Heterosexism versus Homophobia

Is there a difference between not agreeing with homosexuality and homophobia? This individual gives us his own answer and in someway believes there the same.

What exactly is “not agreeing with homosexuality “? Does society have an idea of what this really means? Actually they came up with a word for it these days--Heterosexism. Heterosexism is kind of of the middle ground between Homosexuality and Homophobia par say. Heterosexism is the disagreement with homosexuality based on beliefs and ideology. Homophobia is the hatred of homosexuality by other reasons such as disgust, misunderstanding, or experience.
Homophobes are usually more violent and expressive with their feelings toward homosexuals. Homophobic people are usually those who picket marches and protest on gay rally days. Homophobia is thought of to be psychological and sometimes threatening to the person themselves. Homophobes are not likely to befriend a homosexual or even be near them at a party. Homophobes are often afraid of being in close quarters with a homosexual person. This fear is often more reverent in men. Most men are said to have a sense of anger arise when in their presence. Although not all homophobes do, many have been noted to go as far as committing hate crimes such as house burning or even vitalization. Homophobes don’t necessarily have a reason to believe that the homosexual lifestyle is wrong, they just believe its gross and will go to any means to show it.

Heterosexist individuals however are not as violent and expressive. Heterosexists are not in favor of homosexuality in no way. However they do not go as far as expressing it openly. Heterosexism do not convey the hate that homophobes do but the disagreement is mutual. Heterosexist believe that homosexuals are wrong and indeed going against the will their higher being. Heterosexist will not befriend a homosexual but are willing to be friendly and courteous at all times. Although heterosexist people can come from any class or financial standing; heterosexist believe that they are superior to homosexuals no matter their identity. They believe that homosexuals have a lower standard in society because of their lifestyle. For example heterosexist would stand as the “white society” in the old days. The “white society” had an idea and feeling of superiority over other races in America no matter what their status really was. This is the same thought pattern that heterosexist have over homosexuals.

Although both heterosexist and homophobes do not agree with homosexuality, they both go to different degrees to express it. Homophobia and heterosexism is alike in a lot of ways. However the differences outweigh the similarities. Homophobia is different from heterosexism. Homophobia is extreme, heterosexism is subtle.