Janet Wirth-Cauchon, assistant professor of sociology, offers a sociological perspective. She said homophobia is partly a fear of difference. It is viewed as a threat to one's identity. Homophobia is a defense to ward off this threat. Anything that deviates from that norm looks like an exception other than something that might challenge this norm.
Heterosexuality is a convention on campus.
Wirth-Cauchon said homophobia also has social implications. Reincke said small steps are being taken within Drake's classrooms to combat homophobia. Throughout the University, these kind of issues are beginning to be addressed in the classroom. Klasna, Saale and Reincke offered suggestions for combating intolerance toward gay and bisexual people. They think it's never going to affect them.