Homophobia: an updated review of the literature

Abstract

The world in 2010 is a very different place to 1987 when Bhugra's paper on homophobia was published. Huge shifts have occurred in society's attitudes to gender, sex, sexuality and identity – notably by the internet, changes in HIV treatment, media representation of homosexuality and feminism and the role of women in society. This paper updates the literature review on homophobia revisiting society's assumptions about homosexuals. Changes are discussed in the context of definitions of homophobia, socio-cultural and politico-legal perspectives and homophobia and medicine. New current assumptions are drawn up and offered as a way of understanding both development and limitations – whilst there has been a reduction in the fear associated with gay men and women, discrimination remains. Newer issues such as internalised homophobia, globalisation and mainstream representations of homosexuality add complexity to this ongoing concern.

Keywords:

• homosexuality
• attitudes
• sexuality
• prejudice