User:Gurnaaz11/Prejudice

Understanding Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
There are often feelings of fear, discomfort or animosity towards individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in our society. These sentiments have distinct classifications depending on the targeted group. For example, homophobia is directed at those who are gay or lesbian, biphobia impacts bisexuals individuals, and transphobia is aimed at transgender or gender non-conforming persons.

These classifications are not identical and heterosexual individuals may also experience such sentiments. One can exhibit transphobia without demonstrating homophobia or biphobia.

Homophobia manifests in various ways such as negative beliefs regarding gay and lesbian persons or bullying and violence against them. At times, it stems from a lack of understanding or fear of differences. Religious beliefs or social norms can also contribute.

LGBT persons often face discrimination due to their identity such as being unable to marry their partner of choice or getting terminated from employment solely because of their identity. Such treatment is unjust and harmful.

Heterosexism involves viewing heterosexuality as the norm and sidelining or disparaging all else, impacting all facets of life.

These issues extend to Sexism where our society maintains rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity leading to discrimination through misogyny where feminine traits face condemnation.

Internalized homophobia
Internalized homophobia refers to negative feelings about one's own identity where individuals may feel obligated to pretend they are heterosexual or disparage other LGBTQ+ persons.