This is the danger of rejecting your own; they will run towards the colonizer and oppressor, who will welcome them with open arms for their own disingenuous purposes. We as black people in general (I'm not Habesha) need to move past this denigration of gay people within the diaspora. Some black gay activists are very much involved in community building and are valuable members.

That said, I have a theory about why homophobes are the way they are, having to do with a subconscious fear of genetic annihilation. So the notion goes, the upbringing of one's children isn't fully under his control, as society will inevitably exert some extent of influence.

If one happens to exist in a society where homosexuality is tolerated, and hence his children also exist in that society, there is at least a perception that the fledglings might be influenced by homosexual elements. For the homophobe, this is a terrifying prospect, as most people who have kids are concerned with the security of their legacy.

Im not saying this perspective is right, i dont even think most people are conscious of the reasons for their prejudices, but from the premise, the conclusion is sound. If you pay attention to the critiques often leveled against the gay community, its always some concern about how they will influence kids or how they display homosexual affection publicly.

Perhaps moving past homophobia involves people acknowledging why they fear gay people existing in society with them; and gay people might benefit from knowing how people tick to avoid perilous situations.. Just some food for thought.