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To: Tom Clarke who wrote (10475)	4/24/2002 3:06:41 AM
From: Solon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21057

Another definition is same. In this sense a homophobe would have a fear of sameness. That seems rather nonsensical Nevertheless, it is correct. Homosexual derives from sexual attraction between people of the same gender or sex. "Homophobia" simply contracts homosexual phobia. "Homo", of course, when used as a reference to a homosexual, is simply a shortening of homosexual. It has gained popularity as a name as well as a description, and as such it is almost universally used to insult and denigrate. As in your example--homosexual phobia was shortened to homophobia. "Another definition is a disparaging term used to describe gays and lesbians" When homosexual is shortened to "homo" it generally intends a sneer. In other words, it moves from a minority neutral orientation toward the same sex...to an unnatural and despicable person. The ugly meaning is not immanent in the word, which simply means "same" in the Greek. The ugly meaning is rather a consequence of usage, intention, and emotion. The Latin derivation is somewhat different, but is not pertinent to this. "Why do people who use the word 'homophobe' wish to disparage gays and lesbians?" The term "homophobe" is normally used to describe the person who fears or hates homosexuals. It is the shortened form of homosexual phobia--i.e. (from the Greek)--someone who fears a person who is attracted to a same sex partner. Fear has taken on shades of "apprehension" and worse...thus, has the word morphed to reflect a greater accuracy than the simplicity of its roots would permit. People who use the word "homophobe" are referring to, or addressing, those who are apprehensive (and often intolerant) of people who are sexually attracted to the same sex (i.e...."same" sexuals). They are not disparaging gays and lesbians. They are characterizing people who have a homosexual phobia.

To: Tom Clarke who wrote (10475)	4/24/2002 9:57:04 AM
From: Rambi	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 21057

The word is a derivation. It is not an exact translation of the two roots stuck together, anymore than other derivations are (e.g., inaugurate literally comes from the Latin inauguro which itself evolved from two other Latin words which meant "consult the birds before undertaking an enterprise", or paraphernalia- para phero --literally "bring beyond"). Derivations start with roots and have their meanings broaden and evolve. The current dictionary meaning of homophobic is pretty straightforward and these attempts to argue with it are sort of baffling to me.