Does it annoy Ты when people are called homophobic when they are not?

Homophobia is defined as 'An extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people.'

However, (and I'm doing this on behalf of a friend) all types of people have been called homophobic when they aren't. My friend is uncomfortable with the concept, but he's been labelled as homophobic when he really isn't.

 Book-Freak posted Больше года
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Gay Rights Ответы

NightFrog said:
Yes, it bothers me quite a bit actually.

I think- while understandable -the word "homophobic" is being used a little too loosely. People often go to that conclusion before hearing what the other person has to say. Often times, like your friend, they're a little uncomfortable about the subject, but that doesn't necessarily make them hateful towards homosexuals. It usually means they aren't used to it, and it does take a little bit to understand. A lot of the time, these people who are uncomfortable with it are trying to become еще tolerant- and that is sometimes a process. It doesn't make them a bad person if they aren't as open minded at first, but it isn't to say that they never will be accepting.

Calling someone "homophobic" или "hateful" when they aren't full-out expressing hate can be damaging, and makes us look like close-minded radicals. We're trying to spread tolerance for everyone, but calling someone out doesn't display that. It's not a black and white issue. I do think that this "discomfort" can only go so far though, like if a restaurant owner feels too "uncomfortable" to serve a gay couple. Then that's discrimination, and it's up to them to put their prejudices aside and behave like a grown up.

I wish homophobic wasn't such a commonly used term. If we continue to react aggressively to every little differing of an opinion, it won't help our cause. If someone goes up and says "fag" "dyke" "eww" "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" etc, then I think they could use a little bit of a word slap. If they seem a bit confused about it, I think it's better to slowly ease them into it- explain your opinion about the matter, but don't chew them out.

If that makes sense.
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posted Больше года 
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It makes perfect sense. I'm glad Ты agree with me.
Book-Freak posted Больше года
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Thank you. :)
NightFrog posted Больше года
Rainshadow999 said:
I'm sorry, either you've been Чтение the wrong dictionary или talking to a psychologist that isn't in their right mind.
A phobia is an irrational fear или someone или something, homophobics don't necessarily hate they're just afraid. Эй, if you're going to make fun of homophobics, at least get your facts right. Screw you!
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posted Больше года 
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Also some people ARE homophobic! Obviously not me but yeah…
Rainshadow999 posted Больше года
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I googled 'define homophobia' and that is the response I got and I am sorry if google's definition isn't good enough for you. And I firmly disagree - homophobia has a lot to do with irrational hate and ignorance, not just fear. And if Ты had actually read my question, I am not making fun of homophobics, I am sticking up for a friend who is дана a whole load of hate when he isn't actually homophobic! So screw you!
Book-Freak posted Больше года
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And I know some people are homophobic - duh, if there weren't there wouldn't be a club for Gay Rights because the fact wouldn't be disputed, And I'm not homophobic either.
Book-Freak posted Больше года
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