What is Public Exposure?
Public exposure refers to being seen or heard by others in a specific setting. In this case, it means appearing in front of an audience while performing one's artistic craft.
Musicians perform on stage for a crowd, actors perform in front of cameras, and writers publish their work online.
Some queer artists fear public exposure because they are concerned about how people may react to their identity or sexual orientation. This fear can be debilitating and prevent them from expressing themselves creatively.
How Does Fear Develop?
Fear develops when there is a perceived threat or danger that leads to anxiety and stress. When queer artists worry about how society might respond to their identity, they begin to experience anxiety, which can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shallow breathing. These reactions occur automatically in response to what the brain perceives as a potential threat. The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, activates the fight or flight response, preparing the body to either attack or flee. This heightened state prevents rational thinking, making it difficult to overcome the fear.
Internalized Norms
In addition to external pressures, internalized norms also contribute to the fear of public exposure among queer artists. These norms refer to societal beliefs that have been internalized into the artist's psyche.
Many cultures stigmatize homosexuality, causing individuals to feel shame, guilt, and self-loathing. These feelings can cause significant distress and prevent individuals from living authentically. Internalized norms reinforce the idea that being gay is wrong, leading to negative thoughts and behaviors. Queer artists who internalize these norms may believe that coming out will harm their career or damage their reputation, further increasing their fear.
Societal Pressures
External pressures come from outside influences, such as family, friends, peers, or the media. These pressures often pressure queer artists not to be open about their sexual orientation or identity.
A musician may avoid discussing their partner in interviews because they fear backlash from fans or record labels. Similarly, an actor may keep their relationship private to avoid losing roles due to prejudice. These pressures create a sense of isolation, making it challenging for queer artists to express themselves freely.
Intersectionality of Fear
The intersectionality of fear involves how different identities interact with each other.
A Black queer woman may experience multiple layers of oppression that affect her ability to be open about her identity. She may face racism and sexism, which exacerbate her fear of exposure and make it more difficult to overcome. This intersectionality creates a complex web of anxiety that cannot be easily unraveled.
Psychological Mechanisms
The psychological mechanisms underlie the fear of public exposure among queer artists. Anxiety disorders are one such mechanism that leads to excessive worry and fear. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) occurs when individuals feel anxious and stressed when interacting with others. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes chronic worry and tension without any specific triggers. These disorders can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing, making it hard to perform at peak levels.
Overcoming Fear
Queer artists can work on overcoming their fear by confronting internalized norms and external pressures. They can attend therapy sessions, engage in self-care activities, practice mindfulness, and build support networks. By acknowledging their feelings and working through them, they can reduce the hold that fear has on them.
This process takes time and effort, and some may need professional help to overcome their fears.
Fear of public exposure is a significant issue for queer artists who struggle to express themselves freely due to societal pressure or internalized norms. This fear develops from perceived threats that activate the fight or flight response, leading to anxiety and stress. Internalized norms reinforce these beliefs, creating a cycle of negative thinking and behavior. Queer artists must recognize how their identities intersect and address them to overcome their fears. With persistence and support, they can learn to be authentic and successful while remaining true to themselves.
What psychological mechanisms underlie the fear of public exposure among queer artists, and how do these mechanisms interact with societal pressures and internalized norms?
A study published in 2018 by researchers from University College London (UCL) revealed that "fear of exposure" is not just about fearing negative judgment but also includes feelings such as shame, embarrassment, and guilt. These emotions are often associated with social rejection and isolation, which can be even more devastating for people who belong to marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals.