Homophobia as Indicator of Latent Homosexuality

In all the discussion about the homophobic use of the word "pansy" yesterday, no one mentioned the research that demonstrates that males who exhibit homophobic attitudes and behaviors--from verbal abuse to bullying to gay-bashing--ususally suffer from unresolved latent homosexuality.

The tests, which were conducted using "penile plethysmography," showed that "individuals who score in the homophobic range and admit negative affect toward homosexuality demonstrate significant sexual arousal to male homosexual erotic stimuli." This arousal was measured by "increases in tumescence" in response to a male homosexual video.

According to these theories, homophobia is simply a type of latent homosexuality where "persons either are unaware of or deny their homosexual urges."

It's a fascinating theory and certainly explains a lot.
Is Homophobia Associated With Homosexual Arousal?

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oh oh oh oh. And they're all avoiding this like the plague. I wonder why some of our ostensibly straight fellow-posters have no opinion about this subject.

That closet is getting tighter and darker all the time.

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You see now I am stuck between a rock and a hard place because now you can say I am only posting this because to try and defend my heterosexuality. I am really glad to see this information made widely available. Actually I was going to comment earlier but I was distracted by the 11 points of Kerry thread. This gives me a point of reference when people ask me for proof of Homophobia being an indicator of Homosexuality. (Why is everyone beating me to the punch on what I want to say today?)

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Updated On: 10/5/04 at 01:40 PM

i didn't comment because redhot stole my comment.

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I didn't comment for other reasons, but I am neither homophobic nor homosexual... so my opinion isn't unique or relevant.

But thanks again all for reinforcing a stereotype that theatre is only for women and gays. It's very productive.

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Straight guy here. LOL

I believe this is true. A lot of people I know that are very homophobic are latent. They are battling their inner demons by abusing others that are out (which they can't/won't do). I mean, I do not KNOW that they are latent, but my friends and I have our theories about them.

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Rodney, how about paying attention to your "job" for about 3 months? You might even get a promotion to making egg mcmuffins!

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First of all, I was making a little joke and wasn't intending to offend anyone.

That said, if it's a stereotype, it has (like most stereotypes) a certain basis in truth -- most theatre fans ARE female and/or gay.

According to a survey from the League of American Theatres and Producers, nearly two-thirds of Broadway theatregoers (64%) are female. While the same survey does not provide a break down by sexual orientation, I don't think it's a huge stretch to assume that a fairly large portion of the remaining 36% of theatregoers who are male, are also gay (a fourth? a third? half? Who knows....).

That a relatively small percentage of theatregoers (and presumably posters on a theatre board) are straight men -- not that there's anything wrong with that, to quote Seinfeld -- is hardly a surprise. No need to be defensive. That your sexuality deviates from the norm here certainly won't be held against you by anyone -- we're liberal that way.
League of American Theatres Survey

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"You might even get a promotion to making egg mcmuffins!"
That's a personal attack and uncalled for.

PalJoey, as for calling me "pansy flinger"
That's a personal attack and uncalled for.

I understand why women and gays use them (identification with the particular diva, either as a performer or as an online persona).

Why do the gay guys post pretty boys as their avatars? For the same reason. I happen to have a schoolboy crush on Kerry Butler, so I am currently using her as my avatar.

But when a straight man uses a female avatar, does it mean you admire the talent? the looks? Or do you enjoy the sexual ambiguity of readers not knowing whether you're male or female? If so, do you do it as a kind of drag?

PJ, do you admire the looks and talent of the President? Or is it a kind of "drag" for you? You can come over, the GOP welcomes you.

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So you didn't vote in the Democratic primary? That's a shame! Perhaps if you had, someone other than the zombie would be running... someone who had charisma, and a shot at winning.

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I am amazed when people act like either candidate has this in the bag. They are tied! And, we aren't going to know until November 2 what really is going to happen. Kerry has a very strong chance of winning--painting him as a stiff ghoul isn't going to change that. I'd rather have the stiff ghoul than the dumb redneck.

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1. Who are these gay guys claiming everyone is gay??? Is it cause I'm over 21 and living in NYC that I don't run into these people??? I mean...come ON!

2. Rodney...those aren't personal attacks. 'Choke on my f*cking c*ck, a**hole' is...and it's one of my personal faves. I've used it on this board, even. And I believe it was to you! Funny that.

3. Nothing left to say...just like to do things in three's. It's funnier that way.

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