Stigma and Discrimination Against Gay Men

by Aron Shane Aurea (created November 2, 2021)

“Love knows no gender,” as an anonymous saying suggests. And indeed, love transcends above
the body and restrictions set by the world. However, the LGBTQ+ community, especially with gay and
bisexual men, struggle in a constant battle against the society; fighting in the name of love and peace.
The situation has not yet been a flowery road for the feminine males. They experience stigma and
discrimination frequently from different groups in society as a result of narrow-mindedness and
misunderstanding from the victims. A term commonly used today is homophobia, or otherwise known
as gayphobia. It is is a form of homophobic prejudice, hatred, or bias specifically directed toward gay
men, male homosexuality, or men who are perceived to be gay. This stems from another form of gender
hatred called femmephobia, the dislike and hostility towards feminine individuals. Gay or homosexual
men experience discrimination from different aspects of society including family, school or working
environment, friends and peers, and even government and religious constituents. Social isolation,
emotional or psychological abuse, violence, and rejection significantly affect their day-to-day life
involving the aspects of work, social security, and physical and mental well-being.
In the family setting, while some boys in their childhood develop positively receiving acceptance
from their parents for homosexuality, others who are rejected may experience detrimental effects on
their growth. Those who were not accepted and greatly disgraced by their family most likely end up
having problems/issues about their self-worth and self-esteem. They may carry these and progress
negatively up to adulthood, wherein they attain undesirable traits of their personality. An article by
save.org explains that LGBT people, including gay men, are more active to suicide than in others. In
light of this, counseling can be a ray of hope to the troubled individuals, by helping them change toxic
behavior and empowering them to return to their pride and confidence.
Harassment and violence are also threatening gay people, whether at school or work, or from
friends and peers. Incidents usually involve verbal harassment, threats of assault, and physical
violence. This leaves them feeling unsafe and insecure from bullies and harassers.
Another challenge of the gay population is the isolation brought by government and religious
constituents. Although some public officials and Christian leaders have stated for the anti-discrimination
of the LGBT people, several have yet to practice gender-conformity. There are others of opposite
ideology or belief, and not only speak against the community but also act opposed through public
shaming and dogmatic constrain.
Other problems and issues that gay men go through may include difficulty of employment, limited
health services, fear of coming out, poor mental health and coping skills, and struggle to keep same-
sex relationships.
On the other hand, action can still be taken to help combat stigma and discrimination from
homosexuals and the rest of the pride community. Proper education and understanding can be instilled
into families to help spread awareness and approval. School and work establishments are to be
reformed in terms of social systems in order to reduce cases of bullying and harassment. The church
and government need also to have renewed ideas and perceptions about the LGBTQ+ for equal rights
and opportunities.
Homophobia or gayphobia results to discrimination and other challenges towards the gay
community. It affects various aspects of their life leading to hindrance from equality of all. The hate
towards gay men is not at all good or constructive in any way. Instead, it diminishes society and life
itself. All life on the world is equal, even the pride people too. Is it not right to let love flourish above all?
Is love not the key to everything?