Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Prejudiced against or hostile toward homosexual people: Describes a person, attitude, or action that shows an irrational fear, dislike, or prejudice against gay men, lesbians, or other individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Usage

• The adjective "homophobic" is used to describe people, beliefs, comments, policies, or actions.
• It is a strong term indicating prejudice and is often used in social, political, and psychological contexts.
• It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • His homophobic remarks were widely condemned.
  • The country has repealed several homophobic laws.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • Their parents are deeply homophobic.
  • The policy is considered homophobic by human rights groups.

Advanced Usage

• Institutional/Systemic Homophobia: Refers to policies, practices, or cultures within institutions that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.
  • The report highlighted the institutional homophobia within the organization.
• Internalized Homophobia: When a person who is LGBTQ+ subconsciously accepts and is affected by societal homophobic attitudes.
  • He struggled with internalized homophobia for years before coming out.

Variants and Related Words

• Homophobia (noun): The fear, hatred, or prejudice against homosexual people.
  • We must fight against homophobia in all its forms.
• Homophobe (noun): A person who is homophobic.
  • He was labeled a homophobe for his discriminatory views.

Synonyms

• Anti-gay: Opposed to or prejudiced against gay people. (Note: "Homophobic" is a broader and more commonly used term in academic and social discourse.)
• Bigoted (general): Having strong, unreasonable beliefs and disliking other people who have different beliefs or a different way of life. (This is a more general term that can include homophobia.)

Antonyms

• LGBTQ+-affirming: Supporting and validating LGBTQ+ people.
• Tolerant: Willing to accept beliefs or behaviors that are different from one's own.
• Inclusive: Seeking to include and not exclude people, especially those who might otherwise be marginalized.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Homophobic bullying": Bullying targeted at someone because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation.
  • The school implemented a strict policy against homophobic bullying.
• "To be accused of homophobia": To be charged with holding or expressing homophobic views.
  • The politician was accused of homophobia after voting against the equality bill.

Adjective

1. prejudiced against homosexual people