What are the reasons behind homophobia?
596782
It's both! Look up my answer on "why's religion against homosexuality?" I suspect many homophobes are more afraid of something in themselves than outraged by the private act between two guys. The "holy rollers" have a paradigm of values dictated to them. This becomes their identity. Anything different suggests that they may be wrong. \n Why else are there so many religious replys here? If we don't like something, we avoid it. If something is a threat to us, we attack it.
243806
because many people are scared of what they dont know and anything that isnt in the 'norm' they tend to become ignorant about. like if they go near a gay person they might become one or catch something. if only they could open their closed minds a bit and see that gay people are just like the rest of us they have hearts and they have feelings too. we can only pray that one day we all be treated as equals.
797781
I'm straight but I have alot of gay friends.  I like to answer questions in this category for three reasons:  1) the questions are usually more interesting than in alot of other categories, 2) to show my support and 3) I like to try to give helpful advice particularly to young gay people who are struggling.  I have a theory about these "heteros" who constantly bash, harass and make disparaging remarks about gay people.  To me the ones that scream the loudest in their opposition to homosexuality are either religious zealots or self-loathing, paranoid closet queens.  Most straight people, even ones uncomfortable with homosexuality, don't make such a big deal about it.
111756
As a christian, I have a distaste for homosexuality, but that does not mean that I should hate you. Jesus loves everyone, even those who do not follow in his path. I don't take homophobia as a bad thing, in a society the majority will naturally be heterosexual, making homosexuality a deviancy. It's just natural for a civilization to be wary of that.\nBut going back to your beliefs that the christians "hide" behind the bible, we don't. The bible defines our beliefs and therefore we must follow them to the best of our abilities. That includes disapproval of homosexuality. I'm sorry that you've been burdoned with this, just know that Jesus' love really is unconditional.
707696
I think there are a lot of Christians who have been taught to hate themselves and their God given sexual orientation, and it hurts not only them, but their families.  I pray constantly that God will free people from the bondage of lies that keep them closeted.  Someday, homphobia will seem as outdated as racism, and probably take twice as long to shake off.
372009
It must be biological for one simple reason. In our country right now, to be homosexual is possibly one of the worst sorts of people to be. Honestly, what sane person would CHOOSE to join the ranks of the most hated people on the planet? It makes no sense. Not to mention the level of social stigma one has to overcome to admit to being homosexual, to live one's life well one must accept the hatred and move on. I doubt many would choose such a life.
557083
A phobia is an irrational fear.  Homophobia is the irrational fear of homosexuals.  Irrational because it is based in ignorance.
877850
Yes, I've read them.  The gays and pro-fags will just deny them though.  Or when all else fails, they'll just call you a hater homophobe.  Like anyone's afraid of a gay!  (Sorry homophobes, you know what I mean)
213183
Yes.  Homophobia and gay bashing are still rampant.  Just look at some of the answers to questions here and you'll see it,
498723
Fear is a natural defense that is there to protect you from harm.  It is only a problem when it is inapproapriate like when you are afriad of the dark or of hieghts.\n\nFears of homosexuality is the fear of stigmatism from other people who are also afraid of the same thing.  If people like you are not afriad, then neither will other people be, for they will learn that it is part of human nature since none of us are perfect.\n\nHowever, there is the risk that you may be ridiculed if you advertise this, but these days, since so many people know about it, it wouldn't be to the extent that it would have been in the 1970's or 60's.\nOf course, if your still at school, that fear is greater amoung people and so is the resulting rediculs.\n\nIt your chioce whether you decide to advertise it or not.\nIf you wish, you should speak to someone you trust.\n\nCREED
1054202
Because they are homophobic and or ignorant!!!!!!\nhttp://godmademegay.com
1179435
I don't know if they've been there, but there's a theory that the most homophobic guys are the ones who are secretly afraid that they are a little bit gay... you know, like the ex-army Sgt Major character in 'American Beauty'
728711
Look dont drive yourself crazy with this stuff. They hate because they got no brain. And they hate to make themselves feel better. I used to hate gays and i NEVER KNEW REALLY WHY! Until I got to know some in a nonsexual manner. And you know what ...their just like YOU and Me. I used to be like them. I was ignorant so I guess the answer from me is... their ignorant. Live and let...
1046152
My best friend is gay, and he gets tourmented and bullied, and people who don't even know him shout things at him in the street. He is the most charming, lovely guy I know, and he has been in a committed relationship with his boyfriend for the last ten years! \n\nIf I am with him, and people challenge him, I get so angry. Why should he be denied the right to live his life the way he wants? He's not doing anyone any harm. I always, always stand up to homophobic people. I got beaten up once because I was defending a 'faggot'. \n\nPeople are ignorant and stupid and it makes my blood boil. I will fight homophobia, and anyone be damned who dares challenge me on it!
146041
For a couple of reasons. Americans fall victim the very human instinct of being afraid of that which they don't understand. If they are not gay, then they don't want gay people around, because they make the "straights" uncomfortable.\n\nAlso, it makes people feel like they belong to something to exclude someone else. That is the root problem in the cases of slavery, sexism, and homophobia.\n\nLastly, Americans resent being told what to do. It's part of our nature. So when people in government make laws FORCING us to accept a certain lifestyle, or laws that PROMOTE one group over another, there is a dangerous backlash in retaliation. \n\nGood question, but be careful not to limit your vision to the faults of America. It isn't just us-and it isn't all of us.\n\nGood Luck!
543762
I'm not sure... I was the victim of a gay bashing on Christmas Morning, 2005. And since I live in western Nebraska, I really was not sure what to do. If I had made a stink out of it and got the police involved, I more than likely would have been subjected to it again. Maybe gay bashing is done by those who are too chicken shite to admit they really are gay, so they hate those of us who are out of the closet and fear that we will drag them kicking and screaming into the world of Gayness. lol.
969192
Read Exodus 20 & Romans 1.  They explain the root reasons of homosexuality.\n\nLean not on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord.