Great column. It\'s interesting to see how homophobia is still prevalent even in larger cities where I had always (somewhat niaveley, I admit) hoped homophobia was nonexistent. 
 
I live in a small town of about 1500 people in rural Canada. My town is filled with prejudice and hate which is why I am literally counting the days until I\'m out of here and homophobia is something I deal with almost everyday, whether in those more \"socially accepted\" ways (such as the man waving his slack wrists from his car) or in ways that are less socially acceptable.  
 
I remember when Brokeback Mountain came out (not that long ago) and how everyone seemed to want to rent it, just so that the next day they could rant to anyone and everyone about how \"disgusting\" and \"ungodly\" the film was.  
 
I\'ve dealt with homphobia in everything from the workplace to the locker room. One of my co-workers threw a fit when we got Carlton cards made by Ellen D. because she was a lesbian. My basketball coach made several comments as to not wanting any gays on the floor or the team or in the locker room. I forced myself to not react and to smile and laugh along with everyone else. It\'s something I\'m not exactly proud of. But violence is always a threat.  
 
Homophobia is deeply ingrained in society, but then so was anti-semitism and racism and those things have both been significantly reduced. I have hopes for getting rid of homophobia, but not high ones.

Registered