Homophobia

Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Homophobia can be internalized, interpersonal, or structural — from self-doubt, to slurs and harassment, to laws that criminalize same-sex relationships.

Historically, homophobia was institutionalized in medicine (homosexuality was classified as a mental illness until 1973 in the US), in law (sodomy laws), and in religion. While legal protections have advanced in many countries, homophobia persists worldwide — in more than 60 countries, same-sex relationships remain criminalized.

The effects of homophobia are measurable: higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGB people, driven largely by rejection and stigma. Homophobia harms straight and queer people alike, by enforcing rigid gender roles on everyone.