Homophobia: an extreme and irrational dislike of homosexuality and homosexual people; a common disease that overwhelms a person and has a poor success rate in being cured. A homophobic mentality can often produce unintended consequences because it fosters situations in which self-expression is not permitted. The play “Andre's Mother” by Terrence McNally describes the emotions of loved ones gathered to greet the death of a beloved man, Andre. The plot develops around the challenges that homosexual individuals and couples face on a daily basis and in the search for a place in society. The struggle for acceptance was a major factor in shaping life decisions as the author dealt with growing up as a gay man in the conservative state of Texas. His feelings and emotions are expressed through the themes of the play and in the voices of the characters. In the play, homosexual relationships are seen as a forbidden love that prevents one from integrating into the culture of society, revealing a sense of homophobia in the story. Homophobia is seen in the story through the character of Andre's mother, the relationship between Cal and Andre, the symbolism of the white balloons, and the rhetoric of the characters. The narrative of the story is in direct association with Terrence McNally's childhood difficulties and the feelings he experienced shown through the character of Andre. The show demonstrates that homophobia is seen as unacceptable because it strays from what is considered a normal sexual orientation and consequently has major effects on anyone who questions this view. A mother is someone who can never be replaced in a child's life. In Terrence McNally's case, his mother was the only person whose acceptance he desired. The pl...... middle of paper ......uly is oppressive to completely exclude a group of human beings on the basis of something that is out of their control and frees them to exercise their right to expression of himself. Works CitedGoldstein, Richard. The attack on queers: liberal society and the gay right. London: Verso, 2002.Print.McNally, Terrence. "Andre's mother." A little literature. Eds. Sylvan Barnet, William Burto and William E. Cain. San Francisco: Longman, 2007. 880-883. Print.Rader, Dotson. "Playwright Terrence McNally: 'The most significant thing a writer can do is reach someone emotionally'" Parade. Parade Publications Inc., March 24, 2014. Web. May 10, 2014. Schulman, Randy. "McNally's Air." Metro Weekly. Jansi LLC, March 24, 2010. Web. May 10, 2014. Sorrels, David J. “The Evolution of AIDS as a Topic in Some American Dramas.” North Texas Diss.U, 2000. Print.