Homophobia In Adolescent Culture

Homophobia is a dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people. People who claim to be gay, lesbian or bisexual are still human, they have the same rights as we do, even if they do not follow the “social norms” of liking the opposite sex. Dude, You’re a Fag by C.J. Pascoe presents a variety of examples that show that our society has a problem with people being anything other than straight. Homophobia is more than hate speech in high school but the central concept around which adolescent culture is organized. The unequal rights for the male and female homosexuals shows that there is a double standard in the performance of gender identity. “Girls touched, hugged, and linked arms with other girls on a regular basis in a way that boys did …show more content…
Some go home debating whether they should tell their homophobic parents that they are homosexual, which would result in the hatred of their parents. Researchers gathered data about homosexuals coming out to their families, “Participants who had low family acceptance as teens were more than three times as likely to report both suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared with those who reported high levels of family acceptance” (Bryner). Adolescents’ experience of homophobic culture therefore extends beyond peer culture into individuals’ families. They struggle with their sexuality and the thought of the loss of their parents …show more content…
If you do not state your sexual interactions with the opposite gender it will attract unwanted perspectives of yourself. “Interviews with and observations of students at River High indicate that they recognize masculinity expressed through sexual discourses and practices that indicate dominance and control” (30). Without expressing your sexually active mind and life, you will be targeted as a weak individual. Leading you to be known as a homosexual, without the style and masculine features of a