What is the Difference Between Homophobia and Heterosexism

The main difference between homophobia and heterosexism is that homophobia is the irrational fear and/or aversion to homosexuals and homosexuality, whereas heterosexism is the systematic bias and prejudice against homosexuals, based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm of the society.

Although most of us use the words homophobia and heterosexism interchangeably, these are two different concepts. Homophobia is an individual feeling whereas heterosexuality is a systematic bias and oppression. However, feelings of homophobia can ultimately lead to heterosexism.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Homophobia 
     – Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Heterosexism
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Relationship Between Homophobia and Heterosexism
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Homophobia and Heterosexism
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Heterosexism, Homophobia, Homosexuality

What is Homophobia

Homophobia is the irrational fear of homosexuality and homosexuals. In fact, it can include hatred, fear, mistrust, and discomfort with gay, queer, lesbian, or bisexual, people. Homophobia can also ultimately result in prejudice, discrimination, and violence against homosexuals. Furthermore, homophobia can take many different forms, such as negative attitudes, aversion, or prejudice.

In addition to these, the term homophobia was coined by the American psychologist George Weinberg in the late 1960s. Institutionalized homophobia refers to state-sponsored homophobia and religious homophobia. Internalized homophobia, on the other hand, refers to homophobic people who experience same-sex attraction themselves.

Furthermore, Homophobia can have various origins. It can originate from conservative religious beliefs; some people also have homophobic ideas because they were taught such concepts as children.

What is Heterosexism

Heterosexism is a system of bias, prejudice, and discrimination against homosexuals, on the assumption that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation in society. To be specific, heterosexism originates from the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm of the society, and heterosexuals are superior to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

This is, in fact, a system of beliefs and practices that rejects and stigmatizes non-heterosexual form of identity, behavior, or relationship. It is a systemic bias and falls under the spectrum of sexism, classism, racism, etc. In most countries of the world, homosexuality has been and is still being viewed as an abnormal and even a criminal practice. Most gay and lesbian people were forced to keep their sexual orientation a secret from their families and friends because of the stigma and prejudice attached to homosexuality. It’s only recently that people have started to accept homosexuality.

Relationship Between Homophobia and Heterosexism

• Both homophobia and heterosexism are concepts that discriminate against homosexuals.
• Furthermore, homophobia, which is the fear and dislike of homosexuality, can ultimately lead to heterosexism, systemic oppression.

Difference Between Homophobia and Heterosexism

Definition

Homophobia is the irrational fear or dislike of homosexuality and homosexuals whereas heterosexism is the systematic bias and prejudice against homosexuals, based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm.

Basis

Homophobia can result from misunderstanding, ignorance, and fear of homosexuality. Heterosexism, on the other hand, results from the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm of the society, and that heterosexuals are superior to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Nature

Moreover, homophobia typically refers to individual feelings whereas heterosexism refers to systematic bias and oppression.

Conclusion

Although most of us use the words homophobia and heterosexism interchangeably, these are two different concepts. The main difference between homophobia and heterosexism is that homophobia is the irrational fear and/or aversion to homosexuals and homosexuality whereas heterosexism is the systematic bias and prejudice against homosexuals, based on the assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm of the society.

Reference:

1. “Heterosexism.” Edge, Penn State University, Available here.
2. “Heterosexism.” Rainbow Resource Center, Available here.
3. “Homophobia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Dec. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Homophobia-Discrimination-NoDiversity-03” Von Kurt Löwenstein Educational Center International Team from Germany – qe07 (3) (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia