We must respect their...CHOICE???

I don't think it's homophobia; he does want us to be respected. But he should be educated on the fact that the only choice is whether or not to accept it. For a straight person, she could choose to have gay relationships. But they wouldn't be fulfilling for her, and she would want to go back. Closeted gay people "choose" in a way to appear straight, and eventually go back to what they feel is more satisfying.

Just ask her "Do you remember choosing to be straight?" That will probably settle it.

 

It does get annoying, but i learned to let it go. If it's not coming from a place of hate, it doesn't matter in the end.

 

That's debatable though. Ignorance is still ignorance, and when passed on to others can lead to hatred. According to Richard Dawkins at least, this is how moderate religious beliefs produce fringe groups that blow up buildings. Of course we can't give a verbal beatdown every time somebody makes a misstep in speaking, but we should try to address misconceptions whenever possible.

 

The only choice I ever had was to hide my sexuality and live a lie or accept myself and be what I really am. That's the only thing the word "choice" is appropriate for.

 

There's a difference between ignorance and homophobia...

 

People used to refer to sexuality more in terms of a "choice" than an "orientation"--it's probably not a homophobic thing, just somewhat outdated terminology. I'd be tempted to gently point that out AFTER class, so you're not putting the teacher on the spot.

 

There is a choice, of course: the choice to accept or the choice to lie...for many blessed souls, the choice to lie is no choice at all.

 

Yeah this really drives me insane. No one can "choose" who they love or who they're attracted to, but what they can choose is to live life the way they want to, which is the "choice" that most of us have made. It just really sucks when people act like we don't have that right simply because it makes other people uncomfortable.

 

Agreed.

 

I think homophobia these days is less about fear and more about hate. Also regarding what your teacher said, she sees homosexuality as a choice but still respects the person and has nothing against them. Her telling the class to respect LGBT+ is not a wrong thing but a slight step in the right direction.

When it comes down to opinions no one really knows better or more than the other. When you start to constantly assume your a step above others, you're just going to make a bigger rift than fix anything.