Out of all the social issues society faces today one stands to impact the most people, adults and children alike. The issue of homophobia has become massive and if left unchecked it may lead to an increase in homeless teens and younger children as well as a continuation of suicides due to transphobic and homophobic beliefs. Therefore, the solution to this problem is a simple one, to teach acceptance and create laws protecting those who suffer from the issue of homophobia.
Homophobia, including biphobia and transphobia is an issue that has an impact on nearly everyone. Out of the 318.9 million people in the US a shocking nineteen million Americans identify as LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender), that is about 3.5%, with 1.1% of women identifying as lesbian and 2.2% of men identifying as gay, and 1.8% identifying as bisexual (Statista). In comparison to that a mere 0.3% identify as transgender and other. Although from a reputable source, these statistics are not entirely accurate, as many people who identify as homosexual have not yet “come out” due to the lack of acceptance in society.
To this day no one really knows the cause of homophobia although, now when it began, but some researchers have speculated that the feelings of homophobia actually originate from subconscious same-sex attraction. The Journal of Sex Research claims that …show more content…
Homophobia has sometimes been called a disease, and much like a disease it infects millions. Unlike an infection though, it does not harm the host, only those around it. Writes GLBTRC (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning & Ally), "Homosexuality is not the disease to be studied. Homophobia is, because it victimizes, twists and distorts the mental health of homosexuals and heterosexuals alike." (GLBTRC). This problem does not just stop at innate hatred; in fact, it goes much further, sometimes even physically impacting
Homophobia, including biphobia and transphobia is an issue that has an impact on nearly everyone. Out of the 318.9 million people in the US a shocking nineteen million Americans identify as LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender), that is about 3.5%, with 1.1% of women identifying as lesbian and 2.2% of men identifying as gay, and 1.8% identifying as bisexual (Statista). In comparison to that a mere 0.3% identify as transgender and other. Although from a reputable source, these statistics are not entirely accurate, as many people who identify as homosexual have not yet “come out” due to the lack of acceptance in society.
To this day no one really knows the cause of homophobia although, now when it began, but some researchers have speculated that the feelings of homophobia actually originate from subconscious same-sex attraction. The Journal of Sex Research claims that …show more content…
Homophobia has sometimes been called a disease, and much like a disease it infects millions. Unlike an infection though, it does not harm the host, only those around it. Writes GLBTRC (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning & Ally), "Homosexuality is not the disease to be studied. Homophobia is, because it victimizes, twists and distorts the mental health of homosexuals and heterosexuals alike." (GLBTRC). This problem does not just stop at innate hatred; in fact, it goes much further, sometimes even physically impacting