I am sick of people labeling others as homophobic simply because one disagrees with homosexuality. Let’s get the definition of homophobia straight. Homophobia signifies a person who has an irrational fear of homosexuals.  It does not, as most people believe, refer to those who disagree with the act of homosexuality. There is a major difference between the two definitions. The real definition refers to those who are literally scared of someone who is a homosexual. The more embraced, more popular, definition says anyone who dares to disagree with the gays or lesbians is a homophobic. That definition is an error and people need to stop believing it.

I will still respect the homosexuals as a person and I will treat them as someone who was created in the image and likeness of God, but I do not have to agree with them. I can still disagree with their beliefs that a same-sex relationship is fine. I can disagree with their view that a same-sex marriage is a valid marriage. I can vote against the homosexuals. I can refuse to see a movie in which homosexuals are displayed and promoted. I can even make a public speech explaining why homosexuality is wrong. Those actions do not make me a homophobic. I am simply exercising my right to stand up for what I believe.

If I refuse to talk to gays or do any kind of business with them because I am afraid of what they will do, I can then, righteously, be labeled as a homophobic. As much as one wishes to be called by the “correct” pronoun, I don’t want myself, nor others, to be labeled as a homophobic simply because we don’t agree with homosexuality. I have the right to believe what I want, and to respectfully disagree with those whose beliefs do not align with mine. Hatred and fear are not the same as opposition and disagreement. The sooner everyone stops using words incorrectly, the better.