A phobia is an extreme and irrational fear of something. You aren't to be condemned for your fear, anymore than we condemn someone who's deathly afraid of spiders.

People have the right to remain in a fearful state if they wish, just as they have the right to remain ignorant if they wish. But a humane and caring society doesn't condemn people to remain in their fearful, ignorant state without trying to do something about it.