1. Masculinity as Homophobia By: Haley Johnson

2. Michael S Kimmel’s definition of Homophobia “...I view masculinity as a constantly changing collection of meanings that we construct through our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with our world. Manhood is neither status nor timeless; it is historical. Manhood is not the manifestation of an inner essence; it is socially constructed. Manhood does not bubble up into consciousness from our biological makeup; it is created in our culture. Manhood means different things at different times to different people. We come to know what it means to be a man in our culture by setting our definition in opposition to a set of “others”– racial minorities, sexual minorities, and above all, women...”

3. Definition of Homophobia Homophobia is the prejudice against or the fear or dislike of homosexual people.

4. “Playing it straight: Masculinities, Homophobias and Schooling” Homophobic attitudes are commonly seen in younger men or boys Schools are a prime example of these actions and discrimination Masculine= hyperheterosexual identity “Wimpy”= translates to being gay.

5. Homophobic displays are acted out to portray one’s own “masculinity” It was found that, homophobic practices were regarded by teachers and pupils as natural in the development of growing boys and teens. http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/bullies _break_11-year- old_boys_arm_because_hes_a_cheerleader http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/bullies _break_11-year- old_boys_arm_because_hes_a_cheerleader

6. Linking Homophobia to Misogyny In school and in sports it is not uncommon for boys or young men to be called “girls” or “women” This is an insult to them because women are seen as a lower status group Gay characteristics are also applied to women Gay men are seen as feminine and therefore “lower status” In this view, homophobia and misogyny can be seen as overlapping.

7. Female groups are found to be more accepting of homosexuality than the culture of young boys. Seen as ‘wrong’ and ‘unnatural’ because it violates their traditional version of masculinity Young men are encouraged to act this way and perform their gendered identities to survive the accusations of homosexuality.

8. Masculinity as Homophobia Masculinity is unachievable, and never complete. Homophobic sequences suggest the impossibility of a unified self. The acts of homophobia and making fun of homosexuality is the performity of “Playing it Straight”

9. One’s own Masculinity should not depend upon the “othering” and bullying and discrimination of homosexual men or women.