Psychotherapist Silva pointed out that those growing up in religious households are more likely to be homophobes. “Most religions promote the inaccurate idea that same-sex relationships and sexual behaviors are unnatural, wrong, against their God, and a sin.”
He noted that this isn’t confined to a single religion but is more widespread. “Even recently, the Pope declared that same-sex marriages were not endorsed by the Church. Islam is also very homophobic. Most Islamic countries have anti-gay laws with punishment ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty. Many people in the UK growing up in such households are more likely to be homophobic. “
What’s more, homophobic beliefs can be a way for young people to be seen as part of the ‘in’ crowd. “Teenagers can be homophobic as a way to conform to heterosexuality and be more accepted by their peers,” Silva told Bored Panda.
According to the psychotherapist, another reason why homophobia manifests is when people have same-sex attractions that they’re trying to deny and repress. “In being homophobic they attempt to repress their own feelings by fighting against the source of their arousal: the LGBTQ people. It is quite a common story that Priests who promote 'conversion therapy' are caught on Grindr trying to have sex with other men,” he gave an example of how this can manifest in reality.
Pride Month might be over this year, but it doesn’t mean that LGBTQ+ issues suddenly go away or that every challenge magically disappears (some companies rushing to switch back to their non-rainbow-colored profile photos should give you an indication of this).
In a previous interview, I spoke about LGBTQ+ issues with ‘Stonewall,’ a UK-based organization that aims to create a world where all members of the LGBTQ+ community are free to be themselves and live their lives to the fullest.
Robbie de Santos, the Director of Communications and External Affairs at ‘Stonewall,’ told Bored Panda earlier that Pride Month is an annual way for everyone all over the world to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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“Pride is an opportunity for all of us to come together in celebration, protest, and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi, and trans communities all over the world,” de Santos said previously.
“All lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people should be able to thrive as themselves, but in 2021, LGBTQ+ people are still being held back because of who we are,” de Santos noted that despite all the progress, there’s much work to be done.
“For some LGBTQ+ people, these harms are particularly acute, and we need to stand together against all discrimination that holds our communities back, from racism to ableism, misogyny to classism,” de Santos explained.
According to de Santos, Pride Month is important because it allows everyone to “come together” in their communities, schools, workplaces, online, and on the streets to celebrate who we are. What’s more, it’s a way to continue the fight for “freedom, equity, and potential” for all of us.
“At Stonewall, we’ll continue to fight until every lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer person is free to be themselves, wherever they are,” he added. Taking into account just how many people are willing to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights and put an end to hatred should be something that motivates you, dear Pandas. The world is brighter and more full of love than we care to remember on some days.
