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As nice as it would be to snap our fingers and have the problem of homophobia disappear, it simply won't happen. Generations after the African slaves were declared free in the United States, racism still plays a part in American culture. Just as we have not cured the problem of racism though legal actions, the problem of homophobia refuses to be solved simply.

The first step is not to teach tolerance, but acceptance. More and more medical studies are pointing toward specific genes that designate whether or not an individual will be "straight" or "gay." While this idea outrages the religious community because they view homosexuality as a choice, if the scientific studies are correct, then homosexual individuals are born, they do not decide to just become gay later on in life. We need to teach our children that you can't "catch" gay and that there is nothing wrong with those who are. They can be taught that generally a man and a woman who love each other can become a couple, but some times, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman do the same thing and there's nothing wrong with that.

Children are the easiest people to raise with acceptance of homosexuality, but how does one help change the mindset of older individuals who are set in their ways. It is the parents of those children who we need to teach acceptance to that will eventually impose their mindset on their offspring. Hatred tends to breed hatred. Homophobic adults generally react as strongly as they do for one of two reasons:

1) They have been raised to have homosexual persons due to family/church beliefs.
2) They may have "questionable" feelings toward the same sex and are afraid that they may be gay and refuse to accept the possibility.

To tackle the first option, especially if their beliefs are church orientated, it is best to remind the individual that God made each and every one of us the way we are, and he loves us no matter what. While they may point out specific Biblical passages that denounce homosexuality, they are not the final judge on how someone has lived their life, God is. And as far as God is concerned, we're supposed to love each other regardless.

The second option is the most tricky one. Informing a person that their homophobic feelings may be because they are gay and afraid to admit it will no doubt cause major problems. There is truly no correct way to handle that except to do as I suggested in the last paragraph. "Love each other regardless."

Learn more about this author, Asaria Setemyr.
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