[Dylobs]

Although I couldn't be friends with them, I know many homophobic people who have done so much for other causes, much more than most people on this site probably do, so I guess.

[Latch]

absolutely

this kind of behavior is learned and it just has to be unlearned (which isn't always easy)
I'm a gay man and I once had homophobic beliefs because of the way I grew up

even though homophobes infuriate the hell out of me, I know they're just people and people aren't perfect

[Latch]

Originally posted by Ronnie Redd

But we don't believe it's behind your control. We believe it is a choice.

why the notion that we would choose to do it the hard way and experience unrelenting bigotry?

[Quiqui4eva]

Originally posted by Ronnie Redd

Well, that's what we believe and God believes it too. I don't agree with your lifestyle, but I respect you.

I went to a Catholic HS and even they said it wasn't a choice because some of the highest people of the church confirm that

[Letters From Adi]

Depends. My sister is amazing but she's ignorant and conservative.

[Rihlana]

Omg, this thread

Not the dupe using his dupe account to defend something he posted on his original account

OT: I think you can be a good person, it's just an unfortunate flaw in your personality. Personally, I do not think I could be friends with a homophobe because I do not want to surround myself with people who are against equality or subconsciously think they are better than others for something that they did not choose. BUT, I'm ok with being friends with somebody who does not comment on the matter (i.e. is not vocal in their opinions). As soon as it becomes even slightly hateful or oppressive, I'm out.

Basically, for me, subjectively I would not consider you a good person because it is just too much of a flaw for me to look past. Imagine disagreeing with who somebody loves because they are the same gender and actually wanting to kill love. Objectively though, I think you can be a good person IF you can see past it.

[Ecstasy]

Originally posted by Latch

absolutely

this kind of behavior is learned and it just has to be unlearned (which isn't always easy)
I'm a gay man and I once had homophobic beliefs because of the way I grew up

even though homophobes infuriate the hell out of me, I know they're just people and people aren't perfect

I guess you're right. Seems like a waste tho having this awful trait when you're an otherwise upstanding decent human being

[SHICD]

Yes. It's only ignorance

[Kingie]

No, homophobia is a major "character flaw" (if you even want to refer to it as that)

[Jacketh]

It depends. The question is too vague for a yes or no. Far too vague.

My Grandparents are what you would describe as homophobic. They accept me, But they're clearly disgusted and simply don't talk about it with me - its a non issue. They grew up in Catholic Ireland in the 1950s. Do I expect them to have a positive outlook, or to even understand it? No. I don't care they're homophobic, really - I didn't expect any different. They are good people.

There are some religious folk who will be good people, but you could class as homophobic simply people they do not like gay marriage. I don't see this as homophobic.

There are, however, homophobes that will make it their mission to bully gay people. Who will throw their son or daughter out of the house. Who will curse on the street. These people, are not good people.

[Burqa]

Yes

[Hurem]

As long as they're not aggresive towards LGBT community, yes.

[Paul McCutie]

mayyybe. if you mean like not understanding it and finding it weird, especially if it's your 80 years old grandma or something. but people actually going out of their way to make hateful and gay bashing comments - no. They're definitely not good people.

[wehan6]

i guess

[Otter]

Yes, even good people are flawed and environment/context is everything. Theres a reason why many people on here have experience of their parents being somewhat homophobic and its not because their parents are "bad people".

How they express their homophobia is obviously important too. Being judgemental, disapproving and having ignorant beliefs is one thing. Taking it that step further hurling verbal/physical abuse at someone is another.

[fireaero]

They can be. My extended family is incredibly generous and welcoming, but they're also homophobic. Or at least, I think they are. They're very religious.

Overall, they're good people.

[IMadeYouReadThis]

Yup...

It's all in the way you're raised and taught... I have homophobic friends and family (who don't know that I'm bi, I'm not out) who don't really understand the concept because they grew up being told to reject the whole thing. They wouldn't harm or stop talking to someone gay because they are gay. They just wouldn't be able to comprehend the concept...

I even had/have a homophobic crush, and since he means no harm, just doesn't 'agree' with the 'idea'. He's a decent person. Just raised very conservative.

If you express your homophobia as hatred and violence, then, no, you're not a good person.

[TheGreatMrY]

That's like asking can you eat meat and be a good person. Being a good person and not doing/supporting whatever other thing aren't mutually exclusive.

[SpinThatShhh]

Omg, i'm so sorry to hear that.

Yes, they just still have work to do. Homophobia is taught, though, so if they're homophobic it's likely that have been taught a lot of ignorance which ultimately creates a bad person.

[AMIT]

Imo, no. If you are a grown person and homophobic, you have no one to blame but yourself.