Paths to homophobia

Voting to Ban Same-Sex Marriage: Interests, Values, and Communities

“…They may view lesbians and gay men as economic threats, as some heterosexual individuals believe that gay rights will lead to special treatment or reverse discrimination (Bernstein, Kostelac, and Gaarder 2003;Stein 2001). Heterosexual men, who derive a broad array of benefits by embodying masculine traits, may feel that homosexuality represents a threat to male privilege (Bernstein 2004). Many women and men who adhere to traditional gender roles may also believe that same-sex marriage undermines the institution of marriage and devalues the status associated with heterosexual marriage VOTING TO BAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE--893 1 Much of this research uses the term "homophobia" to characterize negative attitudes.…”

“…But as Herek (2000) points out, this word includes an assumption about the underlying causes of the attitudes that may not be valid. (Bernstein 2004). We expect opposition to samesex marriage to be strong, therefore, where a large proportion of the population has a personal stake in maintaining traditional gender roles and family structures.…”

“…In the absence of such ties, negative stereotypes and myths pertaining to homosexuality may go unchallenged (Bernstein 2004;Herek 1991). In communities where traditional gender roles and family structures predominate, individuals are less likely to have contact with people who openly express a gay or lesbian identity.…”

Gender, Sexual Prejudice and Sport Participation: Implications for Sexual Minorities

“…King (2004), for example, suggests often undifferentiated relationship between homosexuality and pedophilia informs stereotypical beliefs of gay males (see also , Herek 1991, Herek , 2002. Other gay male stereotypes include beliefs of sexual obsession, promiscuousness, femininity, flamboyance, and perversion (Bernstein 2004;Simon 1998). Lesbian stereotypes are also defaming, as they encompass notions of sexual seduction, unwanted predatory advances, masculinity, aggressiveness, and harmfulness toward children (Eliason et al 1992).…”

“…The formation of sexual prejudice is strongly influenced by negative gay and lesbian stereotypes such that gays and lesbians are socially and contextually devalued (Bernstein 2004;Herek 1994Herek , 2000Herek , 2007Simon 1998). One specific context in which the presence of negative attitudes toward non-heterosexuals has repeatedly been documented is that of sport (e.g.…”