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The psychological and emotional impact that individuals may have towards their own sexual orientation or gender identity, often as a result of growing up in a society that stigmatises and discriminates against non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities.
The psychological and emotional impact that individuals may have towards their own sexual orientation or gender identity, often as a result of growing up in a society that stigmatises and discriminates against non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities.
"Internalized homophobia is an insidious thing. It's like a virus that infects you without your knowledge, and you have to work to get rid of it."
- Greg Berlanti
"Internalized homophobia is an insidious thing. It's like a virus that infects you without your knowledge, and you have to work to get rid of it."
- Greg Berlanti
Internalised homophobia often results in feeling of self-loathing, shame and other similar negative emotions. These negative feelings can lead to self-hatred, shame, and fear, as well as a desire to conform to heterosexual and cisgender norms in order to fit in and avoid discrimination.
Internalised homophobia can manifest in different ways, such as denial or suppression of one's sexual orientation or gender identity, or attempts to change or "fix" oneself through conversion therapies or other harmful practices. It can also lead to distancing oneself from other LGBTQ+ people and the LGBTQ+ community in general, or to adopting stereotypes and prejudices against one's own community in an attempt to fit in with mainstream society.
In queer theory, the concept of internalised homophobia highlights the impact of heteronormativity and the need for social change to create a more accepting and inclusive society for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some Types of Internalised Homophobia
Some Types of Internalised Homophobia
Subscribing to Heteronormativity
This refers to the idea that heterosexuality is the "normal" or "natural" way to be, and can lead to the internalisation of the belief that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is abnormal or wrong.
Compartmentalisation
This occurs when someone keeps their sexuality hidden or separate from other aspects of their life, such as their work or family life. This can be a way of avoiding discrimination or negative reactions from others, but can also lead to feelings of shame or self-hatred.
Internalised Shame
This occurs when someone feels ashamed of their own sexuality, or feels like they are somehow "less than" because of it. This can be the result of societal stigma or negative messages about homosexuality that they have internalised.
Self-Loathing
This refers to the feeling of hatred or disgust towards oneself because of their sexuality. This can be a result of internalised shame, but can also be a response to the negative messages about homosexuality that someone has received from society.
Further Reading
Further Reading
Internalised Homophobia by The Rainbow Project - This defines internalised homophobia and offers a robust list of the ways in which internalised homophobia might effect a person.
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