I just wanted to elaborate a little more on internalized homophobia. I asked AI to define it. Not everything that follows below* is what I have experienced. In a world where being queer was more accepted and less demonized (and to a less important extent, where I was pretty and dateable), I would be almost weightless in my soul.
But we don't live in that kind of world (especially now!) and I am not a candidate for Ms. Right For Me, so I do find myself self-hating and self-doubting my innocence and right to exist. And I worry a lot about all the other people out there who are going through challenges and heartache and feeling like they may have to completely disappear or shut down just to survive, both figuratively and literally.
Internalized homophobia is when someone internalizes negative beliefs and feelings about LGBTQ+ people, and applies those beliefs to themselves. It can cause people to feel discomfort or disapproval with their own same-sex attractions, or even reject their sexual orientation
Causes
Internalized homophobia can be caused by society's negative perceptions, intolerance, and stigma toward LGBTQ+ people.
- It can also be caused by the assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual.
- Internalized homophobia can lead to self-hatred, mental and physical health issues, and problems with intimacy.
- It can also cause people to isolate themselves from queer people, or to bully and discriminate against openly gay people.
- Feeling discomfort or disapproval with same-sex attractions
- Punishing oneself for having queer thoughts and feelings
- Avoiding gay/queer peers or colleagues
- Defending or excusing homophobia
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