Last week, researchers published a paper with the findings that some of the most hardcore homophobes might actually be trying to repress their own attractions to the same sex.
This isn't a new theory, but this study highlighted the idea that when people with such feelings don't have community or family support, then one coping mechanism maybe to express hostility for others with similar feelings.
But the researchers cautioned,
"It's important to stress the obvious: Not all those who campaign against gay men and lesbians secretly feel same-sex attractions. But at least some who oppose homosexuality are likely to be individuals struggling against parts of themselves, having themselves been victims of oppression and lack of acceptance. The costs are great, not only for the targets of anti-gay efforts but also often for the perpetrators. We would do well to remember that all involved deserve our compassion."
What do you think of these findings? What about the call for compassion?
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- How Homophobia Hurts Everyone
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