Invisible homophobia

noun: Refers to behavior which is considered as normal and is accepted by the society, although it is harmful to LGBTQIA+ people or those perceived to be such. The difference between (visible) ‘homophobia’ and ‘invisible homophobia’, is that the former is intentional and easily recognised as negative (even prohibited under certain circumstances), while the latter is usually unintentional, hardly distinguished or proven and socially acceptable in a heteronormative society. When LGBTQI+ people point out to ‘invisible homophobia’, they are usually considered to oversensitive. Some examples of what invisible homophobia are: homophobic jokes, avoiding contact with LGBTQIA+ people or those perceived to be such even simply by changing sidewalks, or deciding not to become friends with a person who does not identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender. These behaviors can lead to exclusion, anxiety, and affect the well-being of those experiencing unseen homophobic situations. A phenomenon analogous to modern sexism, anti- Semitism or Muslimophobia.

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