How to Respond to a Homophobic Comment

Reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD

Last Updated: May 4, 2025

Anti-gay comments can be hurtful and alienating, especially to any LGBTQ+ people in the vicinity. Whether you're LGBTQ+ or just a good person, you may feel at a loss about how to respond to such inappropriate remarks. Homophobic comments are very common, especially on the internet. Here are some things you can say.

Steps

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1
Recognize that disapproval, not logic, is your best tool here. If you give them a logical argument, then they'll start trying to look for holes in your argument and suck you into a debate. If you show them disapproval, however, it's hard for them to argue without looking like a jerk.
2
Only speak up if it is safe for you to do so. For example, if your homophobic parents could kick you out for disagreeing with them, it's safer for you not to reply to their comments.
- You can frown, cringe, or leave the room (if you think you can get away with leaving). But speaking aloud may make them pick a fight, so it's better to stay silent if you're unsafe.
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3
Ask or tell them to knock it off. Anti-gay and anti-LGBT+ comments are unacceptable behavior, and you can treat them accordingly. Calmly and firmly let them know they have crossed a line. Here are some options:
- "We don't talk that way around here."
- "You need to stop."
- "That's enough."
- "Not cool, man."
- "Really?"
- "Did someone tell you it was okay to say things like that?"
4
Consider mentioning your personal connection to LGBT+ identity, if you so choose. When the person realizes that real human beings are involved, they may think twice about speaking carelessly.
- "My sister is a lesbian. She's one of the kindest, most virtuous people I know."
- "You know I'm bisexual, right?"
- "My son is gay, and I don't appreciate you talking about him and his friends that way."
- "My best friend is trans and he is the most wholesome person I know."
5
Give the person a chance to backtrack and apologize. Once it's been pointed out that their remark was inappropriate, they may get flustered and they may say they're sorry. Expect them to fumble over their words. Accept their discomfort, and allow the conversation to move on. Assume that they've learned from their mistake.
6
Continue your disapproval to someone who defensively claims they were "just joking." This is a common excuse used by people when they test the waters to see if you'll allow their homophobia. So send a clear signal that you won't. You can do so gently or firmly, depending on the situation and what you feel is best.^{[1]
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- "And what was your intent with this joke?"
- "Would you still be calling it a joke if I had agreed with you?"
- "But you weren't joking, were you?"
- "Am I supposed to think that's funny?"
- "That's no excuse."
- "Jokes are supposed to be funny, not rude."
- "Bullying as a joke is still bullying."
- "If that's your best joke, you must be really desperate for material."
- "Homophobic jokes can send a message about what type of person you are. Is this the message you want to send?"
7
Show cold disapproval to a repeat offender. If the person doubles down, or refuses to learn from their mistakes, make it clear to them just how awkward they've made the situation. Give them a chilly stare, and say something to briefly let them know that they've crossed a line.
- "No."
- "Wow, okay then."
- "Seriously?"
- "Really?"
8
Walk away from a hater. If the person starts going on a diatribe and refusing to care about how unacceptable their behavior is, don't argue. (In some cases, they might be attention-seeking, so don't give them attention.) Walk away. You may choose to end it with a comment like this:
- "Your behavior is making me reconsider our friendship."
- "I'm not interested."
- "If you're going to continue behaving this way, I'm going to leave."
- "Obviously we can't have a productive conversation. I'll see you later."
- "Dad, if this is what happens when I visit you, then I'm going to start rethinking how often I stop by. Especially because I don't want my daughter hearing this."
- "Goodbye."

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How can I control my anger when someone makes a homophobic comment such as "I hate LGBT. LGBT is disgusting!"?

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Community Answer

If the comment is online, you should block or ignore the person. In real life, if it's someone unavoidable, like a family member, calmly express that you disapprove of their actions. If it's a friend, consider ending the friendship, but be prepared for it to be painful if you've had a good relationship.

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I suggested a cartoon character might be transgender because of her masculine voice, but someone said their voice is just a joke. Is that person being transphobic?

Thecake Isalie

Community Answer

They might be. It's possible they're in denial about their own identity, aren't in a safe space to agree, or strongly believe in traditional gender roles. It's best not to assume. Ask for their reasoning, and if it's not sound, consider addressing it.

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What should I say to someone who thinks homophobia is funny?

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If they are from the LGBTQIA+ community, try to be understanding, as they might not have interacted with someone from that background. Instead, provide examples of how harmful their attitude can be.

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Tips

Keep in mind that sometimes good people do make mistakes, and may accidentally absorb toxic attitudes from society. If the person hasn't acted like this before, they may not be a terrible person. Give them a chance to be mortified, learn from it, and change their behavior.

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Warnings

Some homophobes go to public places, wave signs, and try to make people angry at them. They want a fight, so don't give them one. Instead, deny them the attention they're desperate for, and pretend you don't even see them.

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Don't start a debate with a homophobe. Some homophobes are determined to be jerks, and it'll only aggravate you. Instead, show your disapproval and walk away.

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