How to stop being homophobic and accept the difference.

Abandoning discriminatory patterns of thought towards gays and lesbians is possible.

In Western countries there is a strong tradition a strong tradition based on discrimination against homosexuals.. 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 way of thinking of the majority.

In fact, even today it is not uncommon for homosexuals to be criminalized and discriminated against using the most outlandish excuses: from the appeal to a supposed "human nature" that coincidentally coincides with the description of what one's own opinion is what love and family should be, to biblical quotations interpreted as one's own interests dictate, going through myths about homosexuality that are not supported by scientific consensus..

Leaving homophobia behind, step by step.

In short, homophobia remains a reality even in more affluent societies with greater access to university education. In fact, many people experience a kind of cognitive dissonance in understanding that there is no reason to discriminate against homosexuals while at the same time catch themselves falling into beliefs or thoughts based on homophobia..

But all thinking patterns can be modified, and so can this one. Here are some keys to stop being homophobic, based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral psychology.

1. Consider the usefulness of your mental schemas

A mental schema is a set of ideas and beliefs that acts as a matrix for interpreting reality. This is what makes, for example, some people relate the concept of "chemicals" to technology, pollution and processed foods, and others relate it to practically everything that exists (and which is composed of atoms and molecules).

In the case at hand, we should first ask ourselves whether the cognitive schema that is being applied when thinking about the idea of homosexuality is useful to understand this concept in the best possible way. This implies questioning whether the stereotypes that were related to homosexuals are in themselves indispensable for understanding these people. After all, it is possible to be homosexual without fulfilling these stereotypes.

It also implies questioning the idea that homosexuality is both an ideology and a sexual orientation, which is logically impossible. Many of the ideas used to defend discrimination are based on criticisms of ideologized 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 a belief that, in the absence of very strong arguments based on scientific consensus to the contrary, all individuals should enjoy exactly the same rights, all individuals should enjoy exactly the same rights..

Thus, a good way to carry out cognitive restructuring in an autonomous way is to reflect on the reasons for believing that a minority such as homosexuals should not have the same rights as others. Are these beliefs well-founded? Is there a scientific consensus on why these people should be treated differently in certain respects?

3. Write down the habits that feed homophobia

A person is what they think, but also what they do. That's why one way to stop being homophobic is to reflect on the habits and habitual routes of thinking that fit with homophobia staying alert to prevent its occurrence.

For example, thinking of homosexuality as an insult, or considering that all members of this minority meet the stereotypes that some people associate with the LGBT movement.

4. Learn to argue against homophobic comments.

Reverse-engineering others' homophobic beliefs is a good way to detect their flaws and logical cracks. This, besides being very useful to externalize your change of perspective, is very stimulating intellectually, because it involves discovering new reasoning that opens up through the old beliefs that you previously held.