The word 'identity' refers to one's conception of self or character. Sexual orientation is a central component of that identity. When it comes to understanding what sexual orientation is, there are several explanations.
Most experts agree that sexual orientation can be described as one's sexual attraction toward another person, whether they are male, female, nonbinary, transgender, or otherwise. The way people understand themselves is influenced by their culture and background. This may include religious beliefs, family upbringing, and societal expectations.
Internalized cultural values are those internalized through socialization. They refer to the norms, customs, traditions, behaviors, and perceptions of reality learned from society. These values shape how individuals view themselves and others around them. Internalized cultural values may conflict with an individual's authentic sexual identity and expression when they contradict their sexual desires and interests.
If someone feels drawn to same-sex partners but has been raised in a heteronormative environment, they might suppress their feelings due to fear of rejection, judgement, or ridicule. This can lead to internal conflicts between who they really are and what they feel they should be.
A person's authentic sexual identity is the genuine expression of their sexual orientation without any external influence. It encompasses their preferences, attractions, and inclinations towards other individuals based on gender or sex. An individual's authentic sexual identity is unique to them and cannot be determined by anyone else. Therefore, attempts to change or deny it often cause harm, stress, anxiety, depression, and shame. Cultural values that encourage traditional gender roles, marriage, reproduction, and heterosexuality may clash with a person's natural desire for same-sex relationships. As such, there is a possibility of experiencing internal conflict as one struggles to reconcile these competing forces within themselves.
External influences also contribute to this struggle. Parents, friends, teachers, and religious leaders may pressure people into conforming to certain expectations regarding romance and sexuality. This can lead to suppression of emotions, feelings, and desires, causing further distress.
Media representations of masculinity, femininity, beauty standards, and ideal relationships may create unrealistic goals and expectations that people strive to meet, leading to disappointment when reality does not match up.
Navigating cultural norms while remaining true to oneself requires self-reflection, acceptance, and support from those around us.
How might internalized cultural values conflict with an individual's authentic sexual identity and expression?
Cultural norms may influence how individuals view their sexual identities and expressions, leading to dissonance between one's true self and external expectations. Internalized cultural values can cause people to feel ashamed of their sexuality or suppress it due to fear of social rejection or stigma, which can negatively impact mental health. Such conflicts can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation.