Wikipedia defines homophobia as "a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender." This definition can include anything from the belief that it is a sin to discriminatory actions or even violence. Although homophobic beliefs do not necessarily translate into actions that can harm another person, there are people who think that a person who holds homophobic beliefs cannot be a friend to a person who identifies as LGBT. This implies that even such beliefs are inherently unjustifiable and even harmful, even in the context of a friendship.
Thinking about such friendships led me to wonder, can homophobia ever be justified? If it is, when is it justified?
I believe that it is easier to know when homophobia is not justified: whenever people are harmed by it. If homophobia is only justified when it doesn't harm anyone, then it can only be justified if it is limited to being a belief and does not result in discriminatory or violent actions or treating people with less respect. While these cases are rare, homophobic beliefs can be justified as long as they still allow kindness and respect between people. Engaging with these exceptions can make them more open to different people and can make them eventually less homophobic.
