ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the use of derogatory words used by heterosexuals towards gay men online and offline. The word gay has been used, particularly in the past, as a derogatory slur, but has now become an acceptable descriptor in most contexts. Recent studies have shown that indirect harassment such as hearing jokes and expressions with homophobic undertones is an everyday occurrence. Plummer defined personal homophobia as a form of prejudice. It is the personal belief that any one belonging to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender (LGBT) community is sinful, immoral and inferior to the heterosexuals. Homophobia has, without question, definitional problems and theoretical uncertainty. The term 'hegemonic masculinity' was invented and is used mainly to keep the central focus on the critique of masculinity. It is felt that the sample size gave an acceptable representation of the heterosexual population.
