Homophobia

Homophobia is not an actual phobia as much as it is an expression of prejudice against the lifestyles, behavior, personality and practices of those who engage in a homosexual lifestyle. The motivations behind maintaining a homophobic stance may vary. Some people dislike homosexual lifestyles based upon their religious beliefs. Others may find such behavior a challenge to their masculinity or femininity. Others just find it plain old "icky", and let's face it... nobody likes anything that is different. Expressing homophobic behavior may vary as well, with something as benign as making an off-color joke at someone's expense, to the severe, which may even include acts of violence against homosexuals.