For years, attitudes toward homosexuality have varied widely. Even though homosexuality is increasingly approved around the world, there are still individuals with homophobic attitudes. Unfortunately, homophobia is common and often plays a significant role in the lives of many gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. The most extreme form of homophobia is revealed in hate crimes. Hate crimes include assaults, robberies, and murders committed because the victim belongs to a certain race, religion, or ethnic group or has a certain sexual orientation (Crooks & Baur, 2013). Although homophobia and hate crimes cannot be justified, they have various motivations. First, they reflect at the most fundamental level humanity's poor ability to accept and value differences among individuals (Crooks & Baur, 2013). Second, homophobia and hate crimes are generally linked to traditional gender role identification. People who hold traditional gender role stereotypes have more negative feelings toward homosexuality than others (Crooks & Baur, 2013). Another element involved in homophobia and hate crimes may be an attempt to deny or suppress homosexual feelings within oneself (Crooks & Baur, 2013). In a current study by Blashill and Powlishta, they sought to examine the factors involved in negative reactions. to homosexual men. Results indicated significant main effects for gender role and sexual orientation, indicating that men who display femininity, regardless of sexual orientation, are generally perceived negatively (Blashil & Powlishta, 2009). Additionally, gay targets are evaluated negatively even in the absence of information about gender role characteristics (Blashil & Powlishta, 2009). In another study by ...... middle of paper ...... having the support of your parents, family, and friends and knowing that they accept you no matter what makes you feel bad GOOD. Additionally, being accepted into the gay community can have a positive impact on people with the same sexual orientation. Such information is helpful in understanding human sexuality, because we can be very ignorant about things we know nothing about. People with homophobic attitudes may not understand the seriousness of their comments or behaviors towards homosexuals and so by informing them we can help them change their views. They may not completely agree, but at least they will be aware of how they treat others. In conclusion, even though opinions about homosexuality have improved significantly, being gay, lesbian or bisexual is still not easy. Until we are able to put our ignorance behind us, homophobia will continue to impact the gay community..