Summary of the article
The article ‘How Homophobia Hurts Everyone’ has been authored by Warren J. Blumenfeld an individual who identifies himself as a gay and was consequently bullied when he came out of it. He makes a description of how one’s homosexuality can not only affect him personally but other people as well in his life. He commences by giving an account of his story of how he was regularly mocked and also teased at school. As a result, this led to a strained relationship with his younger sister thereby socially separating from each other. This is because she could not comprehend the fact that his brother was a homosexual and other people also made fun of her. By this, he wanted to show just how the homosexuals, their families and also friends are hurt by their condition which in essence, he argues that is just their alignment.
Blumenfeld continues to give an explanation of how the community of LGBT often undergoes oppression because of homophobia. To achieve this, he references the theory by James Tinney on the establishment of cultural homophobia. Also, the article mentions twelve varied perspectives Blumenfeld believes people are hurt as a result of homophobia. He also offers an explanation regarding why they hurt the community. In the conclusion of the article, he holds that even though we are not responsible for the origination of the condition, the responsibility of abolishing and eliminating homophobia lies with us.
Interrelated levels of homophobia
In his discussion, Blumenfeld gives four interconnected levels that homophobia can operate. They include personal, interpersonal, cultural and also institutional levels. Personal homophobia occurs when an individual personally makes prejudicial assumptions against the homosexuals because they feel that they should be disturbed, are powerless, defected and should just be hated. Institutional homophobia makes an assertion regarding the activities of the government, the systems of education and business entities that are entirely and intentionally against this group of individuals. As a result, these institutions come up with legislations that are particularly against those with this sexual identity making them unable to work or even school in these places. This also has massive effects on the individual relationships. (Blumenfeld 9)
Also, the interpersonal level of homophobia occurs when the prejudices begin affecting various relationships because of the profound name calling and also jokes meant to tease the homosexual. This is what basically happened between Blumenfeld and his younger sister consequently culminating to a strained relationship. Lastly, the cultural level of homophobia has also been mentioned. These are those cultural prescriptions within the larger society that although not documented, work against the homosexuals to portray them in a bad light. This creates adverse stereotypical alignments against them.
The first most significant limitation on its inhabitation on the effective ways to fight AIDS. This is because homophobia is often the primary involvement in premature sex increasing the possibility of teenage pregnancy, as well as, the spread of STDs and AIDS. There is also a pressure amongst young people to prove their heterosexual nature. Secondly, the limitation on gender-based roles often increases the stigmatization, silencing and most used in targeting those who are defined other people as being LGBT. Lastly, the restriction on the development of self-authenticity is also significant. This is because of the resulting traumas and stresses that come from the societal pressures.
Work Cited
Blumenfeld, Warren. How Homophobia Hurts Everyone. 1st ed. America: Snippet, 1992.
