Homophobia Linked To Denied Same-Sex Feelings

The belief that homophobes and those who commit hate crimes against gays are lashing out against their own homosexual feelings is not new. But a new study has offered valuable evidence to the speculation. The study links feelings of homophobia with repressed same-sex attraction. It also adds new insight by showing the role strict, homophobic parents have to play.

Four experiments were conducted in the US and in Germany, each studying around 160 college students. Researchers wanted to study the differences between people’s claimed sexual orientation and how they actually felt.

Some respondents who stated they were straight and answered questions in ways that showed a hatred of gays also showed arousal when shown homosexual images. The study also found a significant link between parenting and views of homosexuality.

“All together, the study showed that participants with parents accepting of homosexuality were more open and aware of their implicit sexual orientation, while those with authoritative parents were more likely to deny their implicit sexual orientation,” according to CBS news. “The researchers found participants who said they were heterosexual but revealed different reactions on their implicit tests were more likely to act with hostility toward gay people.”

Hatred is a cycle that reproduces itself. Fear breeds fear, and it can be especially dangerous when this complex self-hatred lurks in our own politicians and leaders. Just look at evangelical preacher Ted Haggard, who was caught in a gay sex scandal after spending his life preaching against homosexuality.  Those who are hated, especially by those closest to them, hate others in return.

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