Homophobia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses homophobia as a fear of non-heterosexuals. The paper defines homophobia and discusses its prevalence. It then goes on to discuss prejudices associated with homophobia against homosexual individuals, particularly when it presents in the form of violence or discrimination. The paper presents possible solutions to the problem of homophobia.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Prevalence
Acting On Prejudice
Discrimination And Violence
Internalized Homophobia
Solutions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Mason and Tomsen (2001) note that gay males in particular occupy a confusing position in society: they have enhanced status because they are men, but are denigrated if their homosexuality is known (Mason & Tomsen, 2001). The stress can lead to a variety of physical ailments, but also contributes to a serious problem among gay men: high risk sex. Research has tied internalized homophobia in gay men to behavior that greatly increases their risk of exposure to the HIV virus (Aiken et. al., 2002). Some researchers concluded that it was harder to assert the need for safe sex when one had contradictory feelings about being homosexual, and that in particular suggesting condom use sometimes raised a fear of rejection (Aiken et. al., 2002)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aiken, Leona S,; Davis, Mary C.; Heubner, David M.; and Memeroff, Carol J. 2002. "The Impact of Internalized Homophobia on HIV Preventive Interventions." American Journal of Community Psychology, Vol. 30.
• Frosh, Stephen; Pattman, Rob; and Phoenix, Ann. 2003. "Producing Contradictory Masculine Subject Positions: Narratives of Threat, Homophobia and Bullying in 11-14 Year Old Boys." Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 59.
• Kleis, Brian N. 1998. "A primer on homophobia for the child and adolescent psychiatrist." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, June.
• Lance, Larry M. 2002. "Heterosexism and homophobia among college students." College Student Journal, September.
• Mason, Gail, and Tomsen, Stephen. 2001. "Engendering Homophobia: Violence, Sexuality and Gender Conformity." Journal of Sociology, Vol. 37.

More papers on Homophobia:

• Essay # 83487 : "Homophobia"
• Essay # 7175 : "Homophobia and Social Work"
• Essay # 2664 : "True Meaning of Homophobia"

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