Do lesbians generally experience less homophobia than gay men?

Question

First off, I know that this is a generalization, but I'm asking about general statistics. It seems like the straight male world (which most often incites homophobia) seems to be more accepting of female homosexuality (ie. two girls kissing, etc.). Taking this into account, do you think that in general, lesbians experience less homophobia directed at them than gay males do?

Answer 1

I think that lesbians tend to experience homophobia in very different ways. (Again, generalizing; there ARE definitely numerous exceptions). Lesbians face more invisibility, and more dismissive attitudes of their sexuality. They're more likely to be harassed about "Well, maybe you just haven't been the right man" with the "right man" presumably being the speaker. They are oppressed as women and as gay people, so there's that issue that gay men don't have to deal with.

As things are progressing, I think that people are more willing to tolerate lesbians at first than they are gay men (generally). It's EASIER to come up with the names of ten lesbian celebrities than to come up with 10 gay male celebrities (it's not impossible, but it's not as easy). This isn't necessarily indicative of "acceptance" though, in that if it's fetishized, it's not really acceptance as a fully formed human.

Answer 2

Good question! I think it depends on the people involved. Society does seem to be more accepting of bisexual or lesbian women, but only inasmuch as they fit a stereotype. I think that society is still very harsh on butch-femme lesbian couples and especially butch-butch. So I think if there were two couples walking down a street- one of gay men and one of two pretty feminine lesbians, the gay men would more likely be the victims of homophobia. But replace the femme lesbians with butch ones, and I think they, for some reason, attract a lot more anger and hatred- I'm not sure why; perhaps they evoke the concept of 'mean man-haters' or some such, whereas gay men are sort of benign and funny in a Will & Grace sort of way, you know?

But overall, I do think your generalization is correct- gay males have it a bit harsher than the ladies.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I agree with cando. I also, would like to add that I am not the least bit turned on by the idea of two women kissing. I think it is a cliche and it no longer has the shock value necessary to be a turn-on which was the only reason it was a turn-on to anyone in the first place.

I think most people would prefer an easy going gay guy over some man-hating lesbian.

Answer 4

with the aid of fact we are residing in a PATRILINEAL society the place the guy is seen with the aid of fact the top of the significant different and young ones.... there became a time while women individuals weren't allowed to possess land, very own a company, no longer allowed to vote; etc,..(Circa 1800's) And interior the 1970's a great form of gay men united and became a effective POLITICAL circulation - and the "without postpone" men and girls individuals - felt ENDANGERED with the aid of fact gay men had no babies had extra money to spend as a effect of this... SO, technically, they have been seen as a POLITICAL threat... so, homophobia in itself is one among those protection mechanism.... that "the straights" might regress lower back to... in accordance with what their have been taught as youthful babies.,. EXCUSE ME, IF this would not MAKE ANY experience i've got HAD a protracted DAY - (LOL) !!!!

Answer 5

This is a really good question, and the answer is definitely yes. One day in health class, we were debating gay marriage, which I am completely for. And I stood up and said, "This is really a mis-named debate." I said that "...we are living in a double standard," and went on to say that the debate was really about the union between two men, because I sincerely doubted that anyone in the entire room would have any problem with two women getting married. Even the kids who were completely against gay marriage said "if the two women are hot, it's not a problem." I told them that they were stupid, but then I figured that they were completely against man-man union, and somewhat for woman-woman union, so I assumed that many people are more homophobic towards gay men that gay women.

Answer 6

Straight men think two women kissing is a turn on because it fulfills their own fantasies..Unfortunate for them, we don't want any part of their fantasy. Also, notice how straight women are fine with gay men but not lesbians. It's all a matter of the gender and phobia.

Answer 7

Yes, I do think so. I hope so as well,....whether you think homosexuality is right or wrong, don't hurt other people's feelings becuase you don't agree with what they do. It is sad that gay males and lesbian females or black people or white people or anybody to face discrimination.

Answer 8

Gwen and I had enough of this from her family during our 42 year relationship> I cannot comment on life in general, perhaps we were just lucky.
Rose P.

Answer 9

I think that people think so. I know from my lesbian Friend's that they are attacked yelled at and treated as badly as gays are.