In my opinion there are only two reasons people can be homophobic.  

1.) Bad encounters with gays - Such as at an early age maybe they were sexually abused or molested by a gay realative or stranger. This makes perfect sense as if someone is molested or raped at an early age is afraid of being involved in sexual activity.  

2.) Denial - The second reason is because that person his/herself is gay/lesbian. People who are gay or lesbian at one point in his or life was most likely homophobic. Why? Because they were gay/lesbian themself. They did not want to accept who they were so they denied it. In attempt to deny it they became afraid of who they were and other gay and lesbians.

Other theories brought to my attention:

3.) Friends - Friends and or family put gays and lesbians down so they are afraid to be gay or lesbian.

discuss.

Post edited at 11:23 am on Aug. 3, 2008 by Reefer

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.R.I.P. [Simon] Monday, June 09, 2008
"It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you."
Spare Change?

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I disagree. There are some people who are just disgusted by the thought of it, or consider it unnatural, or the like. I know a few of them, and to a lesser extent, I could identify as one of them. Though... I dislike them more as a political group than as a sexual entity.

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But we must be a political group we can earn rights for ourselves. Make adoption for legal. Make marriage legal. If we did not do this than we would hardly be citizens.

Post edited at 11:27 am on Aug. 3, 2008 by Reefer

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.R.I.P. [Simon] Monday, June 09, 2008
"It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you."
Spare Change?

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Quote: from allsmiles at 1:24 pm on Aug. 3, 2008

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I disagree. There are some people who are just disgusted by the thought of it, or consider it unnatural, or the like. I know a few of them, and to a lesser extent, I could identify as one of them. Though... I dislike them more as a political group than as a sexual entity.

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But we must be a political group we can earn rights for ourselves. Make adoption for legal. Make marriage legal. If we did not do this than we would hardly be citizens.

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While all of that is well and good, I personally find it distasteful when a group--any group, be they homosexuals or Christians, be they blacks or whites--gets so caught up with the identity they feel the need to adopt for political gains that it's all there seems to be about their personality. What you do in your own time is your own business, but I really don't need to know your sexuality, religion or political beliefs within three seconds of meeting you.

Furthermore, I'd add to your "bad encounters with homosexuals" the experience of being accosted by a homosexual who pushes his or her sexuality in your face.

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Let yourself be enchanted,
You just might break through
To ever ever after

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Another reason could be Religion, this is part of how people are brought up.

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According to the Bible "a man shalt not lay with another man the way he would with a woman". Well, the quote is somewhat like that. I thought people would have learned by now that you cant fight human nature with such a ridiculous weapon. My family feels if they throw me into church 3 times a week I'll be "normal" again.

It's mostly denial.

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I need to see a penguin like now.

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Quote: from themagicposition at 1:45 pm on Aug. 3, 2008

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Another reason could be Religion, this is part of how people are brought up.

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According to the Bible "a man shalt not lay with another man the way he would with a woman". Well, the quote is somewhat like that. I thought people would have learned by now that you cant fight human nature with such a ridiculous weapon. My family feels if they throw me into church 3 times a week I'll be "normal" again.

It's mostly denial.

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Just point out the gender specifics of the quote...

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When they leave me, they're all smiles.
When they leave you, they're in tears.

However, if gayness is something that can be genetic, why not homophobia?

I agree with the other things you've listed, though.

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faut souffrir pour etre belle
♥ [27/12/08]
be the change you wish to see in the world