Growing in a society that presents heterosexuality as the only rule can leave a deep imprint, such as internalized homophobia. Nobody was born with prejudices: these are absorbed, often unconsciously, from the environment in which we live. Family, school and culture transmit a system of values that can lead us to see any other form of love and identity as ‘different’ or ‘wrong’, an idea that comes rarely questioning .
From a psychological point of view, this system of values contributes to forming ours beliefs: the lenses through which we look and judge the world. They are rules and conditions that often act on an unconscious level.
From childhood, before even having full awareness of one’s own sexual orientationa person can internalize a series of messages that we could call ‘heteronormative’. These are attitudes and ideas, transmitted by the reference culture, which suggest the existence of a single ‘just’ or ‘natural’ sexual orientation.
This information is constantly learned by the person in the course of his development and can become convictions As, for example, that being gay or lesbian is something wrong, which goes against the rules of common life or, even, against nature.
In this article we will deepen that What is internalized homophobiawhat are its causes, how it manifests itself and what consequences can have on psychological well -being. We will also offer useful tools to recognize and face it, also through the support of psychotherapy.
Internalized homophobia: what it is
We can define the homophobia, bifobia and the transfobia internalized In LGBTQ+ people such as the passive acceptance of the set of attitudes, beliefs, prejudices, opinions and behaviors, which are in a certain extent discriminatory, and which are typical of the homophobic culture.
Often these people are not aware of how responsible this type of culture is and influences the perception they have of themselves. For example, gay or lesbian people may have a tendency to be homophobic as a consequence of minority stress immediately, which leads them to have a negative and despicative vision of homosexuality itself.
Consequently homosexual people can experience negative emotions and feelings in relation to the degree of internalized homophobia, such as:
- anxiety,
- disgust,
- hostility,
- anger,
- fear,
- unease.
Related psychological problems
THE’internalized homophobia It is therefore an important component in the discomfort lived daily by LGBTQ+ people and has a decisive role in the onset of some emotional disorders (Berg et al., 2016). It can in fact cause:
- low self -esteem,
- relational difficulties,
- social isolation,
- feelings of guilt and shame.
This can have a profound impact on the individual, which comes to think you are wrong. All this can contribute to develop suicidal thoughts and to adopt high risk conduct such as unprotected sex or substances abuse.
THE’internalized homophobiatherefore, can lead to developing some problems such as:
- anxiety and depression,
- sexual disorders,
- social exclusion,
- abuse of alcohol and substances,
- high perception of social stigma,
- Difficulty in coming out.
The causes of internalized homophobia
Innerized homophobia is not an innate condition, but the result of a process of social and cultural learning. According to herek (2009), this phenomenon affects a significant percentage of the LGBTQ+population, with about 30-40% that reports moderate or high levels of internalized prejudices. Its roots sink into several factors that, combined, shape the negative perception of self in an LGBTQ+person.
Socio -cultural causes
We live in a historically heteronormative society, where heterosexuality is presented as the only valid rule. Messages conveyed by media, religious institutions and public speeches can reinforce stereotypes and prejudices, creating an environment in which sexual diversity is seen as ‘abnormal’ or ‘wrong’.
Family and educational factors
The family and school environment plays a crucial role. The lack of an inclusive sex-affective education and the presence of homophobic attitudes, even implicit, can bring the child and the teenager to internalize the idea that their feelings are unacceptable. According to some studies, the discrepancy between explicit and implicit sexual orientation is greater among people whose fathers show little support for autonomy and homophobic attitudes (Weinstein et al., 2012).
Isolation and lack of models
The deficiency of positive and visible reference models can make a lgbtq+ lonely and isolated person feel. This solitude increases vulnerability to external negative messages, making it more difficult to build a solid and positive identity.
Consequences and symptoms of internalized homophobia
The impact of internalized homophobia on an individual’s psychological well -being is profound and pervasive (NewComb et al., 2010). This internal conflict can manifest itself through a series of emotional and behavioral symptoms and problems.
Psychological and emotional symptoms
- Low self -esteem: feel ‘wrong’ or ‘defective’ because of one’s sexual orientation.
- Anxiety and depression: The constant inner struggle and fear of judgment can lead to anxiety and depressive disorders.
- Shame and guilt: chronic feelings related to one’s sexual identity.
- Anger and hostility: Anger facing themselves or, paradoxically, to other people LGBTQ+ more open and visible.
Impact on relationships and behavior
- Relational difficulties: Fear of creating intimate and authentic ties for fear of being ‘discovered’ or refused.
- Social isolation: tendency to avoid social contexts or situations in which one’s identity could emerge.
- Risk behavior: In some cases, it can lead to abuse of substances or unanidal sexual behaviors as a mechanism of escape or self -proposed.
- Difficulty in the process of coming out: The fear of negative reactions, amplified by internalized prejudices, can block or make the self -revelation path extremely painful.
Like psychotherapy can help
Psychotherapy with homosexual people primarily provides for an awareness of the existence of theinternalized homophobia as an important problem to face. The therapist in these cases helps the homosexual person:
- to see the prejudices that has internalized during its existence;
- To understand how these influence and condition his thoughts and choices.
The fundamental objective of a therapeutic path of this type is to help the person a feel free to explore and affirm your sexual identityin a safe and non -judgmental space.
The research, in fact, confirm that LGBTQ+ people who manage to live openly and with serenity their orientation reach greater psychophysical well -being . They tend to be:
- more satisfied with oneself;
- more proactive to others;
- more likely to confront the surrounding world.
Recognizing the methods of homophobia, psychotherapists can act actively To help their customers re -founding the self-esteem And reconstruct a positive self -image.
A path to self -acceptance
Face internalized homophobia It is a courageous step towards authenticity and psychological well -being. This path, although it can present challenges, must not be faced in solitude. Recognize the impact of internalized prejudices It is the first step to dismantle and build a positive and integrated self -image. A professional psychological support can offer the tools and the safe space necessary to explore these feelings, strengthen self -esteem and live fully one’s identity.
If you feel that this weight is influencing your life and relationships, remember that Ask for help is an act of strength. Unabravo is here to support you with a team of psychologists and psychologists ready to accompany you on a path of personal growth, respecting your uniqueness and your times. The questionnaire begins to find your psychologist or online psychologist.
