Lesbian-Baiting

Sexism is based in male dominance, and reinforcing the low status of females.

More and more, women are becoming more independent, outspoken, self-sufficient, and powerful in society. Sexists see this as a threat to their masculinity. They then use "lesbian-baiting" to push these stronger women back down to subordinate status.

Lesbian-baiting is calling a woman a lesbian, regardless of her true sexual orientation. Just the though of being considered a lesbian makes many homophobic and/or heterosexist women conform to the unequal norms of the male dominated society, and revert to a more "feminine" role.

The men then regain dominance and control (which are the goals of sexism) and the women become a victim of their own fears and the fears of others. More specifically, sexists fear losing control, society as a whole fears homosexuality (for various reasons), and the women who are victims of lesbian-baiting fear the negative treatment they will receive if they are believed to be homosexual. Only the last of these fears has a justifiable cause. The other two are based in stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. This is why lesbian-baiting is such an effective weapon of sexism.



Unfortunately, until there is an end to heterosexism and
homophobia, lesbian-baiting will continue to exist.

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