Internalized homophobia is a term used to describe the phenomenon whereby a person who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise non-heterosexual adopts attitudes and behaviors that are consistent with the dominant culture's negative views of LGBTQ+ people. This may include denying one's own sexual orientation or gender identity, expressing shame about being LGBTQ+, avoiding situations where one might be seen as LGBTQ+, or even attacking others who do identify as such. It is often thought to result from social stigma against LGBTQ+ people, which can lead individuals to feel ashamed of their identity or afraid of how others will react if they express it openly.
Recent research suggests that internalized homophobia may actually stem from an individual's perception of moral injury, rather than simply a response to external pressure. In other words, internalized homophobia may be the result of an individual's personal belief that being LGBTQ+ is morally wrong, regardless of society's attitude towards them.
Researchers have found that internalized homophobia is more common in societies where there is greater social stigma against LGBTQ+ people, but this does not mean that all instances of internalized homophobia are solely caused by external factors.
Some people may develop internalized homophobia due to religious teachings that view homosexuality as sinful, even in cultures where LGBTQ+ people face little social discrimination.
Some individuals may have experienced trauma related to their sexual or gender identity, leading them to believe that it is inherently wrong or bad. These experiences can create a sense of guilt and shame that persists even when they are no longer exposed to negative social messages about LGBTQ+ people.
Many people who experience internalized homophobia may also exhibit symptoms of other forms of trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or self-harming behaviors. This suggests that internalized homophobia may be a way for individuals to cope with the pain of feeling ashamed or rejected due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It may also reflect a broader fear of intimacy and vulnerability, which can manifest itself in different ways depending on the person's individual circumstances and background.
While social stigma is certainly a major contributor to internalized homophobia, it is important to recognize that it is not always the sole cause. Individual experiences, belief systems, and psychological factors may play a significant role in developing this phenomenon. Therefore, addressing internalized homophobia requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account both external pressures and personal factors. This may include therapy, support groups, community building, and education around LGBTQ+ issues.
Ending internalized homophobia will require a shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people, but it must begin with understanding its complex origins at an individual level.
Is internalized homophobia a socially induced moral injury rather than individual defect?
Internalized homophobia is a complex phenomenon with multiple layers of causes that can be understood as both social and personal. On the one hand, society's heteronormative views on gender and sexuality have been shown to influence an individual's beliefs about their own identity, leading them to feel shame for being different from what is considered "normal". This can lead to self-criticism and low self-esteem, which are often associated with internalized homophobia.