Key Takeaways
- Homophobia is the hatred and fear of homosexuality and homosexuals.
- Heterosexism is the idea that heterosexuals are superior to others and have a right to dominate.
- The key difference between homophobia and heterosexism is that homophobia refers to attitudes and behavioral patterns against homosexuals, while heterosexism is ideologies that stigmatize and oppress homosexuals.
Key Difference – Homophobia vs Heterosexism
Homophobia and heterosexism are two terms with a key difference. Homophobia is the hatred and fear of homosexuality and homosexuals, while heterosexism is the idea that heterosexuals are superior to others and, therefore, have a right to dominate. This article examines the differences between these two terms.
What is Homophobia?
Homophobia is the hatred and fear of homosexuality and homosexuals. The term homophobia was coined by psychologist George Weinberg, who highlights that homophobia is a condition in which heterosexuals fear being in proximity to homosexuals and loathe such behavior. This can be problematic for all individuals because it creates a fear in the individual to form close bonds with those of the same sex. Homophobia can lead to discrimination of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities and can even go as far as violence, including both physical and verbal harassment of homosexuals. There are many forms of homophobia, such as internalized homophobia, institutionalized homophobia, and cultural homophobia. For example, institutionalized homophobia occurs when social institutions, such as religion, instill homophobia in people, as seen in the religious practices of Islam, where homosexuality is forbidden and considered a crime.
What is Heterosexism?
Heterosexism is the idea that heterosexuals are superior to others and have a right to dominate. This ideology not only emphasizes the superiority of heterosexuals but also encapsulates the stigmatization of homosexual behavior, relationships, and communities. Heterosexism is an ideology deeply rooted in the very roots of the social labyrinth, leading to an atmosphere where heterosexuality functions as the dominant form, making homosexuality invisible and rejected by the majority of society. The spread of heterosexuality is such that it often amounts to attacks on homosexuals, not limited to individual attacks but also including institutional policies. Although homosexuality is tolerated in some communities, most do not tolerate such behavior, with many organizations having antigay policies, and homosexuals often being discriminated and stigmatized by the larger society.
What is the difference between Homophobia and Heterosexism?
Definitions of Homophobia and Heterosexism:
- Homophobia: Homophobia is the hatred and fear of homosexuality and homosexuals.
- Heterosexism: Heterosexism is the idea that heterosexuals are superior to others, hence they have a right to dominate.
Characteristics of Homophobia and Heterosexism:
- Aspects: Homophobia includes attitudes and behavioral patterns that people have against homosexuals, while heterosexism includes ideologies on the macro level of society.
- Forms of Oppression: Homophobia includes labeling, stigmatization, prejudice, and discrimination of people, while heterosexism goes beyond individual forms of oppression to state-level policies such as bans and antigay policies.
- Key Terms: Fear and hatred are the key terms for homophobia, while dominance is the key term for heterosexism.
