Sexism, Gender Roles and Homophobia

Homophobia is directly related to power and sexism. Sexism is the belief that men are superior to women, resulting in prejudice and discrimination against women and femininity. Sexism systematically takes power away from women.

That’s a broad statement, so let’s examine how sexism works. Consider two scenarios that are sometimes joked about: men doing housework and staying home with children, and women being advanced scientists.

Someone might make fun of a man doing housework or parenting infants because the person considers housework and raising children as “women’s work,” or beneath men. In truth, most men are capable of and need those skills to be competent members of society.

Similarly, someone might belittle the notion of women being advanced scientists because of stereotypes that “a woman’s place is in the home” and that family duties will prevent true commitment to a profession.

While these perceptions are flawed, the jokes follow a clear pattern of sexism: Tasks that women usually perform are considered beneath men, and tasks that men usually perform are considered too hard for women to accomplish.

One consequence of this belief system, besides devaluing women and fueling toxic masculinity, is the creation of strict gender roles. Gender roles are behaviors that society thinks are appropriate for men only or women only.

Strict gender roles make it difficult for everyone to be themselves, especially given that few people fall neatly into those roles. Gender roles also devalue any sexuality that is not wholly heterosexual. This leads to a culture that privileges heterosexuality over homosexuality, a system known as heterosexism.

Heterosexual Privilege

Consider a few of the unconscious privileges heterosexual people enjoy but that are often dangerous for homosexuals:

• Publicly holding hands or displaying affection with your partner without fear for your safety.
• Bringing your partner to a work, school or family gathering without having to worry about being judged, losing your job or alienating others.
• Being able to get married or adopt children (state dependent).
• Having people assume the correct gender of those you might be attracted to, such as assuming your partner is someone of the opposite sex.
• Being considered a “traditional” couple.

Sexism and gender roles depend on heterosexuality. Because homosexuality challenges the notion that all people are heterosexual, it challenges sexism and gender roles. The result can be expressed as homophobia.

Effects of Homophobia

Homophobia affects people of every orientation, but it has specific consequences for those who are not heterosexual. At school, many non-heterosexual students don’t disclose their sexual orientation out of fear that their families or peers will reject them. This can lead to feelings of isolation or shame.

In extreme cases homophobia can lead to violence against students who are believed to be non-heterosexual. Homophobia limits everyone’s choices for how to express themselves and how to act.

How to Be an Ally

What can you do to reduce the impact of homophobia in your daily life? Here are some tips:

• If you hear someone make a homophobic remark, help them understand that their words are hurtful to others.
• Use gender-neutral terms when asking about someone’s date or partner.
• Join or form a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) in your school. GSAs are clubs that support students of all orientations working together to combat homophobia and raise awareness of how to make a more welcoming and affirming community.
• Encourage gender-neutral bathrooms.

Reviewed by: Nancy Brown, Ph.D.

Last reviewed: January 2020