Why are people scared of gay people?

Answer 1

Although many people have no issues with gay or bisexual people, this is not always the case.

People hate or dislike gays, lesbians, and bisexuals and/or gayness for a variety of reasons; some of these may be:

• They are uncomfortable with or afraid of people who are different than them, whether they are gay, straight or bisexual.
• They are gay themselves and trying to disguise their sexuality by being loudly anti-homosexual.
• They are trying to affirm their (hetero)sexuality to those around them.
• They believe that their religion prohibits homosexuality and/or that it is wrong for moral reasons.

Often those with prejudices got them from their parents or have absorbed them from their local environment (culture, neighborhood, circle of friends). Some of these just don't know any better. We must also make a distinction between a dislike of gayness and a dislike of gay people. You can hate cigarettes and tobacco use, for instance, without hating people who smoke, and thus the same principle applies here

Quite lieterally, the distrust of anyone or anything that is different is normal animal behavior. People refer to it as stranger danger, and as such it becomes quite acceptable. It is when that difference is identified that it becomes "wrong" or "right." The big problem here is that "wrong" and "right" are measurements from a moral ruler, and no two moral rulers are exactly the same.

While it is perfectly acceptable and justifiable to determin that a course of behavior is not acceptable for the individual as determined by that individual (homosexuality and homophobia in this instance), any outward expression or pressing of that determination onto others is not acceptable.

Answer 2

In general, I believe it's because they're afraid they might be a little gay themselves and they don't even want to think about it. I mean, really, what's the reason for fear? What's the worst thing a gay person would do -- hit on them? In which case it's only necessary to say no... unless they're afraid they might not want to say no.

Another view:

Actually, very few are actually scared of gay people. More people disagree with gay people or even dislike them than actually fear them. It can be argued that hating gay people is out of fear, but that is up for debate. More people oppose gayness without actually hating or opposing gay people. Behaviors and philosophies are not the same as people, and it is possible to be against one and not the other, though they are intertwined. Of the ones who are afraid, it is because of flimsy reasons like they are afraid the person will make sexual moves on them or approach them for sex. Really, if someone is secure in their masculinity or sexuality, gay folks are no threat to them.

Also, people sometimes confuse gay people with other people they fear. Gay people are not the same as child molesters. Most gay men prefer other gay men. Likewise, gay men don't dress up as women to try to trick straight men into having sex with them. Gayness is not about deception, nor is it a rejection of one's own gender. It is time to put an end to the myths and stereotypes.

Answer 3

People who are afraid of being homosexual are stupid. They lack respect of people who are in love. They are afraid because it's different and some people are afraid of change.

Another view:

Nobody is afraid of homosexuality. They simply disagree with it and find it immoral, destructive, and wrong. They oppose it for the same reasons they oppose adultery, abortion, and drug use. Everyone has a right to speak out against this lifestyle and the chosen behaviors that comprise it and are exercising their First Amendment right when they do so. It can be argued that some people who practice gayness are bigoted against those oppose it and afraid of such people.