The concept of stigma is typically defined as "a mark of disgrace, shame, or disapproval," which can be attributed to an individual's perceived behavior, appearance, status, identity, belief system, or background. When applied to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another non-heteronormative sexual orientation, stigma may take the form of internalization - when an LGBTQ+ person comes to believe that they are defective, abnormal, or less valuable than their heterosexual counterparts due to their sexual orientation. This internalized stigma can have significant impacts on the existential freedom, moral agency, and self-conception of those who experience it, as discussed below.
Existential Freedom
Internalized stigma can significantly impact existential freedom for LGBTQ+ individuals. Existential freedom refers to the ability to make choices about one's life without feeling constrained by societal expectations, norms, or pressures.
When an LGBTQ+ individual has internalized negative attitudes towards their own sexuality, they may feel limited in the range of choices they perceive themselves capable of making.
If someone believes that being gay is wrong or unnatural, they may avoid expressing their sexuality publicly or pursuing romantic relationships with same-sex partners out of fear of rejection or discrimination. They may also feel trapped in a binary between accepting their sexuality and living a life that feels constricted or false. As a result, they may struggle to achieve true autonomy in their personal lives, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation.
Moral Agency
Internalized stigma can also limit the moral agency of LGBTQ+ individuals. Moral agency refers to the capacity to act in accordance with one's values and beliefs, without external coercion or pressure. When an LGBTQ+ person has internalized homophobic or transphobic messages from society, they may begin to question their own moral compass and doubt their ability to make ethical decisions. They may feel torn between the desire to follow their heart and the expectation that they should conform to traditional gender roles or sexual norms. This can lead to confusion and self-doubt, making it difficult for them to take a stand on issues that matter to them or to hold fast to their convictions in the face of opposition.
Self-Conception
Internalized stigma can have significant impacts on self-conception, affecting how LGBTQ+ individuals view themselves as individuals and members of society. If they believe that being gay or transgender is shameful or abnormal, they may struggle to see themselves as worthy of love, respect, or acceptance. They may adopt negative self-talk or engage in self-deprecating behavior, seeing themselves as less than others around them. This can lead to low self-esteem, poor body image, or difficulty forming healthy relationships. It can also prevent them from developing a positive sense of identity, making it harder for them to define who they are outside of their sexuality or gender expression.
How does internalized stigma affect existential freedom, moral agency, and self-conception in LGBTQ+ individuals?
Internalized stigma refers to the negative beliefs and attitudes towards one's sexual orientation or gender identity that originate from external sources such as society, family members, and peers (Hatzenbuehler & Gwadz, 2014). These negative beliefs can significantly impact an individual's sense of self-worth, which is essential for their well-being and quality of life.