Homophobia is not always an open act of violence conducted by an outsider – and it’s no stranger to our Hispanic community. It almost always starts at home. And can be a subtle, even unspoken act of dismissal or disapproval.

It can be silence or avoidance of a subject or person completely. A ridiculing joke or sudden distance between previously close friends or family.

Whether it’s subtle or overt, homophobia works to dehumanize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals – denying them of their dignity, equality and personhood. And the results can be dangerous and life-threatening.