARTH says,

The term "homophobia" is often used inaccurately to describe any person who objects to homosexual behavior on either moral, psychological or medical grounds. Technically, however, the terms actually denotes a person who has a phobia—or irrational fear—of homosexuality. Principled disagreement, therefore, cannot be labeled "homophobia." ^[8]

The more recent, restrictively pejorative use of the term "homophobia" reflects upon the intents of the homosexual community to skew perceptions of them (versus their detractors) by manipulating the language used to describe them.

It was recently announced that the Associated Press has dropped the term "homophobia" from its Style Book and will no longer use that term in its news reports, noting that the use of the suffix "-phobia" (referring to an "irrational or uncontrollable fear") should not be used in political or social contexts in AP reports, including "homophobia" (and its derivative "homophobe").^[9]

Claims of Internalized homophobia[edit]

The therapeutic community is largely divided between proponents of "gay gene" theory who believe a person is born a homosexual and will always be a homosexual, and proponents of Reparative therapy who believe with sympathy and understanding a homosexual can be relieved of afflictions if they so desire. Gay gene advocates wish to inform homosexuals that their sexual orientation may be based in genetics, whereas restoration therapy advocates claim that it is to cruel to "brainwash" young people into believing there is no hope of ever leading a "heterosexual lifestyle".

Dr. Joseph Nicolosi reports homosexuality is a symptom of an underlying problem of gender identity. Nicolosi says,

In the classic triadic family we have a sensitive boy who did not get the close, affirming relationship with his father that would have confirmed him in his gender identity, and a mother who is likely to be over-close and standing in the way between father and son. The father was not supportive enough in affirming, recognizing and reinforcing the boy's maleness.^[10]

Nicolosi adds many homosexual men admit that no matter how liberated they are, they always struggle, on some deeper level, with a sense of inferiority or self-loathing. Some therapists refer to this as internalized homophobia. Nicolosi attributes this feeling to an internal process, unrelated to social stigma, which precedes same-sex attractions.^[10]

Homophobia as an over-used term[edit]

The suffix "phobia" suggests an irrational fear,^[11] but it is most often used as an attack term by homosexual "rights" groups to suggest that opposition to homosexuality is "irrational" and "hateful".^[12] Dr. Sander J. Breiner of NARTH has stated, "it would be very valuable for society in general, and therapists in particular, to have a clear picture of homophobia separated from all the other topics that have been lumped under that rubric." ^[13] Of the myriads of references to the term in popular and other sociologic publications Breiner observes, "There is no personal, internal, institutional, or cultural homophobia. The terms do not exist in the recognized scientific literature...There is only one homophobia, which has been properly defined," in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) ^[14] developed by the American Psychiatric Association. Breiner, an advocate of Reparative therapy, claims "There is no doubt that homophobia exists" as an irrational fear among both homosexuals and heterosexuals. In response, many Christians look to Bible verses such as, 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.^[15]

Noted homosexual activist and pornographer Clinton Fein, in his article, “The Gay Agenda” stated, “Homophobic inclinations alone, even without any actions, should be criminal and punishable to the full extent of the law.”

Erik Holland, author of "The Nature of Homosexuality," perceives that homosexuals have become so reckless in labeling others homophobic that "anyone who questions their labeling someone a homophobe is called a homophobe himself. Even quoting factual statistics about the connection between homosexuality and AIDS is allegedly homophobic." In addition, according to pro-homosexual author Vernon A Wall, "even acceptance of homosexuality can be seen as a form of homophobia, because to talk about the acceptance of homosexuality is to imply that there is something about homosexuality that needs acceptance."^[16]

Term homophobia used as a political tactic[edit]

The term "homophobia" is sometimes associated with a theory that anybody who is hetero-normative, or disapproves of homosexual behaviors of any kind, or finds homosexuality distasteful, is secretly homosexual. This "repressed gay" theory has no scientific basis whatsoever. It is merely a means of psychological intimidation and mind control used in promoting the homosexual agenda. By this means a powerful stigma is attached to those who even conscientiously oppose homosexual practices, thus silencing many who might otherwise object to it. In relation to such oppression, psychologist Nicholas Cummings, former president of the American Psychological Association (APA), observed, "Homophobia as intimidation is one of the most pervasive techniques used to silence anyone who would disagree with the gay activist agenda." In addressing 100 fellow professionals, Cummings related that while writing "Destructive Trends in Mental Health" with psychologist Rogers Wright, a number of fellow psychologists who were invited to participate flatly turned them down, fearing loss of tenure, loss of promotion, and other forms of professional retaliation. "We were bombarded by horror stories," Dr. Cummings said. "Their greatest fear was of the gay lobby, which is very strong in the APA."^[17]

While not all homosexuals agree with such tactics, it has been explicitly promoted by leaders in the LGBT movement. In what is widely regarded as the handbook for the homosexual agenda, Harvard trained marketing experts and social scientists Marshall Kirk (1957 - 2005) and Hunter Madsen advocated avoiding portraying homosexuals as aggressive challengers, but as "victims", while making those who opposed them as "evil persecutors". As a means of the latter, they promoted "jamming," in which Christians, traditionalists, or anyone else who opposes the homosexual agenda are publicly smeared. "In any campaign to win over the public, gays must be portrayed as victims in need of protection so that straights will be inclined by reflex to adopt the role of protector ... The purpose of victim imagery is to make straights feel very uncomfortable," they suggested.

"Jam homo-hatred (i.e., disagreement with homosexual behaviors) by linking it to Nazi horror," was the strategy of Kirk and Madsen. "Associate all who oppose homosexuality with images of 'Klansmen demanding that gays be slaughtered,' 'hysterical backwoods preachers,' 'menacing punks,' and a 'tour of Nazi concentration camps where homosexuals were tortured and gassed.'" (In fact, they never were – see Homocaust myth). Thus, "propagandistic advertisement can depict homophobic and homohating bigots as crude loudmouths..." ^[18]

What is seen by some as Kirk and Madsen's most revealing admission is their statement, “[O]ur effect is achieved without reference to facts, logic, or proof.” "...the person's beliefs can be altered whether he is conscious of the attack or not"^[19]

Marshall Kirk died in 2005 at the age of 48. The cause of death has not been publicly revealed but is suspected to have been HIV-related.

Author Robert Bauman additionally records, "It makes no difference that the ads are lies . . . because we’re using them to ethically good effect, to counter negative stereotypes that are every bit as much lies, and far more wicked ones." ^[20]

There are increasing indications that pro-homosexual attempts at brainwashing have been highly effective, as assent to such an irrational perception by homosexuals, or assent to its deceptive tactics, is not confined to those within actual homosexual organizations, as mainstream media and academic publications often arbitrarily use the term to describe all those who oppose homosexuality, and its attendant practices. Recently, the government of Brazil relegated all who oppose homosexuality to being "homophobic".^[21]

In an article titled, "First Things" (Aug/Sept. 1993), Professor Jerry Z. Muller described how the homosexual lobby has gained widespread acceptance in the educational realm.

[Their] strategy has been remarkably successful. With a rapidity largely attributable in large part to a total lack of articulate resistance, homosexual ideology has gained an unquestioned and uncontested legitimacy in American academic life. Within the academy, as within nonacademic elite culture, the definition of opposite to homosexuality as "homophobia - a definition which implies that it is impossible to give good reasons for the cultural disapproval of homosexuality - is the best evidence of the success of this strategy.^[22]

The American College of Pediatricians, commenting on one prototypical pro-homosexual bias which indicts contrary views as "homophobic", stated that such a response is "scientifically improper and demonstrates an anti-heterosexual viewpoint."^[23]

This has also resulted in extreme attempts to negate the Biblical injunctions against homoeroticism and to read it into the Bible, in seeking affirmation for the sin. See Homosexual misinterpretation

Fear of homophobia as a psychological condition[edit]

It may be speculated that the widespread response to labeling all who oppose homosexuals "homophobic" may itself be driven by an irrational fear of those who oppose them, in which homosexuals imagine that most or all of those who oppose them are motivated by irrational fears, and wish to do them harm, and from which type of people they must be especially protected. "Homophobia" has also been stated to be the real cause of AIDS^[24] Such fears may explain the perception that "the nuclear family is a microcosm of the fascist state...",^[25] and similar attacks on heteronormativity. It has also been claimed by preeminent pro-homosexual psychotherapist, John J. McNeill, that "Interiorized self-hatred is the sin of gay people, and we must learn to see it that way."

Violence against homosexuals[edit]

See also: Gay bashing

In 1990, Congress passed the Hate Crime Statistics Act, which required the Attorney General to collect data about crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin. In 1994, lawmakers amended the Hate Crime Statistics Act to include bias against persons with disabilities.^[26]

In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported 1,171 hate crime offenses based on sexual-orientation bias, 348 of which are property crimes which includes theft and graffiti.^[27] While the FBI reports statistics by victim class or bias motivation, race, religion, sexual orientation and disability, the FBI does not report the sexual orientation of known offenders. Thus a conclusion that all offenders are heterosexual is faulty, and the methodology does not measure violence within the homosexual community. In all of 2004, there was one anti-homosexual murder in the United States, and the FBI has reported none since.^[28] Of greater concern among many is the higher risk and more frequent incidence of domestic abuse in same-sex partnerships than among the heterosexual population.^[29]

While 818 bias-motivated crimes of persons against homosexuals were reported nationwide in 2004, an earlier study found 5046 incidences of homosexual domestic violence in only nine cities, all of which are crimes of persons. The subject of homosexual domestic violence has not been researched with anything near the thoroughness afforded to heterosexual domestic violence. However the uniformity of conclusions based upon varying sample sizes point to a prevalence ranging from 20%-35% of homosexual domestic partnerships,^[30] with a study by the Canadian government showing gay domestic abuse as high as 82%.

Resistance to the term[edit]

Commenting on its psychological use, WorldNetDaily managing editor David Kupelian states,

This is how the "marketers of evil" work on all of us. They transform our attitudes by making us feel as though our "super uncomfortable" feelings toward embracing unnatural or corrupt behavior of whatever sort – a discomfort literally put into us by a loving God, for our protection – somehow represent ignorance or bigotry or weakness.^[31]

Conclusions[edit]

In effect, "homophobia" is a bogus term invented to suppress and eradicate all resistance to the normalization of homosexual behavior under any circumstances, or criticism of LGBT ideology, activism and the LGBT agenda. It is being applied to an ever-wider range of things, such as resistance to increased political and social power of homosexuals in advancing their agenda. The term is used regularly by activists to describe several kinds of people, which may or may not match the actual definition of "fear of homosexuals and homosexuality". The recipients of the "homophobia" label include those who feel uncomfortable around homosexuals, those who reveal that they disagree with LGBT ideas and even those who may privately tolerate homosexuality but who fail to publicly support homosexuals when called upon to do so.^[32]

Term of Insult or Manipulation[edit]

The word "homophobia", which is widely used as an insult, is an ideological tool of left-wing political correctness and effectively enforces censorship by smearing all dissenters from LGBT ideology with accusations of "mental illness" - "phobia". It goes hand in hand with the ploy of replacing moral terminology with accusations of "hatred".

The current usage of terms like "homophobic" and "homophobe" imply that all opposition to the LGBT agenda is crazy. Actually, there are many rational reasons that logically-thinking people remain hetero-normative, and unconvinced by LGBT ideology.

The term is closely linked with the slang expression "gay-bashing" and the two words are often used interchangeably as synonyms, strongly implying that anybody who will not capitulate to the LGBT ideology and accept all their arguments, is guilty of violent physical attacks on persons practicing homosexuality. By this casual association, hetero-normativity is denigrated and criminalized, while all logical debate is censored and silenced.

The term "homophobia" is increasingly applied to all hetero-normative discourse or moral criticism of homosexual behavior, implying that any such viewpoint is "irrational" (see phobia). Furthermore, the term has been adopted in law as an equivalent term to "racism" and is now being used to criminalize hetero-normativity as well as classifying it as a "mental disorder".

Homophobia and AIDS[edit]

The term "homophobia" gained currency during the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, when embattled LGBT campaigners were faced with the disaster of their own making. Unwilling to admit that the lethal disease was the result of their own behavior, they insisted that homosexuals were dying because of the ignorance and prejudice of heterosexuals, who were guilty of "homophobia". This argument gained traction in the mainstream media, where homosexuals and activists have a disproportionate influence.

Distorted worldview[edit]

The term "homophobia" is closely linked to efforts of LGBT activists to publicize and exaggerate any acts of aggression towards any homosexual by heterosexuals worldwide, past or present, which all come under the category of "homophobia". This is a distorted picture meant to draw attention away from the unwelcome facts that most violence against homosexuals is carried out by other homosexuals, and that by spreading the AIDS pandemic they are killing each other as well as causing a grave problem for the population at large.

To support their claims of "homophobia", homosexuals and activists frequently invent attacks, and make false reports about violence against homosexuals, past and present. Here is just one, incomplete, list of such hoaxes that have been exposed. More such examples can be found using internet search ^[33]

The LGBT myth of the "Homocaust" i.e. mass extermination of homosexuals under the Nazi regime in Germany, is an example of fake history invented to support the fake ideology of "homophobia". See Homocaust myth.

Extension to create transphobia[edit]

The term "homophobia" is twinned with the coinage "transphobia" used to mean any doubt about, resistance to or criticism of gender confusion ideology. The second term functions in the same way, smearing with accusations of mental illness, closing down scientific or rational debate, and when enshrined in law, criminalizing resistance to a fake ideology. The belief in "transphobia" is backed up by unconvincing evidence. It has been claimed that in 2016, a total of 23 gender-confused people were killed in the USA. However, even if we accept the figures at face value and accept that the motivation in every case was prejudice, this statistic is merely in line with the percentage of gender-confused people in the general population. It does not indicate any higher likelihood of being murdered.^[34]

Christian view[edit]

People who use the term "homophobia" are implying that it is impossible to "hate the sin and love the sinner", which is the duty of Christians. To refuse to applaud deplorable behavior or even to remain neutral is crudely labeled as "hatred". No one talks about opposition to alcoholism in terms of hatred, because groups like Alcoholics Anonymous have popularized the view that drinking alcohol is addictive.

Conservative Christians and other people who regard homosexuality as sinful, harmful or abnormal, have coined the term heterophobia to describe those who manifest an antipathy to those who uphold hetero-normativity. While the term phobia is an irrational fear of something, nobody is afraid of homosexuals, and nobody fears contracting homosexuality. That is in contrast to heterophobia, the existence of which has been documented.

See also[edit]

• Opposition to homosexuality
• Homosexual agenda
• Gender identity disorder
• Gleichschaltung
• Political Correctness
• Atheism and the persecution of homosexuals

References[edit]