Non-religious homophobia?

Question

I'd like to offer a thought to all the struggling gay Christians out there, and also the gay and gay-friendly non-Christians. I know a lot of conservatives who think that gay sex is a moral wrong, a sin, and this seems to be the only reason that they dislike it; I was one of these conservatives myself a few years ago. (I am not conservative anymore.)

But sometimes I encounter people who are liberal and still think dislike gay sex. From what I've been able to observe, they dislike it for two reasons, both of which are entirely different from the way that conservatives think. These liberals (1) cannot find anything beautiful in gay sex and (2) they feel that their own masculinity or their culture's prominent ideas about masculinity are threatened by gay men and women.

I think that both of these forms of homophobia, overt and repressed, are very troubling. I would like to suggest that attacking religious homophobia *while silently overlooking non-religious homophobia* is not a good way to fight bigotry.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

Men seem to be less tolerant of homosexuals. I can only surmise that it is somehow threatening to their masculinity. At least, that is what I have seen.





Isn't it interesting that the bigots are always eager to claim that a Christian cannot be gay. In fact, to be gay and a Christian must mean that the person loves that god and Jesus very much.

Answer 2

While I'm sure that there are non-religious homophobes out there, they're generally not the ones speaking out against homosexuals, trying to deny rights, and/or trying to implement legal job discrimination. Of course, we should fight against homophobia wherever it occurs, but worrying about non-religious homophobia as much as religious homophobia is kind of like worrying about the mouse in your attic just as much as the burglar breaking in and stealing your belongings. There's simply not as many non-religious homophobes and they're not as influential.



Furthermore, simply disliking gay sex is not tantamount to homophobia. I dislike gay sex because I'm not gay. Pretty simple, right? That doesn't mean I think it should be banned or something.



EDIT:

"What would you think of someone who said that sex between two black people was gross or threatening?"



There's a pretty glaring error in your analogy here, Meghan. Someone who dislikes sex between two black people isn't disliking the sex at all, rather their disliking the people having sex based on their skin color. And disliking gay sex is not the same thing as disliking gay people. It's just saying, "That kind of sex is not my cup of tea". Some people like to sh!t on each other during sex. Personally, I think that's gross. That doesn't mean I think those individuals should be arrested, and if they're keeping their bedroom antics private, then it isn't a problem.

Answer 3

The Bible tells us that Christ died on the cross and rose after the third day and we can also read that anyone that accepts Him as Lord and Savior is saved and that means any person (as sinful as he or she is and whatever sin he or she has committed can be forgiven. But, we can also read that homosexuals are an abomination to God for the sin itself (homosexuals are still loved by God but the sin committed is what is not accepted for they go against the nature God made man for. We as a society can conform to what is acceptable as a society but we cannot dismiss any part of the Bible so that we can "live" with what we cannot ignore.



In certain areas of the world, children are sold and society there are aware of this and accept it but we (here in the US--mostly conservative) do not accept child molestation or child prostitution to be part of society or a norm and we stand against it yet it still exist. It exists because society (perverted society) seek them to fulfill their sinful needs.



I rather stand with my believe in God and if society cannot accept that,I know I am right with God for I will be judged by Him.



Society will always feel an uncomfortable about homosexuals (some are too flamboyant and some are down tight rude--too gay) because it is not normal to see the same sex having a PDA. Say you see a guy and his gf getting frisky (little playing around touching themselves--not in a sexual way), its okay even if they are in a public area but if you see two guys doing the same thing ppl will call it to their attention because society is not ready to see such a display.

How does one tell a child "its okay son, those two men are just enjoying themselves."

Answer 4

Well, your first premise (that there is nothing beautiful in gay sex) is a matter of personal taste and preference. It does not translate into homophobia. I feel the same way about brussels sprouts. It doesn't mean that I have an irrational aversion or fear of brussels sprouts. The second premise, that it's a threat to one's masculinity, is a result of social conditioning. Men undergo *massive* amounts of conditioning to be macho, invincible manly-men. We are also conditioned to have strong reactions to anything that undermines that sense of manliness. This trend is reversing itself, but men do still need a healthy sense of manliness. The metrosexual scene, while it has its place, is not the right thing for all men.



So the question I would ask you is how do you deal with bigotry WITHOUT altering something as deeply important to many men as their sense of masculinity?



I see no problem with homosexual public displays of affection. I see no problem with same-sex marriage. Frankly, when you're married, it's all the same sex any way, so let everyone have the opportunity to be happy or miserable as they see fit.

Answer 5

You can dislike the act of gay sex but not feel the need to deprive gay people of rights.



I think you are giving the word Homophobia too much of a wide spread.



"What would you think of someone who said that sex between two black people was gross or threatening?"

I would say they are stupid......



disliking gay sex =/= homophobia



hating/fearing gay people = homophobia

Answer 6

as to your first premise... it seems that many straight men find two women having sex as a turn on... isn't this a form of gay sex??



Homophobia isn't necessarily the fear of homosexuals, even though that, at its root, is what it means, but rather any attempt to deny homosexuals their God given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.



And for the record... there are plenty of gay Christian conservatives as well.

Answer 7

Well, to reply your query really as you've got requested it, a few persons see homosexuality as being in opposition to the traditional legislation of nature. They see sexuality as an extension of the very nature of procreation and nature furnished for one male and one feminine the organs to procreate (even though there are infrequent exceptions in nature wherein specific bugs are asexual). Those that see it as an unnatural act of nature do not need to be devout to look it this fashion. It's simply their individual alternative to look it this fashion. Personally, the way in which I appear at it's this: Life is rough and stuffed with plenty of heartaches and loneliness and if 2 persons are fortunate ample to uncover love with each and every different I say well for them! And who cares if this love is among straights or gays? Love is love!

Answer 8

The problem is focusing on the sex part of and not that love part of homosexuality. Plus anything that has to do with a persons sexuality in this country is dirty and evil.

Answer 9

The only undefiled sex is procreative sex. All other lust and degradation is unproductive and a waste. Missing the mark so to speak - sin. Marriage is not a right. It is an honorary title. The homosexual movement is not about rights, but bullying everyone else who is different to accept homosexuality as moral.

Answer 10

Your premise that, 'conservatives only think it is morally wrong is because we dislike it,' is very poor logic dear.



We abide by a standard. You have no standard. We believe in right and wrong. You believe anything goes. Doesn't mean I'm right and you're wrong, just that we're different.



The God of this universe came to this earth in human form. The communication thus far has been clear, homosexuality is wrong. Period. My likes/dislikes don't come into play.



Peace.

Answer 11

For proof that our homosexuality is an infection now found by Science, and is the 8 unclean spirits the mighty Jesus the Great physician came and fought long ago...go to the about page and services page of the website now mentioned below....much respect ...



For proof of the Lords now finished mystery and much on the Children of Adam and Eve unmarred who are being called by their God for This days Epic gathering go google Adam and Eve seed gathering medical ministry and on the home page as the about page and services page are many proofs...IT HAS BEGUN...{{Also on the site mentioned above http://www.adamandeveseedgatheringminist… are many christian paintings and even leafs from Ancient Bibles {{On the Christmas and Holy Word page}} that can all be zoomed and copied for this His special season....MERRY CHRISTMAS..}}

Answer 12

I agree.

However, religious people mostly use the immorality of homosexuality as an excuse for their homophobia. Look at other "immoral" acts they do not legislate against... strippers, atheists and Satanic worshippers can ALL get legally married.

Answer 13

Homophobia. Another cute little word for those against sin.

Answer 14

What,are you sayin you like that poop shoot business?Does your elevator go all the way up,you been smokin crack or something.

Answer 15

Any form of homophobia is heinous.

Answer 16

"gay Christians" - no such thing



1Corinthians 6:9-10

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived...effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind... shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Answer 17

IVE NEVER KNOWN ONE PERSON WHO FEARS SINNERS....GOD HAS ALL THE RIGHTS HUMANS DONT...TEN COMMANDS SHOULD BE KEPT...YOU ARE RANTING...DONT REPEAT

Answer 18

you're right ! I agree!