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Male Homosexism: A Concept in Search of Acceptance

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Abstract

‘Homosexism’ is an early term originally proposed to more accurately reflect a prejudice, rather than a phobia implied in the term ‘homophobia.’ However, the term ‘homosexism’ never gained traction, but the roots of the word suggest a previously unrecognized prejudice based on sexual behavior, in contrast to a prejudice based on same-gender attraction. In this paper, homosexism, as a prejudice encompassing subtypes of male same-sexual behaviors, is differentiated from homophobia, which is based on sexual orientation. Homosexism can elucidate why cultural portrayals that emphasize anal sex as the central element of sexual behavior among men who have sex with men are not supported by research evidence. Homosexism, and its potentially damaging effects, cannot be redressed until it is identified, named, and managed.

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    Ronald E. Hellman

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Ronald E. Hellman—Former Associate Professor, Institute for Advanced Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

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Hellman, R.E. Male Homosexism: A Concept in Search of Acceptance. Sexuality & Culture 25, 337–346 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-020-09744-2

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