Is homophobia EVER acceptable?

[TomC]

Basically there's a very messy situation with a guy in my year.

There's this guy in my year who was discovered to be Bisexual on the site tinder. However he doesn't know that everyone knows.

However, it surfaced that he'd previously 'came out' to one of my good friends anyway. The guy who is bi acts homophobic all the time, and I was saying to my friend that this made me lose respect for him as there's just no need.

My friend however said its ok because it's a defence mechanism. I was trying to say there shouldn't need to be any 'defence mechanism' yet my friends thinks that almost everyone is homophobic to a degree which I think is nonsense.

I personally don't believe homophobia should ever be condoned, especially in this situation.

[Daniel.]

I don't believe everyone is homophobic to agree at all

But I understand the bi guy's situation, I us to pretend to be annoyed with gays before I came out and became comfortable with my sexuality.

[Daniel.]

I don't believe everyone is homophobic to agree at all

But I understand the bi guy's situation, I us to pretend to be annoyed with gays before I came out and became comfortable with my sexuality..

[Niamh.]

How is he being homophobic? Like what does he do?

[JoshBB]

I mean, I didn't act like an asshole before I came out.. but I understand from when I was pretending to be straight how much it can become this huge secret that nobody can EVER know, so I guess it's not really acceptable but slightly excused.

[TomC]

I'm in the closet so to speak but I've not claimed to be straight since I was like 13. And I've NEVER been homophobic as a defence mechanism. It's just against my principle.

He's not so homophobic now but he used to say explicitly he was, now he says he's 'used to the whole gay thing'.

[JoshBB]

I'm in the closet so to speak but I've not claimed to be straight since I was like 13. And I've NEVER been homophobic as a defence mechanism. It's just against my principle.

He's not so homophobic now but he used to say explicitly he was, now he says he's 'used to the whole gay thing'.

I still think its wrong to use homophobia as a defense mechanism, but obviously it's not in the same league as when a straight person deliberately goes out of their way to shame people for something they can't change.

[Daniel.]

It is wrong, but some people feel the need to do it.

[Headie]

What year are you in? Should they even be on Tinder if they're still in school? (or is this like college/uni stuff)

I don't think homophobia is ever acceptable, jut like racism isn't, sexism isn't etc. However it is quite common for gay people to pretend to be homophobic before they actually come out in order to deflect attention away from people realising they actually are gay. I guess it's just an insecurity issue that only goes away once you accept who you are.

[TomC]

What year are you in? Should they even be on Tinder if they're still in school? (or is this like college/uni stuff)

I don't think homophobia is ever acceptable, jut like racism isn't, sexism isn't etc. However it is quite common for gay people to pretend to be homophobic before they actually come out in order to deflect attention away from people realising they actually are gay. I guess it's just an insecurity issue that only goes away once you accept who you are.

We're in our final year at school (17/18). I don't know it had an age limit - I'm not on it.

[Headie]

We're in our final year at school (17/18). I don't know it had an age limit - I'm not on it.

I've no idea if it has an age limit, I was just curious how old they were when you said "year" because I'm not sure Tinder is suitable for 13/14 yr olds :laugh: 17/18 is fine I guess, although I don't really know much about Tinder other than it's a dating app.

[Ashley.]

I'm not homophobic and have never said anything homophobic, but when people say homophobic things about other people it doesn't really bother me. If that makes me homophobic too then welp.

[Josiah.]

I have never been homophobic, and will never be (especially since I started coming out). By the way, Tinder in the U.S. has an age limit of 17+.

[kirklancaster]

NO - Homophobia is NEVER acceptable - Why should it ever be?

[Smithy]

umm no?

[TomC]

I'm not homophobic and have never said anything homophobic, but when people say homophobic things about other people it doesn't really bother me. If that makes me homophobic too then welp.

I don't think it makes you homophobic, but it suggests you think is acceptable, which is wrong.

[Kizzy]

It seems like it's cathartic, the lad was struggling with his sexuality. When straight people are homophobic out of ignorance that's wrong, but when a homosexual/ bisexual is fighting feelings of confusion I wouldn't say it was no.

[Ashley.]

I don't think it makes you homophobic, but it suggests you think is acceptable, which is wrong.

I think I'm just a bit selfish in that aspect... I don't really bother with things that don't involve me. I'm a bit of a Rachel Rice. Obviously I'd stick up for a homosexual as opposed to a homophobe if the situation of an argument ever arose, though.

[Liam-]

Never acceptable, but sometimes understandable

[joeysteele]

NO - Homophobia is NEVER acceptable - Why should it ever be?

A fair bit of agreement breaking out between you and I Kirk, I totally agree again with you on this.

[Ashley.]

Never acceptable, but sometimes understandable

I agree. Especially in relation to the defence mechanism argument.

[Ashley.]

I think everyone's a little bit homophobic.

[Niamh.]

I think everyone's a little bit homophobic.

Why would you think that?

[Kizzy]

I can only see it as we are always a bit scared of things that seen as against the norm or we don't fully understand.
I wouldn't necessarily call it homophobic mind, especially as not long ago we were told it was illegal... maybe it takes some longer than others to realise everyone has the right to be happy with who they are. Not saying that it's only the older generation who think this way mind.

[Tom4784]

It's never acceptable but I do have some sympathy for people who'll try to overcompensate with homophobia to hide their own sexuality, it must not be easy to live life like that.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Get him on Tibb and he can learn how to deal with Life without hurting others

[Ashley.]

Why would you think that?

Homophobia can come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you don't even realise you're doing it, such as noticing someone in the street and thinking "I bet he's gay", or when someone says something and you say "that's so gay!" or "you're so gay lol!" I think everyone has a streak of homophobia in their subconscious. I find things such as "gay best friends" homophobic... wanting to go shopping with a boy "because they're gay they must like shopping". Stuff like that.

[Niamh.]

Homophobia can come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you don't even realise you're doing it, such as noticing someone in the street and thinking "I bet he's gay", or when someone says something and you say "that's so gay!" or "you're so gay lol!" I think everyone has a streak of homophobia in their subconscious. I find things such as "gay best friends" homophobic... wanting to go shopping with a boy "because they're gay they must like shopping". Stuff like that.

Thinking "I bet he's gay" isn't homophobic though, it's just an observation. Also, I've never thought because someone is gay that they automatically like shopping, in much the same way as I don't assume that all girls like shopping either, since I detest shopping myself. Things like that are stereotypes though not examples of homophobia or sexism. Also, that's so gay phrase I've only ever heard people online use tbh

[Liam-]

Homophobia can come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you don't even realise you're doing it, such as noticing someone in the street and thinking "I bet he's gay", or when someone says something and you say "that's so gay!" or "you're so gay lol!" I think everyone has a streak of homophobia in their subconscious. I find things such as "gay best friends" homophobic... wanting to go shopping with a boy "because they're gay they must like shopping". Stuff like that.

None of those examples are homophobic

[Ashley.]

Thinking "I bet he's gay" isn't homophobic though, it's just an observation. Also, I've never thought because someone is gay that they automatically like shopping, in much the same way as I don't assume that all girls like shopping either, since I detest shopping myself. Things like that are stereotypes though not examples of homophobia or sexism. Also, that's so gay phrase I've only ever heard people online use tbh

Hm, it's just something I've had thoughts about. I think thinks like homophobia and racism exist in one's subconscious and "true" homophobia that we know today comes when the detestation is stronger, and the homophobia moves from the subconscious to your basic awareness.

[Ashley.]

None of those examples are homophobic

Well then you're just going to have to accept the difference of opinions.

[Kizzy]

Homophobia can come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you don't even realise you're doing it, such as noticing someone in the street and thinking "I bet he's gay", or when someone says something and you say "that's so gay!" or "you're so gay lol!" I think everyone has a streak of homophobia in their subconscious. I find things such as "gay best friends" homophobic... wanting to go shopping with a boy "because they're gay they must like shopping". Stuff like that.

That's gay stereotyping not homophobia.

[Ashley.]

That's gay stereotyping not homophobia.

Well, I think there's a little bit of homophobia in stereotyping.

[Niamh.]

Hm, it's just something I've had thoughts about. I think thinks like homophobia and racism exist in one's subconscious and "true" homophobia that we know today comes when the detestation is stronger, and the homophobia moves from the subconscious to your basic awareness.

I don't agree with that at all, homophobia and racism are things that are learned from other people and their opinions, like family members, friends etc

[Liam-]

'everyone is a little bit homophobic' sounds like something a homophobe would say to ease their mind.

[Kizzy]

Well, I think there's a little bit of homophobia in stereotyping.

I guess you're entitled to believe that, racial stereotyping is what got the police labelled 'institutionally racist'.

[Ashley.]

'everyone is a little bit homophobic' sounds like something a homophobe would say to ease their mind.

I'm just being psychological.

[Niamh.]

I'm just being psychological.

Thinking that someone might be gay though. I don't get how that makes you homophobic in anyway :laugh: Like if a gay person is in a gay club and he sees a guy and thinks "I bet he's actually straight" does that make him hetraphobic? lol like homophobia means a fear or dislike of homosexuals, so having a gay best friend is surely the complete opposite of that?

[Kizzy]

I'm just being psychological.

You could apply that logic to everything mind, if you're a male you could be a little bit sexist, if white a little bit racist. If you assume there is prejudice in everyone.

[Ashley.]

Thinking that someone might be gay though. I don't get how that makes you homophobic in anyway :laugh: Like if a gay person is in a gay club and he sees a guy and thinks "I bet he's actually straight" does that make him hetraphobic? lol like homophobia means a fear or dislike of homosexuals, so having a gay best friend is surely the complete opposite of that?

Oh no that's a completely different observation. My point is that homophobia exists in everyone. The examples were just separate thoughts.

[Daniel.]

I hate it when girls say to me "oh you're my gay best friend now, I've always wanted one"

cringe af :umm2:.

[Daniel.]

I hate it when girls say to me "oh you're my gay best friend now, I've always wanted one"

cringe af :umm2:..

[Ashley.]

You could apply that logic to everything mind, if you're a male you could be a little bit sexist, if white a little bit racist. If you assume there is prejudice in everyone.

That's exactly what I'm saying. I was going to say that but didn't really know how to explain it.

[Niamh.]

Oh no that's a completely different observation. My point is that homophobia exists in everyone. The examples were just separate thoughts.

But why do you think it exists in everyone then if not by those examples? I don't think I'm in anyway homophobic

[Liam-]

I'm not prejudice in the slightest, so let's not say everyone is tah

[Ashley.]

But why do you think it exists in everyone then if not by those examples? I don't think I'm in anyway homophobic

I just think homophobia is occupied in the brain. The BiB is completely understandable, as you're not aware of anything that lies in the subconscious.

Think of it as Pandora's box. All things bad are stored in there, and it would take a great nudge to get them out. It's why people do bad things when they're grieving. The grief is enough to unlock the bad side of you.

[Niamh.]

I'm not prejudice in the slightest, so let's not say everyone is tah

Yeah I don't understand how a person can tell everyone else what's going on in their own minds tbh based on what they might think themselves

[Ashley.]

I'm not prejudice in the slightest, so let's not say everyone is tah

You're always going to judge someone though, Liam, even if you don't realise you're doing it. It's like when you meet someone who you've only seen through photos, and you say to them "oh, you looked taller in your photos!" You judged them - you expected them to be tall. That's just one example.

[Kizzy]

That's exactly what I'm saying. I was going to say that but didn't really know how to explain it.

Well we are all a product of our environment, so from a sociological perspective I would say that being innately prejudiced isn't possible.

[Niamh.]

I just think homophobia is occupied in the brain. The BiB is completely understandable, as you're not aware of anything that lies in the subconscious.

Think of it as Pandora's box. All things bad are stored in there, and it would take a great nudge to get them out. It's why people do bad things when they're grieving. The grief is enough to unlock the bad side of you.

I like the way you're explaining it to me like it's an actual fact :laugh: I know what the subconscious is and I still disagree with you

[Ashley.]

I like the way you're explaining it to me like it's an actual fact :laugh: I know what the subconscious is and I still disagree with you

Nothing in psychology is for sure a "fact", Niamh.

That's why studies exist. :rolleyes:

[Liam-]

You're always going to judge someone though, Liam, even if you don't realise you're doing it. It's like when you meet someone who you've only seen through photos, and you say to them "oh, you looked taller in your photos!" You judged them - you expected them to be tall. That's just one example.

That's not prejudice, that's just a wrong assumption about someone's appearance based on a picture, these are not very good examples you're giving here.

I'm not prejudice, I'm not racist, I'm not sexist and I'm certainly not homophobic, you can't sit there and say everyone is just because you might be in your subconscious, that's your issue.

[Ashley.]

That's not prejudice, that's just a wrong assumption about someone's appearance based on a picture, these are not very good examples you're giving here.

I'm not prejudice, I'm not racist, I'm not sexist and I'm certainly not homophobic, you can't sit there and say everyone is just because you might be in your subconscious, that's your issue.

But an assumption is a judgement?

[kirklancaster]

A fair bit of agreement breaking out between you and I Kirk, I totally agree again with you on this.

If you seriously sit and think about both our journeys Joey, we are so much alike.

You were a Conservative supporter Joey, then your subsequent direct life experiences of how the poor, sick and vulnerable are being hurt by the policies of the very party you support, completely reshaped your political persuasion, and because you are a very passionate person and 'wear your heart on your sleeve', your posts - while always objective and valid - sometimes become 'heated'.

I was a staunch Labour supporter, then my subsequent direct life experiences of how Labour policies afforded the scumbags in this country and others newly immigrant to it, to abuse, milk, and defraud the very systems put in place to benefit the genuine needy, completely reshaped my political persuasion. Again, because I am a very passionate person who also wears his heart on his sleeve, my posts, which I try to ensure are always objective and valid, can sometimes also be inflammatory.

I genuinely respect you Joey, and admire your knowledge of politics, and though we are to all intents and purposes on opposite sides of the political divide, I do not believe that we are so different, and I genuinely believe that neither of us are motivated by anything other than a desire to secure what is best for our families and the people of this great country. And I DO genuinely believe, that for all its faults and its sometimes dubious and shameful history, this IS the greatest country in the world.

If I could take the best of Labour policies, the best of Conservative, and - yes - the best of UKIP policies, and produce one sensible, genuine political party who said what they meant, meant what they said, who actually delivered on their Manifesto Pledges and eradicated ALL the many social injustices in the UK under the present system - I would give them my vote forever.

If only.

Until then, you have my promise, that I will never again become so involved in a SD thread, that I jeopordise our mutual respect for each other, or the friendship we had at the beginning.

[Niamh.]

Nothing in psychology is for sure a "fact", Niamh.

That's why studies exist. :rolleyes:

Oh gee thanks

[Liam-]

But an assumption is a judgement?

Not when it's an assumption gained through false information, if someone says they're 6'2" then you meet them and they're 5,3" saying 'You're shorter than you said you were' is not a judgement, or prejudice as you're trying to ridiculously link it to, it's a realisation that prior information was incorrect.

[Niamh.]

Not when it's an assumption gained through false information, if someone says they're 6'2" then you meet them and they're 5,3" saying 'You're shorter than you said you were' is not a judgement, or prejudice as you're trying to ridiculously link it to, it's a realisation that prior information was incorrect.

Anyway, none of this equals homophobia anyway so it's all pretty irrelevant

[kirklancaster]

Oh gee thanks

:laugh2:

[Ashley.]

Not when it's an assumption gained through false information, if someone says they're 6'2" then you meet them and they're 5,3" saying 'You're shorter than you said you were' is not a judgement, or prejudice as you're trying to ridiculously link it to, it's a realisation that prior information was incorrect.

You could've at least quoted me right. :laugh:

Hm, I can sense this will go round in circles so let's just agree to disagree before it gets personal, okay? :)

[Crimson Dynamo]

I just saw a man looking far too well groomed for an auction

I thought: hmm you could be gay :suspect:

:omgno:

Am I a homophobe?

[Niamh.]

I just saw a man looking far too well groomed for an auction

I thought: hmm you could be gay :suspect:

:omgno:

Am I a homophobe?

I think that's complimentary if anything, how is that homophobic? :laugh:

[Kyle]

I do find it a little hilarious when some of the most fervent anti gay, traditional marriage pushing fundamentalist Christians get caught soliciting sex from men.

Or people like the Duggar kid who molested his sister, pushing traditional marriage and faithfulness before getting caught with his pants down on Ashley Maddison.

After it stops being funny though it makes me really angry. By all means push your agenda if you want, but if you are a hypocrite that does not practice what you preach that makes it all the more unpalatable to me.

[Ashley.]

I do find it a little hilarious when some of the most fervent anti gay, traditional marriage pushing fundamentalist Christians get caught soliciting sex from men.

Or people like the Duggar kid who molested his sister, pushing traditional marriage and faithfulness before getting caught with his pants down on Ashley Maddison.

After it stops being funny though it makes me really angry. By all means push your agenda if you want, but if you are a hypocrite that does not practice what you preach that makes it all the more unpalatable to me.

I agree. I try not to let stuff like this get to me though. I'm so over religion.

[Niamh.]

I do find it a little hilarious when some of the most fervent anti gay, traditional marriage pushing fundamentalist Christians get caught soliciting sex from men.

Or people like the Duggar kid who molested his sister, pushing traditional marriage and faithfulness before getting caught with his pants down on Ashley Maddison.

After it stops being funny though it makes me really angry. By all means push your agenda if you want, but if you are a hypocrite that does not practice what you preach that makes it all the more unpalatable to me.

It's projection though isn't it, you see people on BB do it all the time too, accuse other people of traits which they're clearly guilty of themselves

[kirklancaster]

Niamh is so correct - 99% of this thread has got nothing to do with homophobia. :laugh:

[kirklancaster]

I do find it a little hilarious when some of the most fervent anti gay, traditional marriage pushing fundamentalist Christians get caught soliciting sex from men.

Or people like the Duggar kid who molested his sister, pushing traditional marriage and faithfulness before getting caught with his pants down on Ashley Maddison.

After it stops being funny though it makes me really angry. By all means push your agenda if you want, but if you are a hypocrite that does not practice what you preach that makes it all the more unpalatable to me.

You're okay mate being a tyke an all, but DON'T get LT on about religion. :laugh:

[Northern Monkey]

Not sure if it's ever acceptable but i've seen it on here before.I got infracted for 'transphobic comments' ages ago,I think it was something to do with that Harries weirdo but then saw words like 'fag' and 'dyke' cropping up on here.unless it's like the thing with black people where only they can say the 'N' word.Idk.

[Kyle]

It's deflection though isn't it, you see people on BB do it all the time too, accuse other people of traits which they're clearly guilty of themselves

I don't really care. If you are actively going out of your way to chastise other people for living a lifestyle that you know deep down you are living out yourself (whether that be homosexuality, infidelity, fraud or whatever) then don't complain when People think badly of you.

Keep your mouth shut or maybe quietly tut when somebody brings it up, yeh fine whatever. But to stand on a pulpit or podium in front of an audience and speak to the masses about how wrong these activities are and actively shame people with it? I just find that distasteful sorry.

[Kizzy]

I think that's where the phrase 'thou protesteth too much' come from isn't it? Those who bleat on about morals and such are usually those crushingly deficient.

[Niamh.]

I don't really care. If you are actively going out of your way to chastise other people for living a lifestyle that you know deep down you are living out yourself (whether that be homosexuality, infidelity, fraud or whatever) then don't complain when People think badly of you.

Keep your mouth shut or maybe quietly tut when somebody brings it up, yeh fine whatever. But to stand on a pulpit or podium in front of an audience and speak to the masses about how wrong these activities are and actively shame people with it? I just find that distasteful sorry.

Oh yeah I completely agree it makes it even worse of course

[user104658]

I'm just being psychological.

:hehe: You're not being any sort of logical Ashley... all of this "people are inherently gay in their subconscious" is unfounded hypothesis. One that I very much doubt is accurate, it seems far more likely that any and all homophobia that anyone has is social conditioning.

[Marsh.]

I just saw a man looking far too well groomed for an auction

I thought: hmm you could be gay :suspect:

:omgno:

Am I a homophobe?

You don't have to be gay to have a wash LT. :smug:

[Ashley.]

:hehe: You're not being any sort of logical Ashley... all of this "people are inherently gay in their subconscious" is unfounded hypothesis. One that I very much doubt is accurate, it seems far more likely that any and all homophobia that anyone has is social conditioning.

Hm.

[user104658]

Hm.
Mmhm.

[Crimson Dynamo]

You don't have to be gay to have a wash LT. :smug:

No but why do you have to wash in a Turkish bath so often?

:suspect:

[Josiah.]

I personally feel like the conversation in this thread has gone a bit too far.

[kirklancaster]

You don't have to be gay to have a wash LT. :smug:

:laugh:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL4XLo3gb0YapWqvp77gqyx4IpuvDbT E-DdqMPjmscje7PVJO77Q

[Marsh.]

No but why do you have to wash in a Turkish bath so often?

:suspect:

They have the best soaps. :hee:

[Ashley.]

They have the best soaps. :hee:

They don't even have Emmerdale?

[kirklancaster]

They have the best soaps. :hee:

And the very best Delights. :hehe:

[lostalex]

Basically there's a very messy situation with a guy in my year.

There's this guy in my year who was discovered to be Bisexual on the site tinder. However he doesn't know that everyone knows.

However, it surfaced that he'd previously 'came out' to one of my good friends anyway. The guy who is bi acts homophobic all the time, and I was saying to my friend that this made me lose respect for him as there's just no need.

My friend however said its ok because it's a defence mechanism. I was trying to say there shouldn't need to be any 'defence mechanism' yet my friends thinks that almost everyone is homophobic to a degree which I think is nonsense.

I personally don't believe homophobia should ever be condoned, especially in this situation.


considering he was just trying to fit in and protect himself it is acceptable.

You can only blame the straight people that created the homophobic environment where he felt like he had to be homophobic in order to not be abused.

If straight people were not homophobic around him would he have ever been homophobic? no. he's definitely a victim of his environment. it's not fair to blame a gay/bi person for homophobia that already existed.

[TomC]

considering he was just trying to fit in and protect himself it is acceptable.

You can only blame the straight people that created the homophobic environment where he felt like he had to be homophobic in order to not be abused.

If straight people were not homophobic around him would he have ever been homophobic? no. he's definitely a victim of his environment. it's not fair to blame a gay/bi person for homophobia that already existed.

The thing is though, I don't think our community is very homophobic. We're very diverse and accepting tbh - we had an openly gay person in our school last year.

Personally, I think he probably has homophobic parents - that's where this stuff normally comes from.

[joeysteele]

If you seriously sit and think about both our journeys Joey, we are so much alike.

You were a Conservative supporter Joey, then your subsequent direct life experiences of how the poor, sick and vulnerable are being hurt by the policies of the very party you support, completely reshaped your political persuasion, and because you are a very passionate person and 'wear your heart on your sleeve', your posts - while always objective and valid - sometimes become 'heated'.

I was a staunch Labour supporter, then my subsequent direct life experiences of how Labour policies afforded the scumbags in this country and others newly immigrant to it, to abuse, milk, and defraud the very systems put in place to benefit the genuine needy, completely reshaped my political persuasion. Again, because I am a very passionate person who also wears his heart on his sleeve, my posts, which I try to ensure are always objective and valid, can sometimes also be inflammatory.

I genuinely respect you Joey, and admire your knowledge of politics, and though we are to all intents and purposes on opposite sides of the political divide, I do not believe that we are so different, and I genuinely believe that neither of us are motivated by anything other than a desire to secure what is best for our families and the people of this great country. And I DO genuinely believe, that for all its faults and its sometimes dubious and shameful history, this IS the greatest country in the world.

If I could take the best of Labour policies, the best of Conservative, and - yes - the best of UKIP policies, and produce one sensible, genuine political party who said what they meant, meant what they said, who actually delivered on their Manifesto Pledges and eradicated ALL the many social injustices in the UK under the present system - I would give them my vote forever. If only.

Until then, you have my promise, that I will never again become so involved in a SD thread, that I jeopordise our mutual respect for each other, or the friendship we had at the beginning.

Nice one, it is actually my thinking too.

Add to it a consensus from parties that no discrimination is tolerated and no demonization of any section of UK society then that could be at last a governing force that would be worthy of full and absolute respect and support.

[kirklancaster]

Nice one, it is actually my thinking too.

Add to it a consensus from parties that no discrimination is tolerated and no demonization of any section of UK society then that could be at last a governing force that would be worthy of full and absolute respect and support.

'If Only' eh Joey?

[joeysteele]

'If Only' eh Joey?

If only indeed and after chaos looming from the constant changing of parties in govt over the last century or more and them still searching for the answers to the endless questions left as to their failures.

One could be forgiven for thinking grown men and women seeking to serve in power would have realised that better way by now.

Rather than set out determined to create division where really no division should even be.

[Mystic Mock]

If you don't like a gay person then that's perfectly acceptable as you can't like everyone.

But I don't hold up with disliking a gay person and throwing homophobic insults at them, surely you can say other stuff about them than just their sexuality?

[Ammi]

..no I don't think homophobia is ever acceptable or ever should be...there may be some understanding for why he's homophobic or why he could be, hownow...and whether homophobia, racism or any prejudice...understanding is good and important in the changing of mindets, for those it's possible to be changed...but that doesn't make it any more acceptable because it doesn't take away the prejudice deflected on and felt by others ...I mean, if we were to understand a bully and why they bully and they may have themselves been bullied..?..it still wouldn't change the effect of their bullying on their victims.../so never acceptable...

[Mystic Mock]

And to add my own two cents into this "everyone is a bit homophobic" topic, I honestly have never had a homophobic thought in my life, it's just something that's never scared me tbh.

The main thing that I've always been wary off is Islam, I know it sounds bad to single out one Religion (especially as I've had friends that follow that Religion too) but it's always been the main group that causes the most problems in the world since I've been alive.

I don't know if it's necessarily a prejudice on my part or not, but it's definitely the closest to any prejudice that I think I've got when it comes to minority groups in this country.

[Northern Monkey]

Nice one, it is actually my thinking too.

Add to it a consensus from parties that no discrimination is tolerated and no demonization of any section of UK society then that could be at last a governing force that would be worthy of full and absolute respect and support.

See i would love to support a party like this but one who is tougher on immigration and serious on defence and all for Trident remaining while ever nuclear weapons exist.Unfortunately there is nobody who is anti-austerity and social injustice but also supports the things i feel are important as stated above.
Tories are too harsh on the average person,Labour are too left wing and Lib Dems don't know what they stand for so for me least worst option is currently UKIP.If Labour had Andy Burnham or Chuka i would have very close to supporting them if they had maybe toughened up slightly on immigration.

[Ninastar]

Is homophobia ever acceptable?

no

[Johnnyuk123]

Yet another Simon Cowell hate thread. Ok he wears his trousers way too high and has a harem of women to hide his real sexuality but who actually cares? So what if Louie Walsh is his life partner and Sinita is his house cleaner. Why would you care?