Help & Advice - Guides for Commanders, Colleagues and Families

Homophobia

The fear of homosexuality - in ourselves and/or others. Those who hold beliefs that homosexuality is wrong are not necessarily homophobic. The term 'homophobia' was introduced into literature by George Weinberg in 1972 in his publication Society and the Healthy Homosexual. He defined homophobia as 'the dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals'.

Heterosexism

This can mean many things. One thing it means is that people usually assume that other people are heterosexual, unless they fit some popular stereotype. By and large, society tends to assume that everyone is, or wants to be, heterosexual. This is known as heterosexism. It is the basic premise that heterosexuality is normal whilst homosexuality/lesbianism is abnormal. This is not an issue of fear, but supremacy. Some people continue to believe that it is a choice and that we can be persuaded into heterosexuality. By assuming heterosexuality, society gives rise to the dilemma, for those of us who know we are gay, of whether to hide our sexuality or to come out - with all that this entails.

How do homophobia and heterosexism act as barriers to keep gay and bisexual personnel invisible - or "In the closet"?

In society

Homophobia is a fear that is present in many people. The level of this fear can determine the response that these people have toward people they know or perceive to be gay. Gay and bisexual people live with the knowledge that whenever their homosexuality is disclosed, people may react negatively, which can and does take many different forms, including violence even to the point of murder.

In the workplace

Particularly if a co-worker uses homophobic language, gay- and bisexual people will usually interpret that as an indication that they are in an unsafe environment and that they had best remain 'in the closet.' For example, if a gay male army recruit hears his training instructor say, "OK ladies, you're performing like a bunch of faggots," he will perceive his unit as inherently unsafe.

He doth protest too much

It should be noted that homophobia is not characteristic only of some heterosexual people. Some of the most homophobic people in society are those who experience homosexual attraction to a greater or lesser degree, and are so bothered by that, that they display a high level of homophobia in order to convince themselves and/or others that they are not homosexual.[contemporary examples from UK if public domain and not libelous!]

"Simon says..." Often, an individual who personally holds no grudges against gay people may nonetheless display anti-gay language and behaviour when in the presence of colleagues who display the same, because of his/her desire to not be suspected of homosexuality him/herself. As you can see, homophobic messages can be self-perpetuating, and started by just one vocal person. However, just one vocal person who stands up to it can also end it.

Not everyone who is blatantly heterosexual in identity, behaviour and language is actually heterosexual in orientation!