Primary Infections

Homophobia caused by repressed same-sex attraction:

Primary infections of homophobia (those caused by sufferer's repression of homosexual feelings) can usually only be cured by either the individual coming to terms with their position on the sexual continuum or by changes in the social pressures that caused them to adopt the homophobic compensating behavior as a coping strategy in the first place.

Secondary Infections

The single most effective treatment for seconday infections of homophobia is for the sufferer to engage in open and honest conversation with actual homosexuals. Such conversations should include: how and when they knew they were gay, why they can't just be straight like everyone else, and what exactly is on their gay agenda.

This treatment is usually counterproductive, however, in primary cases (those caused by repressed homosexual tendencies), since it may force the sufferer deeper into compensating behaviors in order to avoid detection by the gay person as not completely straight.

Homophobia based on supposed scriptural prohibitions of homosexual acts:

Homophobia based on supposed scriptural prohibitions can be easily remedied by critical questioning of both the appropriate linguistic translation of the texts and by analyses of their contexts (for example, the fact that each of these verses can be interpreted as prohibiting homosexual acts in the context of rape and/or prostiution and not in the context of loving and committed same-sex relationships). Also, the motivations of individuals who would cite them as critically important, although plucked from among a sea of other verses which are now universally ignored, should always be questioned (e.g., are they espousing these positions for political or economic gain or as a compensating behavior to mask their own repressed homosexual tendencies?).

Homophobia caused by the demonization of homosexuals:

Homophobia caused by the demonization of homosexuals is the least virulent type and will generally cure itself over time in the absence such messages. It can also be remedied quickly after gaining an enlightened awareness that the demonization tactic is being employed.