The problem is that many heterosexuals see homophobia as conscious
hate, when homophobia is bigger than that. Homophobia is a complex system of
social and political levers and pulleys set up generations ago to continue working
on behalf of heterosexuals at the other people’s expense, whether heterosexuals
know/like it or not. Homophobia is an insidious cultural disease. It is so
insidious that it doesn’t care if you are a heterosexual person who likes LGBTq
people; it’s still going to find a way to infect how you deal with people who
don’t act like you do. Yes, racism looks like hate, but hate is just one
manifestation. Privilege is another. Access is another. Ignorance is another.
Apathy is another. And so on. So, while I agree with people who say no one is
born homophobic, it remains a powerful system that we’re immediately born into.
It’s like born into air; you take it in as soon as you breathe. It’s not a cold
that you can get over. There is no anti-homophobia certification class. It’s a
set of socioeconomic traps and cultural values that are fired up every time we
interact with the world. It is a thing you have to keep scooping out of the boat
if your life to keep from drowning in it. I know it’s hard work, but it’s the
price you pay for owning everything.”
