Homophobia

/ˌhoʊmoʊˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

Fear, hatred, or intolerance of people who are attracted to the same gender, or prejudice against gay and lesbian people.

Etymology

From Greek 'homos' meaning 'same' plus 'phobos' meaning 'fear.' The term was coined in the 1960s by psychologist George Weinberg to describe this specific type of bigotry.

Kelly Says

Even though the word uses 'phobia' (fear), research shows homophobia isn't really about fear—it's about learned prejudice and cultural bias, which is why psychologists now often use the term 'anti-gay bias' instead.

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