While I think that *could* indeed be one reason for quite a few homphobes, I think it's more the *fear what we don't understand* syndrome. In a way, it's a lot like racisim: You're not like me, so I hate you for being different. It's terribly sad to hate someone for no reason at all. I pity people who have such small minds and worlds that they are unable to grasp a different view.

Anyway, geting back to the point, I actually had a friend we called "Gay Casey" because he tried to get with every girl he saw in an attempt to proove his manhood. We all agreed that he tried WAAAAY too hard to show how manly he was - almost to the point of trying to cover up something else. We all thought that his actions were because he couldn't face the truth of what was inside - that he might actually be gay and was trying (at GREAT length) to make sure that we thought differently.

That's like being a homophobe: attempting to cover up the fact that you're NOT gay at all and you would NEVER have thoughts like that, because the alternative is too scary to comprehend, or your social group would effectively ostercize you. In a way, that's almost even MORE sad than just staying in the closet, because you'd hate yourself for being "unnatural," and never admit to yourself that it's okay to be different.

I have a lot of gay friends and I think they're awesome. I wish society as a whole would relax - who cares what people do behind closed doors? They're not the anti-christ and they're not going to sinlge handedly take down America, so live and let live, am I right?

This is a fairly interesting question, but there are complexities that make it difficult to answer.

I grew up in a religious background and went to a religious high school. In those days I was somewhat homophobic; my friends were extremely homophobic - perhaps the most homophobic amongst them turned out gay, but that is beside the point. Not all of my homophobic friends were gay - but for the one or two that were, I think it was a kind of disguise.

I am no longer homophobic.

Religion gets people twisted up about what is right and wrong. At the end of the day, a person does no harm to society because he/she is into people of the same sex.

I would say that most homophobia stems from religious sentiments that have no place in this day and age. Sure, there will be a handful of extremely homophobic gay people, but the suggestion that everyone who dislikes gay people is secretly gay is rather absurd.

To me, it makes no sense to be offended by another person's sexuality. Why should I think differently of a guy who is into men than one who is into women. Gay dudes can make awesome wingmen. As for the guy who talked about being weirded out by gay people patting him on the shoulder - why?

I touch people all the time, it doesn't mean that I want to sleep with them. At the end of the day, if you are confident in your own sexuality, you shouldn't have issues with anybody else's.

No.

I don't mind gay people at all but if a gay guy starts patting my shoulder and stuff, I do feel a little uncomfortable, especially if I don't know them that well. Does that make me gay? I don't think so.

I feel the same way when anyone I don't know touches me.

I hate milk. I HATE it. Does that make me a closet dairy farmer? I think not.