How to stop being homophobic and accept the difference
In western countries there is a strong tradition based on discrimination against homosexual people . This cultural characteristic (which also appears and has appeared in many other societies) has not only been embodied in laws that discriminate against this minority, but has also had an effect on the mindset of the majority.
In fact, even today it is not strange that homosexuals are criminalized and discriminated against, taking advantage of the most far-fetched excuses: from the appeal to a supposed "human nature" that coincidentally coincides with the description of what one believes should be love and family, even biblical quotes interpreted as oneself interests you, going through myths about homosexuality that are not backed by scientific consensus .
Abandoning homophobia, step by step
In short, homophobia remains a reality even in the most affluent societies and with greater access to university education. In fact, many people experience a kind of cognitive dissonance when they understand that there is no reason to discriminate against homosexuals and at the same time be surprised by falling into beliefs or thoughts based on homophobia .
But all thought schemes can be modified, and this too. These are some keys to stop being homophobic, based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral psychology.
1. Consider the usefulness of your mental schemes
A mental scheme is the set of ideas and beliefs that acts as a matrix to interpret reality. It is what makes, for example, that some people relate the concept of "chemical substances" with technology, pollution and processed foods, and others relate it to almost everything that exists (and that is composed of atoms and molecules) .
In the case at hand, it is worth considering first whether the cognitive scheme that is being applied when thinking about the idea of homosexuality is useful to understand this concept in the best possible way. This involves questioning whether stereotypes that were related to homosexuals are in themselves indispensable to understand these people. After all, you can be homosexual without meeting them
It also implies questioning the idea that homosexuality is an ideology and at the same time a sexual orientation, something that is logically impossible. Many of the ideas used to defend discrimination are based on criticism of ideological groups that are against homophobia, not homosexuality itself.
2. Consider the degree to which you believe in equality
The idea that all human beings are equal implies believing that, in the absence of very solid arguments based on scientific consensus to the contrary, all individuals must enjoy exactly the same rights .
Thus, a good way to perform a cognitive restructuring autonomously is to reflect on the reasons why it is believed that a minority such as that composed of homosexual people should not have the same rights as others. Are those beliefs well-founded? Is there a scientific consensus on the reasons why the treatment of these people should be different in certain aspects?
3. Write down the habits that feed homophobia
A person is what he thinks, but also what he does. That is why one way to stop being homophobic is to reflect on habits and habitual thought routes that fit with homophobia stay alert to prevent its appearance .
For example, think of homosexuality as an insult, or consider that all members of this minority fulfill the stereotypes that some people associate with the LGTB movement.
4. Learn to argue before homophobic comments
Reverse engineering against homophobic beliefs of others it is a good way to detect its faults and its logical cracks. This, in addition to being very useful to externalize your change of perspective, is very intellectually stimulating, because it involves discovering new reasonings that open up through the old beliefs that you previously held.
