Homophobia is not a new concept by any means, but internalized homophobia may be a new term to some. We often think of LGBTQAI+ related hate to be channeled through the actions of others. However, more often we experience hate from within. Much like mental illness, internalized homophobia (IH) and self-rejection can cause both short-term and long-term consequences. Here’s how:

Relationship Problems

Health Issues

Regular check-ups, sexually responsible precautions, and screening for STDs are vital to anyone’s health regardless of sexuality. For LGBTQAI+ individuals, however, decades of health care discrimination and social stigma around gay and lesbian sex complicated things. IH can add to the already present obstacles to treatment and optimal health. By remaining closeted, ashamed, or fearful of your true self, you put yourself at risk of poor health and quality of life. Individuals who are ashamed of their sexual preferences, but remain sexually active, are more likely to refuse screenings. In doing so, they place themselves at risk of missing a diagnosis and their partner at risk of contracting it. Never let fear control your health. For more facts on HIV, STDs, and Sexual Health, go here. 

No matter what your family, friends, co-workers, street hasslers, or Twitter trolls say about you, only you decide who you are. No one needs to hide or change themselves to fit the mold or please others. Don’t live your life in someone else’s image.

Coming from someone who was in the closet for years and still struggles with coming out to new people, believe me, nothing good comes out of internalization. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, body image, and Anorexia. While not all of those challenges can be directly contributed to IH, it certainly did not help me recover and accept myself.

My advice: Don’t allow your internal doubt to manifest as external deteriorations. 

Be open, be out, and be CALM!

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273581000125X

https://academic.oup.com/her/article/15/1/97/775710

https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-017-0530-1

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-27485-006

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-00624-018

https://unsplash.com/photos/2LR-K_esuW0?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink (image)