Are Homophobes Gay?

New research suggests that those harboring anti-gay attitudes may themselves be gay

Image: Daily Mail

The Daily Mail's Emily Allen alerts readers to a new study showing that homophobia may in part be explained by repressed same-sex attraction.

In an experiment involving 160 college students (the go-to guinea pigs for university research), a strong association was discovered between people's stated sexuality and their reaction to words and pictures associated with being gay.

The results lead the researchers to make the following claim:

Homophobes who have not accepted their true sexuality may feel the urge to hit out at homosexuals who they fear might bring their repressed desires to the surface.

Shedding new light on hate crimes directed at gays and lesbians, the study suggests a possible subconscious motivation for their perpetration.

What do you think? Do you suspect hidden same-sex attraction is responsible for anti-gay sentiment?

[classychazy]

I disagree! Most people who object to homosexuality is do to their religious beliefs and the way they were raised. I think even the notion that this is true is funny. I was raised in a gay home and I seen first hand what bigotry is all about. It has nothing to do with repressed sexuality.

[gvillebill]

I've always felt that people who are the most homophobic are are those who have harbored same-sex attractions. I think those who have same-sex attractions that they don't act on feel that if they haven't acted on those feelings, then others should be able to "overcome" their own desires. It would also explain why these same people would be the ones who most loudly proclaim homosexuality to be a "choice". After all, they made (and likely continue to make) a choice not to engage in homosexual feelings, therefore they have no sympathy for others who do "give in" and live out a homosexual lifestyle. Of course, this wouldn't explain all homophobia - there are definitely those who oppose gay rights because of their religious beliefs, but it does, I think, explain some of it.

[FRitzKlenner5]

I guess if I were heading up the cause to advance the LGBT-agenda, this would be the kind of study that I would be promoting. As a dude, I just can't seem to justify sticking my dong in another dude's personal space...and vice-versa. I'm 100% sure that the thought of it doesn't turn me on in the least little bit. If I was as ignorant and small-minded as this study intends to imply, it might disturb me to the point that I'd feel uncomfortable speaking my mind on the subject, and I believe that is the desired effect of those publishing such "findings".

[Boogliodemus]

Are people who are against murder actually killers? Are people who hate thievery actually kleptomaniacs? Are people who want to live in low crime areas actually criminals? Are people who dislike spinach actually closet spinach eaters?

[PanchoCisco]

To begin with, I've never encountered "homophobia." I've seen people disgusted by gays, yes, but never afraid. We need to get rid of the "homophobe" word. As for the question, Are people who hate gays gay themselves? I doubt it. But there's no such thing as "homophobia." Just homo-disgust. There's a difference ...