International Day Against Homophobia

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia.  And, you might be surprised to learn that I support this effort.  Homophobia does exist.  Irrational fear of those who are gay or lesbian is a real problem in our culture.  While I believe we have come a long way, I still see true homophobia at work each and every day.

People often call me homophobic, which is ridiculous.  I am not afraid of gay people nor do I hate them.  I don't even dislike anyone based upon their sexual identity.  For that matter, I can't think of anyone that I even dislike.  Forgive me as I digress, I ran out of Ritalin last week.

One of the primary focuses of Exodus International and one of my missions in life is to help the Church come to see those who are gay -identified or who struggle with homosexuality  as people whom Christ died for and loves equally.  The Church should be more welcoming to these folks than the local gay bar.  Gay and lesbian identified people should be able to find more help within the Church than they can outside of it.  It has long been my goal to so impact the Church with the message of truth and grace that Exodus would be able to go out of business.

So, when it comes to the evils of  homophobia, bullying, name calling, hatred and violence where those affected by homosexuality are concerned, I stand with all decent human beings who are fighting and praying for an end to the ignorance and ungodliness that cause them.

Join me, won't you?

Comments

[Randy]

I am with you on that friend.

[Mike Ensley]

Good post. Real homophobia does exist and needs to be stamped out.

I really think those who willfully mislabel any opinion against theirs as "homophobia" are doing a grave disservice to those who are actually victims of real homophobia.

Hopefully many people the world over will recognize that.

[Michael Bussee]

I commend and thank you for this bold step. Knowing that EXODUS stands against bullying, hatred and violence really helps to soothe the sting of the attack on my life and my best friend's death in 2002 at the hands of a local gay-hating gang. God, indeed, loves all his children.

[Warren Throckmorton]

Amen from me brother! I posted a link to this post over on my blogstead.

[Norm!]

I commend you for supporting IDAHO. However, do you or Exodus International support IDAHO's more specific goal of the universal decriminalization of homosexuality?

According to a report released today by the the International Lesbian and Gay Association, at least 85 countries still criminalize consensual same sex acts among adults -- some even have the death penalty.

[Timothy]

homophobia
One entry found for homophobia.

Main Entry: ho·mo·pho·bia
Pronunciation: "hO-m&-'fO-bE-&
Function: noun
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.

Homophobia does not consist of disagreement over opinions. However, every definition I was able to find does include discrimination.

There are many areas in which gay persons are not allowed the same rights or services as heterosexual persons: Adoption, marriage, medical benefits, military service, occupational limitations (teachers, for example), social security, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, some here have contributed to efforts to keep those restrictions in place.

I invite those of you who claim to oppose the violent aspects of homophobia to also oppose the civil discrimination aspects of homophobia.

[Willie Hewes]

I agree with Timothy. Homophobia is a term often used rather loosely, but it's widely used as the equivalent of racism. A racist attitude says; 'this race is better (or worse) than all the others.' Likewise, the attitude that one sexual orientation is better than all the others can be called homophobic, if the sexuality held up as superior is heterosexuality.

I invite you to click on my name, the link leads to a post by Peterson Toscano who explains why opposing name-calling and violence isn't enough if you pander to this heterosexist attitude with every breath. It's like pruning weeds while feeding their roots with *ahem* manure.

[Mike Ensley]

"...the attitude that one sexual orientation is better than all the others can be called homophobic, if the sexuality held up as superior is heterosexuality."

So what phobia is it then, when someone has the attitude that homosexuality is superior?

Is there any other phobia that people attempt to define by social or political beliefs?

The fact is, heterosexuality is innately superior. Only heterosexual partners enjoy the complimentary aspect of their physiology, and only they can produce children.

It's unfair and inaccurate (and again, a disservice to victims of real hate) to lump those who refuse to ignore these facts into the same category as those who perpetrate violence against others.

[Alan Chambers]

No, I do not support the criminalization of homosexuality. If we criminalize homosexuality we need to criminalize a whole lot of other things, which would pretty much level the playing field. We'd all be in jail....

[Norm!]

That's great to hear that you do support the decriminalization of homosexuality. You're the first conservative Christian I heard to speak-out against sodomy laws.

Will Exodus International officially support IDAHO and universal decriminalization? Your and Exodus' conservative religious perspective will offer much-needed diversity to the movement.

[Timothy]

Mike,

You may wish that "homophobia" is a word that describes a phobia or fear. But though it may sound that way, the word is actually a subset of bigotry and is more closely related to racism, sexism, or religious bigotry.

Also, "But they are inferior" is certainly not a new argument for racism, sexism, or religious bigotry. I doubt it will fare any better when discussing homophobia.

[Mike Ensley]

Timothy, you might want to look up the definition of 'phobia.'

Also, my argument didn't amount to saying simply, "But they are inferior." I gave two examples of ways in which heterosexuality is naturally superior. A person isn't superior for choosing it--they're simply choosing something with superior qualities. Heterosexuality is something we're all meant for.

[Timothy]

Mike,

As I stated above, "homophobia" is not a phobia in the same sense as, say, arachnophobia. I sure you realize that though words may sound similar or even be based similarly, they can have different meanings.

Homophobia is not an "irrational fear" of homosexuals. It is, rather, a form of bigotry against homosexuals and is similar to racism, sexism, or religious bigotry.

English lesson over.

As for "choosing something with superior qualities" goes, surely you know that Exodus does not teach that anyone chooses their sexual orientation. C'mon Mike. Read the handbook.

And as for "heterosexuality is something we're all meant for", well I think you believe that. Of course President Bush believes that US-style democracy is something we're all meant for. The Pope believes that Catholicism is something we're all meant for. Nanci Pelosi believes that the Democrat Party is something we're all meant for.

But the irony is that these actually are things that can be chosen or disgarded. I think you know too well that sexual orientation is less easy to "choose".

[Greg]

The phrase “superior qualities” is relative, depending on the individual.

I’m reminded of David’s words as he wept over his dead friend, Jonathan: “Your love was greater than that of women.” It sounds to me as if David felt Jonathan’s love was superior to any love a woman could give him. On the other hand, the writer of the Song of Solomon would probably beg to differ.

As I often say, none of us has a patent on God or what constitutes morality. What may indeed be a superior experience for one turns out to be a not-so-ideal experience for another. Everyone is different, and we are enriched through our experience in diversity.

[queertardo]

The fact is, heterosexuality is innately superior.
A fine example of heterosexism- and homophobia- you've exemplified the perfect ideological system that denies, denigrates, and stigmatizes any nonheterosexual form of behavior, identity, relationship, or community.

Only heterosexual partners enjoy the complimentary aspect of their physiology, and only they can produce children.
Homosexuals, bisexuals and those who claim to be "former" homosexuals can and do procreate- basic human biology proves that rather definitively.

It's unfair and inaccurate (and again, a disservice to victims of real hate) to lump those who refuse to ignore these facts into the same category as those who perpetrate violence against others.

Why is it unfair? Attaching personal prejudice, anti-gay bias and socially stigmatizing homosexuals under the guise of religion or faith is most often viewed as legitimate by those who scapegoat personal ideals. It is clearly an aspect of homophobia- it's just manifested as an acceptable form, but nonetheless a dysfunction.

[name]

Qeertardo, with all due respect, where does the name 'queertardo' come from. It sounds like you are combining two derogitory terms- 'queer' and 'retardo'. I understand that some in some homosexual communities use the word 'queer' to reclaim a prejudicial word, etc., but no one with a cognitive disability ever does that with words like 'retardo'. Whether it's appropriate to use queer in your name may or may not be, but if the latter part of your name- 'tardo'-is derived from the word 'retardo' or 'retard', unless you, yourself, have battled the societal prejudice that comes with having a cognitive disability, THAT would be highly inappropriate.

Just saying. It looks bad when you are talking about prejudice and discrimination to use a name like 'queertardo'.

Thank you for speaking out against violence against people, Alan. It greatly saddens me that you, yourself, and those at Exodus are often the target of hate- that so many feel they've a right to attack you. I am humbled to see you denounceing hate toward those with whom you disagree.

[queertardo]

Qeertardo, with all due respect, where does the name 'queertardo' come from.
Did you mean that to be a question "name?"
My blog, "queertardo" is where my moniker originates.
It is a combination of my sexual orientation which I refer to as QUEER. And the term RETARDED. I had some developmental and learning disabilities that qualify me to use the term in reference to myself. If either or neither pertained to me does that still afford you the gall to question my use of something about which I refer myself? I don't think so, but I get comments like yours ALL THE TIME.
First of all judgmental person who chose to focus on me instead of my pertinent comments, I could refer to myself in any manner as long as I am referring to myself regardless or not if you or anybody else takes issue with it. And it appears you'd rather focus on my moniker than what I posted- too bad.
Just saying. It looks bad when you are talking about prejudice and discrimination to use a name like 'queertardo'.

How could anything you don't have the full story on "look bad?" Are you so preoccupied with assumptions about me that you forget how co-dependently you have portrayed yourself?

[queertardo]

Timothy, you might want to look up the definition of 'phobia.'

Mike, Mike, Mike. Taking a Greek literary term and sticking it into an evolved English language and trying to present it with only one aspect of it's usage is no logical manner in which to get a point across. It's intellectual dishonesty at best.

The suffix "phobia" is derived from the Greek word "phobos". In English, it means either fear or loathing.
BUT Greek word "phobos" is of disambiguation because it is the personification (which is a literary device meaning "enlivening" something inanimate in order to explain it's relevance to the "living") of fear and horror in Greek mythology.
Phobia as it pertains to the etymology of the word HOMOPHOBIA shortens the possible etymological precursor homoerotophobia. Coined by psychologist Wainwright Churchill in 1967. But that still limits the actual usage of the term.
>LINK
Homophobia" has a variety of meanings, including but not limited to the following:
hatred of homosexuality
hatred of homosexuals
fear of gays and lesbians
a desire to discriminate against homosexuals
an attempt to discriminate against homosexuals.

[name]

Queertardo, yes, it was meant to be a question. I do apologize for offending you so much. You do have the right to refer to yourself anyway you want- as do former homosexuals.

I was stating how I was offended by your name the same way you were stating how you were offended by Mike's comments. Your name is still offensive to me; I hate the words 'queer' in reference to homosexuality and 'retardo' in reference to mental retardation. To me, they do look bad in the chosen name of someone speaking against discrimination and prejudice. But you do have the right to refer to yourself anyway you please.

I didn't comment about your comments about Mike's comments because I have no comment. I couldn't get past your name and needed an explanation for it. Sorry for my accusing tone in my comment about your chosen name. Thank you for explaining your name. I understand a little better now why you chose it, though, I am still offended by it.

[queertardo]

Your name is still offensive to me; I hate the words 'queer' in reference to homosexuality and 'retardo' in reference to mental retardation. To me, they do look bad in the chosen name of someone speaking against discrimination and prejudice.

What do either Queer and Retarded have to do with my speaking against discrimination and prejudice? Do you not see the illogic you are using to defend your petty argument against me. I am QUEER- self identified as QUEER . It is a social movement as well as my personal reclaiming of a word that was formerly used as a term of degradation and shame. I was retarded- I was born with several developmental disabilities which I learned to overcome and one that I outgrew.
So before you martyr yourself or proceed to slam me any further with your lack of understanding of me, my past, or my situation- please realize this is not about you. It's about your inability to accept my moniker because you fail to see the relevancy of my personal use of terminology.

[name]

The words 'queer' and 'retarded' don't offend me in themselves. The way they've been used to hurt others offends me, but I can understand why some people wish to reclaim them. I didn't understand why you used a form of the word 'retarded' in your moniker, and now I do.

You don't know my story, either, and, frankly, I do have a right to feel offended by your name. But I let go of that offense in understanding and forgiveness, and apologize for the way I made you feel slammed. Slamming you was not my intenttion. I don't think we are gonna agree. We aren't communicating well together. So, in love I say truce and bid good-bye. At least, on this particular comment thread.

[Mike Ensley]

As for all this mumbo-jumbo about Greek roots and whatnot, I'm sure some of you know a lot more than me about that. The plain fact is, the term "homophobia" for nearly thirty years has been used only as a means to stigmatize other people's beliefs, to trivialize anyone who doesn't fall into step with a gay-centric world view.

It's a clever way to avoid honest debate.

[anon me]

Queertardo, you say "I was retarded- I was born with several developmental disabilities which I learned to overcome and one that I outgrew."

So, now that you have decided that living without a developmental disability is superior to living with one, at least for you, and you have decided to overcome it, would you not be offened if people accused you of hating people who still have developmental disabilities? Would you not be a bit perterbed if someone told you you did not have a right to change and said you were in denial about your abilities? If someone put quotation marks around your quotes if you chose to call yourself as 'formerly disabled' as you do to former homosexuals in your blog about those who have decided that homosexuality is not for them and have decided to seek change?

[queertardo]

As for all this mumbo-jumbo about Greek roots and whatnot, I'm sure some of you know a lot more than me about that.

So is that sentence meant as a way to dismiss my understanding so that you don't have to admit that you and others in the ex-gay camp use terminology you can't comprehend or refuse to accept culpability when you have been homophobic?

The plain fact is, the term "homophobia" for nearly thirty years has been used only as a means to stigmatize other people's beliefs, to trivialize anyone who doesn't fall into step with a gay-centric world view.

No, the term homophobia points out the attitude, fear, discrimination, self-loathing and shame associated with the revulsion and hostility people in all aspects of society have against homosexuals.
The term is not being used to stigmatize others beliefs- it's pointing out something which is there, some people just loath to admit it's there.

But when in doubt, Mike blame the people who have been harmed, or better yet why don't you come out with an irrational fear that you are being victimized by the "gay-centric" world view- which doesn't factually exist. It's like the gay agenda, an elaborate enigma designed by people who need to legitimize their act of throwing stones at those uppity homosexuals who won't ride in the back of the bus.
It's easy to see through your talk- as if the only thing gay people do or say involve "gay."

Activists would be hard pressed to confront the bigotry, homophobia and violence LGBTQ people FACTUALLY experience- if it was not there.

It's a clever way to avoid honest debate.

Uhmmm, who's avoiding the honesty? Certainly not me.

[queertardo]

Queertardo, you say "I was retarded- I was born with several developmental disabilities which I learned to overcome and one that I outgrew."

So, now that you have decided that living without a developmental disability is superior to living with one,

I have not EVER said that- you are putting words in my mouth. I am not superior to anybody. I was initially challenged as to why I use the moniker QUEERTARDO, by someone who refused to address my -post- but instead focused on my screenname and their disdain of it.

at least for you, and you have decided to overcome it, would you not be offened if people accused you of hating people who still have developmental disabilities?

I didn't say "decided" I outgrew one disability and learned to overcome other ones. I was retarded as I said, and that legitimizes my use of the "tardo" part of my screenname. The same thing with the word queer- I am self identifying with use of both terms. That point was made, and it didn't sit well with NAME. Name didn't accuse me of hating others who have developmental diablilities- Name said "I hate those words" that's two entirely different things. Name implied I was using a put down. If I am self identifying something which is an aspect of my PERSON I am not using a put down.

Would you not be a bit perterbed if someone told you you did not have a right to change and said you were in denial about your abilities?

People, in general, encourage persons with disabilities to change, so your point is rather a ridiculous one. The one aspect of my disability I outgrew, it had nothing to do with effort it was physiological.

If someone put quotation marks around your quotes if you chose to call yourself as 'formerly disabled' as you do to former homosexuals in your blog about those who have decided that homosexuality is not for them and have decided to seek change?

Funny thing is that I just used the word tardo in my screenname, I don't call myself "formerly disabled." I was asked to defend my use of a descriptor I chose, because it offended someone who failed to see my point.
I don't believe homosexuality is a disease, dysfunction or a disability, your argument with me on that level is completely out of context.
I use quotes in my blog for terms "former" and "ex-gay" because if these people were factually "changed" why do they still have same-sex ideas, challenges, fantasies, attractions and crushes? Why do they obsess about those things and others with those things?

There is an excellent article in the current issue of The Advocate about the smartest GAY man in the world who has Asperger's, is autistic and has other developmental and emotional disabilities. It might help you understand my point. Please don't assume I am that man in the article by reading this post- I think that if you read the article all of what I said makes perfect sense.

[queertardo]

As for all this mumbo-jumbo about Greek roots and whatnot, I'm sure some of you know a lot more than me about that.

Mike, I forgot to say something about your use of the term MUMBO JUMBO- Mumbo jumbo or mumbojumbo is an English phrase or expression that denotes a confusing or meaningless subject.
At what point when you asked this,
"Timothy, you might want to look up the definition of 'phobia'." did you not want a REAL answer?
That's why I went to great lengths to provide a REAL answer.
I realize that many people who read blogs and formulate opinions want to make idle comments and hope they'll never be challenged- I accept that, but at the same time, I want you to understand that everything I say has a reason and a specific purpose- TO EDUCATE.
I want to make sure you and others reading this understand that I was not presenting confusing information on a meaningless subject when I offered my responses.
You see, there is a lot of misinformation bandied about on what homophobia is, isn't and who may or may not be homophobic. In order to discern the difference it helps to know what "phobos" is exactly.