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Homophobia, a word that sounds harsh, awkward, and derogatory. And yet there is more to this defensive reaction against same-sex love than just hatred or rejection. It is about fear, the fear of the “other,” the “foreign,” the “non-normal.” But what exactly is behind this fear? Where does it come from and why is it still so prevalent in many minds today, despite marriage equality, rainbow flags, and diversity debates?
How homophobia developed historically
To understand these questions, we have to go back quite a long way. The roots of homophobia go deep into human history. Even in ancient times, homosexuality was viewed in different ways. Sometimes it was tolerated, sometimes it was ostracized. Especially in the Christian-influenced Western world, a culture of repression and condemnation developed. Same-sex love was stylized as the “sin of Sodom” and associated with guilt, shame, and punishment. This moral condemnation was later cemented in criminal law. In Germany, the infamous Section 175 came into force in 1871 with the Reich Penal Code, which made sexual acts between men a criminal offense.
What followed was over a century of institutional persecution. Men were monitored, arrested, and publicly defamed. Under National Socialism, repression intensified dramatically. Tens of thousands of homosexual men were deported, many died in concentration camps. And even after the war, the paragraph remained in place, with all its consequences for the people affected. It was not completely repealed until 1994. The traces of legal exclusion run deep and unfortunately continue to have an impact today, in our language, in our minds, and in our culture.
Homophobia today: More than just prejudice
But homophobia is not just a historical phenomenon. It operates on several levels, and that is what makes it so insidious. It is ideological, deeply rooted in culture, and often exaggerated for religious or moral reasons. It is institutional when queer people are discriminated against in government agencies, schools, or at the doctor’s office. It is interpersonal when you are harassed on the street, discriminated against in a job interview, or suddenly find that the apartment you were going to rent is “no longer available.”
And it is internalized when you start to doubt yourself. When you question your own identity, when you start to conform. You make yourself smaller, behave more quietly and “inconspicuously” so as not to stand out, not to offend and not to be hurt. This form of homophobia is particularly insidious because it does not come from outside, but eats away at your whole being from within.
Psychological causes of homophobia
If you take a closer look, you realize that homophobia often has less to do with genuine hatred than with insecurity. Psychologically speaking, it is a defensive reaction. People who do not want to deal with their own identity, their own feelings or insecurities project this fear onto others. The “gay” person becomes a symbol of the “different,” the inexplicable, the threatening, even though (or precisely because) there is no real threat. Men who have grown up in patriarchal structures often experience homosexuality as a challenge to their own image of masculinity. Those who are unsure of themselves often try to belittle the “other” in order to maintain their own self-image.
Language reinforces homophobia – often unconsciously
Language plays a major role. Terms such as ‘faggot’ or “queer” are not just insults. They are both weapons and worldviews. They create an image of “otherness” that is belittled, mocked, or ridiculed. Especially among young people, the word “gay” is still a common, frequently used swear word, often without any awareness of its effect. But words hurt and shape identity. They repeat patterns and set in motion a spiral of exclusion that often continues into adulthood.
Internalized homophobia: When you fight against yourself
If, as a young person, you constantly hear that the way you love is wrong, ridiculous, or “disgusting,” sooner or later you will internalize it. Many queer people develop a deep-seated feeling of inferiority as a result. They adopt the prejudices of those around them and then often struggle their whole lives to accept themselves. Some try to prove themselves by working extra hard or living a “conformist” life. Others deny their entire identity out of fear of rejection or violence and out of fear of not belonging. This internalized homophobia is perhaps the quietest but also the most destructive form.
Social change: Is homophobia on the decline?
Nevertheless, let me tell you that there is hope. Social change is in full swing. More and more people, queer or not, are taking a stand against homophobia. The Pride movement, which has spread around the world since the Stonewall riots in 1969, has greatly strengthened the self-confidence and visibility of queer people. Much has also been achieved in the legal sphere. In Germany, “marriage for all” was introduced in 2017. Today, there are clear anti-discrimination laws in many areas of public life. Schools, companies, and the media have so far been committed to diversity.
But laws alone do not automatically change mindsets. That is why what has been achieved so far is not enough. This can be seen, for example, in Donald Trump’s efforts to turn back the clock and once again restrict or completely abolish the rights of queer people.
How you can combat homophobia in everyday life
What really counts is how we treat each other on a daily basis. The attitude of each individual is important, including your attitude. Homophobia often starts small, with a derogatory remark, a laugh in the locker room, or a mocking comment about a man who is supposedly “too feminine.” It can also end small, if you speak up, educate others, and ask questions instead of judging. Homophobia has its limits where you dare to live openly or openly support queer people. Ultimately, it’s not about taking action on the big stage. It’s much more about being aware of the problem, questioning language, recognizing privileges, and acting with empathy.
Don’t underestimate the psychological consequences of homophobia
It is also particularly important to raise awareness of the psychological consequences of homophobia. Studies show that queer young people are at a much higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal tendencies. Not because their identity makes them sick, but because society creates conditions that make them sick. The key insight is that queer people are not the problem, but rather the circumstances in which they have to live.
Unlearning homophobia – for a more open society
If you are queer yourself, you may be familiar with the feeling of constantly having to explain yourself. You may ask yourself: Am I “too much,” too loud, too feminine, too different? The answer to all your questions is no. You are exactly right. You don’t have to change. Only society has to learn to see you as an enrichment rather than a threat.
And if you’re not queer, realize that you too are part of the solution. The more people leave their comfort zone and stand up against exclusion, the faster things will change. Homophobia is not a law of nature. It is learned and can therefore be unlearned. It is not fate; it is a social construct that we can question and dismantle together. This requires courage, sensitivity, and openness.
And it needs you, because only when we understand where the fear of difference comes from can we take away its power.
The most important insight is probably that being different is not a flaw. It is not a mistake in the system; it is part of human diversity. It is precisely this diversity that makes our world more colorful, more vibrant, and more human. We can safely leave the fear of it behind us in the form of homophobia.