Internalized homophobia: effects on life and how to deal

Self-inflicted homophobia manifests itself in a variety of ways, all of which can negatively impact mental health. If you are a gay man and identify with any of the following, you may have internalized homophobia:

• Do you try to hide your sexual orientation from yourself and others?
• Do you lie to yourself about your same-sex attraction?
• Are you having a hard time coming out to family members, friends or other people?
• Are you in a secret same-sex relationship?
• Do you have a negative view of same-sex sexual relationships?
• Do you feel contempt, anger or resentment towards other members of the LGBTQIAQ community?
• Do you demand that other LGBTQIA+ individuals remain "in the closet"
• Do you feel uncomfortable around other LGBTQIA+ people?
• Are you abusing substances in an attempt to deal with your sexual orientation?

The effects of internalized homophobia

It can be challenging to deal with internalized homophobia. That is, the effects can lead to low self-esteem, depression and even self-injury and suicide. Some examples of how an internalized homophobia can affect your life include:

• Having difficulty recognizing your sexual orientation to yourself and others.
• Having unreasonable expectations of your partner based on heterosexual stereotypes.
• You feel embarrassed and ashamed about your sexual orientation or identity.
• Behave in a way that is not consistent with heterosexist stereotypes.
• You do not publicly acknowledge your partner.
• You deny the role of heterosexism as an oppressor of LGBTQIAQ+ people.
• You don't like people who claim they're gay too.
• Do you believe that members of LGBTQIAQ+ communities should adopt a particular lifestyle.

You may feel alone in this, but you're not.

There are many other gay men out there who are struggling with the same thing. It's time to break the silence and start talking about it. There are treatments available for internalized homonegativity, and it's something you can overcome. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You're worth it.

Mental Health x Homophobia x Being Gay

Internalized homophobia has a significant impact on your mental health. Mental illnesses are twice as common among LGBTQIA+ people as among heterosexual people. The prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders among gay men is 2.5 times that of the general population, and the proportion of suicide attempts during adolescence is three times that of adults. The community is also believed to have higher rates of mental illness due to bullying, discrimination, verbal and physical abuse, and sexual abuse of children.

Psychologists have recognized the mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ people over the last fifty years. In the 1970s, homosexuality was considered a mental illness to be corrected by the American Psychiatric Association. Either way, the mental health issues of LGBTQIA+ people are generally approached today with acceptance and affirmation.

Despite this, mental health providers can be subject to social bias, including internalized anti-LGBTQIA+ bias. That is, this can make you hide your sexual orientation, which makes it difficult for you to feel safe and understand in therapy. Therefore, if you are gay, you should look for a therapist who is familiar with LGBTQIA+ issues.

How to deal with internalized homophobia

So how can you overcome internalized homophobia? It won't be easy, but it is possible. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Recognize that it is a challenge. This is the first and most important step.
  Seek professional help. A therapist who works with gay men can help you deal with these difficult emotions and provide you with the support you need.
• Talk to your friends and family about your struggles. It can be helpful to share your experiences with people who care about you and want to help you.
• Find supportive communities online or in your local area. These can be great places to find encouragement and advice from others who have been through the same thing.
• Be patient and kind to yourself. Recovery from internalized homophobia is a process and will take time and effort.

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