If you pass for heterosexual...
Alright, so this may sound a little condescending, I hope you don't take it that way. I just get the impression that many of my straight, or passing as straight, friends have no idea how to deal with homophobia. Many think they do, but their responses are... let's just say, they aren't what I would do.
Let's start with the fact that homophobia enacted against someone is much like kicking a chained dog. You wouldn't stand by and watch that without saying anything would you? The dog can't defend itself. The reason it is like kicking a dog is this. Homophobia is invisible. As such, the homosexual can't argue it, society expects a homosexual to assume that everyone is out to get them, therefore any time they claim homophobia, their judgement is suspect. The homosexual can't defend themselves in this situation, much like the chained dog.
So how do you as an apparent heterosexual, passing in the world and not subjected to direct homophobia, deal with it happening in your presence? I'm curious.
Let's start with the fact that homophobia enacted against someone is much like kicking a chained dog. You wouldn't stand by and watch that without saying anything would you? The dog can't defend itself. The reason it is like kicking a dog is this. Homophobia is invisible. As such, the homosexual can't argue it, society expects a homosexual to assume that everyone is out to get them, therefore any time they claim homophobia, their judgement is suspect. The homosexual can't defend themselves in this situation, much like the chained dog.
So how do you as an apparent heterosexual, passing in the world and not subjected to direct homophobia, deal with it happening in your presence? I'm curious.