According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, homophobia is the irrational fear, aversion, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. Much like a witch hunt, homophobia targets and seeks out individuals, gay or straight, and persecutes them based on ignorance, and even more so if one cannot provide concrete evidence of their innocence. (Hughes) It is the fuel behind many hate crimes and discrimination. Some argue that homosexuality is a disease. If this statement is true, couldn't we just start calling “queer” at work and school when we aren't there? (Avoid) Homophobes give numerous reasons, which they consider extremely valid, to support their hatred. “It's not natural” – a weak argument. Biologists often find homosexual behavior in other mammal species. It is so common on livestock farms that it is starting to become problematic for reproduction. Furthermore, bisexuality is universal in Bonobo chimpanzees. (Bidsstrup) Another variation of the “it's unnatural” argument is that homosexuality is a “perversion.” There's also the argument that homosexuality is "disgusting, a disease", which is essentially an outgrowth of the "it's unnatural/a perversion" argument: on its own level regarding ignorance. Many things in society are disgusting, we don't outlaw them simply on the basis that someone is disgusted. Heterosexuals seem to forget that they may seem unpleasant to the homosexual community. Wouldn't it be ridiculous for a gay man or lesbian woman to come out and say that straight people should be persecuted? Aren't respect and tolerance a two-way street? And if homosexuality is a disease, then can we call “queer” at work or school? Then there are your petty religious arguments. More religion based arguments... middle of paper... "land of the free", we must open our minds and hearts and realize that it is not the LGBT community that causes the catastrophe, but bigotry and horror that does And. Homophobia, like racism, will always be a problem in society. However, with education and rebuilding, we can see great change and improvement in the quality of life of those affected so deeply by hate. Works Cited, Bidstrup, Scott. "Homosexual behavior in animals". No. page Network. 21 Sep 2011. Homophobia, prejudice and attitudes towards gay men and lesbians. , Network. March 24, 2011. .Hughes, Sean. “Anti-gay harassment can become a witch hunt.” Winston-Salem Journal 06 FEBRUARY 2006: Sec. D. Print. Waldman, Steven. "Why religious people are against gay marriage..." n. page Network. 20 September 2011. .