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Homophobia

Alsohomophobichomophobehomophobesanti-gay prejudice

Definition

Prejudice, hostility or discrimination against people who are, or are thought to be, gay, lesbian or otherwise attracted to the same gender.

At a glance

  • Prejudice, hostility or discrimination against gay, lesbian and other same-gender-attracted people.
  • Ranges from jokes and exclusion to violence and discriminatory laws.
  • Usually describes prejudice rather than a clinical fear.
  • Internalised homophobia is negative beliefs LGBTQ+ people absorb about themselves.
  • Linked by research to higher stress, anxiety and depression among LGBTQ+ people.

In detail

Homophobia ranges from jokes and exclusion to harassment, violence and discriminatory laws. Internalised homophobia describes negative beliefs about same-gender attraction that LGBTQ+ people absorb about themselves, which can harm wellbeing.

Despite the "-phobia" ending, it usually describes prejudice rather than a clinical fear. Research links experiences of homophobia to higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression among LGBTQ+ people.

In a sentence

  • The club introduced a new policy after fans reported homophobic chanting.
  • Therapy helped me work through some internalised homophobia from my childhood.

Where the word comes from

Popularised by psychologist George Weinberg in the late 1960s and in his 1972 book Society and the Healthy Homosexual, which framed the problem as prejudice rather than same-gender attraction itself.

Common questions

What is internalised homophobia?

It is when LGBTQ+ people absorb negative messages about same-gender attraction and turn them on themselves, for example feeling shame or self-doubt. Supportive communities and counselling can help.

Is homophobia a phobia?

Usually not in the clinical sense. Despite the ending, it describes prejudice and discrimination rather than a diagnosable fear.

Related terms