Most people are familiar with the term 'homophobia', but what is it exactly? It's an extreme fear or dislike of anything related to being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Homophobia has been present throughout history and across cultures.
Some societies seem to have more trouble accepting LGBTQ individuals than others. What causes this stubbornness in certain communities? Could past state repression be to blame?
State repression refers to the systematic suppression of individual rights and freedoms by governments. This can take many forms, such as censorship, surveillance, imprisonment, torture, and even extermination. States may repress their citizens for political reasons, religious beliefs, or cultural values.
In some countries where homosexuality was once illegal, it remains taboo today despite legal reform. Examples include Uganda, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. These states have been ruled by authoritarian leaders who enforce strict laws against homosexuality to control public morality. They often justify these policies with appeals to tradition, religion, or national security concerns.
Repression can leave lasting scars on a society's psyche. Victims of oppression may develop deep-seated anxieties about power dynamics and social order. They may see any form of nonconformity as a threat to the status quo, including sexual orientation and gender identity. This trauma can also lead to collective shame, self-doubt, and denial among survivors. It may take generations for a community to heal from state-sponsored violence.
Some researchers believe that memory of repression can explain persistent homophobia in certain societies.
A 2015 study found that people who lived through Soviet purges were more likely than others to reject LGBTQ people due to fear of retaliation from authorities. Those who experienced personal loss during the repressions were especially susceptible.
Other factors are also involved. Social norms, family structures, religious beliefs, media messages, and economic pressures all shape attitudes towards homosexuality.
Many cultures view same-sex relationships as deviant because they challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics. Homophobia is often used to maintain patriarchal systems of control over women and children.
Social psychologist William McDougall once said, "The individual is not born a human being, but becomes one." He meant that humans are shaped by their environment, experiences, and relationships. We learn our values and beliefs from those around us. Thus, even if past repression has subsided, its legacy can linger on in collective memories.
While state repression may contribute to homophobia, it's not the only cause.
Understanding this history can help us empathize with victims of oppression and work towards greater acceptance worldwide. By recognizing the trauma inflicted by authoritarian regimes, we can promote equality, freedom, and justice for all.
Can memory of state repression explain persistent homophobia in certain societies?
State repression is defined as the systematic denial of human rights and civil liberties by an authoritarian government. It can take many forms, including censorship, torture, imprisonment, and extrajudicial killing. In some societies, this has been directed towards LGBTQ+ individuals for centuries. The trauma associated with state repression can have lasting effects on both individual memories and cultural identity, which may contribute to persistent homophobia.