Public policies are laws, regulations, rules, and guidelines that governments create to regulate social behavior. They aim to shape how people behave in various aspects of their lives such as education, healthcare, employment, economic, legal, etc. Policies play a vital role in shaping societal norms, which can impact an individual's attitudes and beliefs towards different issues. Internalized homophobia refers to the adoption of negative views about LGBTQ individuals held within one's mind, usually resulting from negative experiences or socialization. Research has shown that internalized homophobia negatively affects psychological outcomes for LGBTQ individuals.
It causes anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.
Public policy can either aggravate or alleviate these effects. This paper explains how public policies affect internalized homophobia and its psychological outcomes among LGBTQ individuals.
The most significant factor influencing internalized homophobia is social stigma. Homosexuality is still considered a taboo in many countries worldwide, with some communities holding strongly conservative views against same-sex relationships. Consequently, LGBTQ individuals often feel ashamed, guilty, and fearful of being rejected by society due to their sexual orientation. Public policies play a crucial role in creating this social stigma.
When a government decriminalizes homosexuality, it sends a message that such behavior is not immoral and should be accepted in society. The public policy reduces social stigma, lowering the risk of internalized homophobia among LGBTQ individuals. On the other hand, if the government criminalizes homosexuality, it reinforces social norms that view same-sex relationships as sinful. Such policies increase the risk of internalized homophobia since individuals believe they are inferior to others who do not have such tendencies.
Another factor that influences internalized homophobia is discrimination. When laws fail to protect LGBTQ individuals from discriminatory practices, such as employment, education, healthcare, etc., they face exclusion and rejection. It leads to negative self-perceptions, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.
An individual may experience workplace discrimination because of their sexual identity, leading them to believe they are less competent or worthy than their heterosexual counterparts. They end up feeling hopeless, isolated, and unable to fit into society. In contrast, public policies that promote inclusion and equality reduce discrimination, resulting in fewer cases of internalized homophobia.
Public policies also affect the accessibility of resources for LGBTQ individuals. When governments support programs aimed at promoting mental health care, HIV prevention, job training, etc., they create an enabling environment for LGBTQ persons to thrive. Consequently, it reduces internalized homophobia by boosting confidence, self-acceptance, and wellbeing.
When a government fails to provide essential services, LGBTQ individuals lack access to therapy, testing, treatment, and other vital resources, increasing vulnerability and psychological distress. Therefore, public policies can either enhance or undermine the development of positive attitudes towards same-sex relationships.
Public policy plays a crucial role in shaping societal norms on sexual orientation and gender identities. It influences how individuals perceive themselves, which determines whether they will adopt internalized homophobia. The government should implement policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ people, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources. This approach will improve psychological outcomes among LGBTQ individuals and foster a more inclusive society.
How do public policies affect internalized homophobia and psychological outcomes for LGBTQ individuals?
Public policies can have significant impact on internalized homophobia and psychological outcomes for LGBTQ individuals. These policies can include things like laws that criminalize same-sex relationships, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in employment and housing, and lack of legal protections for LGBTQ individuals and their families.