According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, homophobia is the irrational fear, dislike, or discrimination against homosexuality or gay people. Much like a witch hunt, homophobia targets and seeks out individuals, homosexual or heterosexual, and persecutes them on the basis of their ignorance, and even more so if one cannot provide solid evidence of their innocence. (Hughes) This is the fuel behind many hate crimes and discrimination. Some people claim that homosexuality is an illness. If this statement is true, couldn't we all just start calling people "queer" at work and school when we're not around? (Avoid) Homophobes give many reasons, which they consider extremely valid, to support their hatred. “It’s not natural” – a weak argument. Biologists frequently observe homosexual behavior in other mammal species. In livestock farming, this is so common that it begins to cause reproductive problems. Additionally, bisexuality is universal among bonobo chimpanzees. (Bidstrup) Another variation of the “it’s not natural” argument is that homosexuality is a “perversion.” You also have the argument that homosexuality is "disgusting, a disease", which is essentially a derivative of the "it's not natural/a perversion" argument: on a separate level when it comes to 'ignorance. Many things in society are disgusting, we don't ban them just because someone is disgusted. Heterosexuals seem to forget that they may appear to displease the homosexual community. Wouldn't it be ridiculous for a gay man or lesbian woman to come forward and say that heterosexuals should be persecuted? Aren’t respect and tolerance a two-way street? And if homosexuality is a disease, then can we call people “queer” at work or school? Then there are your little religious arguments. More arguments based on religion... middle of paper ...... "land of the free", we need to open our minds and hearts and realize that the LGBT community is not the cause of the disaster, but sectarianism. and the horror is. Homophobia, like racism, will always be a social problem. However, through education and reconstruction, we can see major change and improvement in the quality of life for those who are so deeply affected by hatred. Works Cited Bidstrup, Scott. “Homosexual Behaviors in Animals.” n. page. Internet. September 21, 2011. Homophobia, prejudice and attitudes towards homosexuals and lesbians. , Internet. March 24, 2011. .Hughes, Sean. “Anti-gay harassment can become a witch hunt.” Winston-Salem Journal February 6, 2006: Sec. D.Print. Waldman, Steven. “Why religions are against same-sex marriage…” n. page. Internet. September 20 2011. .