People often hide their same-sex attraction or gender nonconforming behaviors because they fear that if others knew about them, they would be ostracized, ridiculed, rejected, attacked, or even killed. This is called "concealment" or "coming out." Some individuals experience severe psychological distress from this constant need to cover up who they really are. They may engage in self-harm, substance abuse, or suicide attempts to cope with these feelings.
Cultural settings have different values around sexuality and gender identity.
Some cultures prioritize marriage, family life, and procreation while others emphasize individualism and personal freedom. In conservative societies where homosexuality is taboo, many LGBTQ+ people struggle with internalized homophobia. This involves accepting society's negative views of themselves as gay or transgender, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, confusion, and denial. This can also lead to mental health problems such as PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and other personality disorders.
Concealment and internalized homophobia are linked to increased stress levels, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other physical ailments.
These effects can take a toll on cognitive functioning and decision making. LGBTQ+ individuals may feel isolated, lonely, helpless, powerless, hopeless, and disconnected from their communities. They may also become hypervigilant to danger and constantly scan for threats, which can interfere with everyday tasks like driving or working.
There are positive long-term outcomes for those who embrace their identities and seek supportive social networks. These include improved mental health, better coping skills, resilience, self-confidence, and higher life satisfaction. Some even report feeling more creative, productive, authentic, fulfilled, and connected. As the cultural landscape shifts towards greater acceptance of sexual diversity and gender fluidity, we hope that more people will be able to live openly and happily without fear of discrimination or harm.
What are the long-term psychological impacts of concealment and internalized homophobia in various cultural settings?
The impacts of homophobic behaviors on one's mental health can be severe, whether those behaviors occur in public or in private. Concealing one's sexual orientation from others, especially if that is done because of fear of rejection or discrimination, may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, self-doubt, and isolation.