Tolerance is a two way street.

[delta_mai]

So this is a Tumblr cross post.  The original post was in response to reactions to someone talking about how bisexuality doesn't exist.  It soon escalated into accusations (maybe unfounded, maybe not) of biphobia and hatred.  This is my reply.

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Thinking something does not exist does NOT equal hate or biphobia. I am a great advocate for people

Comments

[dance_the_dance]

Saying "it doesn't exist" when "it" is something fictional or probably fictional, is obviously okay. Saying "it doesn't exist" when "it" obviously exists, is ignorance, not an opinion. And saying "it doesn't exist" when "it" is someone's identity that obviously exists is saying "you don't exist, you don't count, you're lying or you're confused", and is both ignorant and assholish.

[delta_mai]

Well, technically it's an opinion based in ignorance. Anything you think is an opinion! And yeah, it's TOTALLY STUPID and hurtful, but we shouldn't immediately attack these people and accuse them of things they might not be advocating. Let's show them how to act!!!

[dance_the_dance]

I don't know if "water doesn't exist" or "the moon doesn't exist" would be an opinion or just ignorance tbh. ;]

I'm definitely against attacking anyone for any reason of course, ITA with you here! :)

BTW (as I read the other comments) - using the word "phobia" to actually mean "hate" is wrong for so many reasons. I like the term "heterosexism" much better than "homophobia".

[delta_mai]

Everything is opinion. Everything that you believe and think is true is an opinion. But that's me waxing philosophical, and I've already written entire essays on this subject and have no desire to do so again! But it doesn't matter! That's just my opinion! LOL And I do understand it's also ignorance in this case cos DUH OF COURSE WE EXIST ;P

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! No-one seems to understand this! I think it's awful to assume that all hatred for LGBTQA is routed in fear! Anyway, thanks :D

[dance_the_dance]

I actually see a lot of posts about how "homophobia" doesn't really make sense as a word. It's also unfair to people with actual phobias (illnesses that the people cannot control and that don't harm other people) when you compare their phobias to hate and discrimination that isn't caused by an illness and can be controlled.

[delta_mai]

I JUST WANNA HUG YOU RIGHT NOW!!!! Because yes, I agree with everything you just said :D:D::D:D

It's damaging to people with phobias and breeds misunderstanding and assumptions about people and is just falacious, basically. We need a new word. I like homosexism :D

[dance_the_dance]

HEE! *HUGS* :DD

There's already "heterosexism" or even "heteronormativity" (though the meanings are a bit different), and there's "cissexism" for "transphobia", but for example there's no other word for "biphobia"... The "phobia" thing really should be gone. :/