Homophobia is the fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men. In this era more gays
             and lesbians are speaking out for what they believe in. As more homosexuals speak out for what
             they believe in, homophobia also increases. Cases of verbal assaults or even physical assaults on
             people that look gay are being reported more often due to the effects of homophobia. As you
             walk down your city streets at night, do you see anybody that is gay or lesbian? If so, how do
             you know that? How did you label that person without knowing them?
             Carmen Vasquez raised this question in her article "Appearances" published in the book
             Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price edited by Warren J. Blumenfeld. In our changing and trendy society today, you do not have to be a homosexual to be a victim of antigay or lesbian violence because if you "dress like a homo, dance like a homo, must be a homo." (159).
             Vasquez recounts four incidents in which heterosexuals were victimized by anti-lesbian and anti-gay violence because other judgmental people concluded they were gay by their appearance. From these examples, Vasquez justifies that virtually anyone can be a victim of gay bashing due to the fact that "there is no guaranteed method for identifying sexual orientation." (162). Vasquez also explains to help tolerate this kind of lifestyle, people need to do more than just be part of gay and lesbian movements to help eradicate homophobia. People need to support their children or friends in anything they do and not be afraid to be friendly with homosexuals and not be biased. In the end if people want to be free to play any role they please and not be limited by society's view on gender roles, the acceptance of homosexuals and the ridding of homophobia must be won. Aside from some shaky points in her great article, I think her views on homophobia and homosexuals in society is similar to mine in th
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