When Will Being Gay Be Normal Globally?

Globally speaking, the normalization of homosexuality is a long journey that hasn't yet reached a destination. Many countries still criminalize homosexuality, and the prevailing beliefs in these regions view it as an abnormality. These countries are likely to see slow and steady changes, but a complete normalization remains a distant goal.

The Trend Towards Acceptance in Western Countries

Western countries, on the other hand, are showing progress. The turning point came around 2011 when the majority of surveyed people began to support same-sex marriage on equal footing with mixed-sex marriages. However, acceptance has been a gradual process that predates this tipping point and continues to grow.

The trend suggests that acceptance is increasing, even though it is still met with resistance from a vocal, though shrinking, minority of intolerant individuals. These people are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in the majority as societal norms and values evolve.

A Long Road Ahead for Normalization

It's essential to recognize that the road to normalization is fraught with challenges. Fifty years from now, we might see significant progress in eliminating prejudices like racism, sexism, and ageism. However, the possibility of a complete purge of these 'isms' within a set timeframe is slim. As long as human nature includes the capacity for prejudice, these issues will persist in one form or another.

According to Curtis Johnson, people are not immune to ignorance and prejudice, no matter how well-educated they may be. This reality underpins the fact that no matter how many years we set as a deadline, LGBTphobia (or any form of prejudice) will likely continue to exist to some degree.

The fight for normalization is not about eliminating it completely, but about reducing it to a small minority and making it less impactful. While there will always be those who use prejudice as a tool for various goals, such as staying in power or pushing religious views, the inclination towards normalizing diverse identities is growing.

Conclusion

Normalization of homosexuality will not happen overnight, nor will it happen in the same timeframe globally. While some Western countries are seeing progress, we must accept that this journey is riddled with challenges and will take continuous effort. The goal should be to shrink prejudice rather than to eradicate it completely.