How might someone who is homophobic be latently homosexual?

Question

Explain the possible psychological dynamic that leads to homophobia of someone that is latently homosexual.

Answer 1

Denial defense mechanism (alla Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis)....

If a person feels that they are in the minority and are different and that that might make them a target for ridicule and/or shame, then often times they will externalize their self-hatred or discomfort and "act extremely homophobic" to exude the illusion to others that they are definitely NOT homosexual.

Does that make sense?

Answer 2

A theory that homophobia is a result of latent homosexuality was put forth in the late 20th century. A 1996 study conducted at the University of Georgia by Henry Adams, Lester Wright Jr., and Bethany Lohr indicates that a number of "homophobic" males exhibit latent homosexuality. The research was done on 64 heterosexual men, 35 of whom exhibited "homophobic" traits and 29 who did not. Three tests were conducted using penile plethysmography. While there was no difference in response when the men were exposed to heterosexual and lesbian pornography, there was a major difference in response when the men were exposed to male homosexual pornography.

The researchers reported that 24% of the non-"homophobic" men showed some degree of tumescence in response to the male homosexual video, compared to 54% of the subjects who scored high on the "homophobia scale". In addition, 66% of the nonhomophobic group showed no significant increases in tumescence after this video, but only 20% of the "homophobic" men failed to display any arousal. Additionally, when the participants rated their degree of sexual arousal later, the "homophobic" men significantly underestimated their degree of arousal by the male homosexual video.

Still, researchers disagree about whether the "homophobic" males were stimulated by genuine latent homosexuality or negative emotions such as anxiety. Additionally questions have been raised about what kind of "homophobic" person would willingly watch homosexual pornography.

Others have suggested that latent homosexuality is a result of one's environment. Living in a homophobic culture, not being exposed to homosexuality, and being surrounded by members of both genders may encourage latent homosexuality. Conversely, exposure to a single-gender environment, such as a single-sex school, prison, or military service, could bring one's latent homosexuality to the surface.

Answer 3

I think when someone who is homosexual but at the same time is homophobic -- I think that person in a way hasn't figured out or even realized that he or she is in fact homosexual. It could be that they are in denial, but most of the time I think they do know or aware of their sexuality but it has to do with them being able to accept it themselves. If they are having problems coming to terms with themselves, how will they be able to accept homosexuality in others. Also, with society and stereotypes of homosexuality, for some people, it is very hard for them to simply just "come out of the closet." It is easier said than done. They don't want people to see them or treat them any more different than heterosexuals especially in a more conservative environment or at work. Even though a lot of people are more accepting of homosexuals today compared to the past, it is still a very controversial issue. And that can ultimately affect the mind and thinking of a homosexual. He could be homophobic because he doesn't want to be homosexual. It could be possible that he's developed anger and bitterness due to stereotypes and social unacceptance, therefore developing a sort of homophobia. It's almost like he's bitter and angery watching the other gay man across the room all out of the closet and openly gay and having fun because that guy isn't him. It's like how all the women always hate on the pretty one, but really they all want to be the pretty one. They are envious and jelaous. OR maybe he simply doesn't want to be gay. he just wants to be a normal hetersexual guy but he can't because he is gay. Therefore, leading back to him being bitter and angery, and developing homophobia because he hates gays and hate being gay. So that's my take on how someone who is homosexual could be homophobic.

Answer 4

I believe it would be someone who is in denial of being homosexual, or they are scared to tell friends/family because they believe it will be taken badly and he/she will be judged/ostracized.
Perhaps it is someone who is "straight acting" that does not like the "feminine" homosexuals?
Perhaps it is the promiscuity of some homosexuals that the person does not like?
Perhaps the person is highly attracted to the same sex but cannot get past the sexual act side of it believing it to be taboo?
They could of been brought up in a very strict church where they believe it is a sin and even tho they are homosexual they see it as wrong and deter from any homosexual act? (I'm not saying it's wrong either).
There could be many many different reasons.

Answer 5

Well, it could be that, but being sexually abused as a child by a member of the same gender tends to cause similar presenting homophobia to being repressed, so I'm personally reluctant to accuse a homophobe of being in the closet, because if they're in fact a molestation survivor, that will only make them more hostile, as many uncounselled survivors blame themselves at least a bit.

Answer 6

Because homosexuality, and the possibility that they may be homosexual, frightens them. It is scary and it goes against everything they have been taught as children. So to avoid the issue that is developing with them, they hate and lash out at what is frightening them so much about themselves. It's pretty common I think. But these are just my thoughts and opinions, don't know if I'm right or not.

Answer 7

The core cause of this fear is the result of the fact that many homophobes, including most virulent, violent homophobes are themselves repressed sexually, often with same sex attractions. One of the recent studies done at the University of Georgia among convicted killers of gay men has shown that the overwhelmingly large percentage of them (more than 70%) exhibit sexual arousal when shown scenes of gay sex. The core fear, then, for the homophobe is that he himself might be gay, and might be forced to face that fact. The homophobia can be as internalized as it is externalized - bash the queer and you don't have to worry about being aroused by him.

All they gotta do is ask nicely ime sure someone will do them ....lol

Answer 8

Here's the study: http://www.philosophy-religion.org/handouts/homophobia.htm

I think it's a common psychological dynamic that if there's major doubt about something, you'll find yourself spending a great deal of time on it and trying to attack it. I'm straight and homosexuality is a non-issue to me -- I couldn't care less if I had been born gay. Given that, I don't care what 2 consenting adults do.

Answer 9

Both are sins. Homophobic is a fear of homosexuals. Any phobia is a fear. If you are afraid of homosexuals, then how could you possibly have those desires? You mean, you're afraid of yourself or afraid you won't be able to NOT give in to those temptations?

Well, you have a choice. You can be a homosexual or you can choose to not sin. It's you choice. You just have to life and die with the consequences of you choices.

Answer 10

It does seem kind of unnatural and perverse the way some people who represent themselves as heterosexual think soooooooooooooo much about homosexuality. Rather queer actually. I can think of a highly effeminate TV evangelist who is incredibly hung up on homosexuality. They feel guilty about it, they deny it, they try to suppress it, and it becomes a monster to them. They could not be more obvious if they were drag queens!

Answer 11

How might? I don't know. If they actually ARE latently homosexual I suppose. What you're trying vehemently to ask is if someone who is anti-homo might themselves be gay and ripping on gays to make themselves feel better, but all that's doing is pulling focus in their direction of others questioning their sexual preference. Just keep your mouth shut about other people, you aren't perfect yourself, any more than I am. We're all who we are. Accept it or don't.

~Just My 0.02