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Understanding the History of Homophobia in the West: A Brief Summary
Ask an Ally: Is “homophobia” is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past?
This is a series of posts designed to help people approach diversity and inclusion. These are questions and scenarios we’ve actually heard or seen in the wild. This is part of our corporate programming for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. For more information, click here.
Question: While I understand we still have a way (and probably a long way) to go regarding legislation of the rights of and protections for same-sex relationships, it seems to me that on the whole the acceptance of same-sex relationships by society as a whole is better (at least in some Western countries). Growing up, I NEVER saw gay, lesbian, or bisexual people in the TV shows and films I watched, but now they are everywhere — this conversation is wide open. The law is slow catching up with this cultural shift, but don’t you think “homophobia” is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past?
I’d like to start with a sampling of the early history of attitudes, actions, and policies toward same-sex sexuality in an attempt to follow Spanish philosopher George Santayana’s warning that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned…
