Understanding Internalized Homophobia among Homosexual men at Central Luzon State University
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Date
2023
Authors
Anthony R. Driza
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Abstract
Internalized homophobia has been shown to negatively impact the lives of homosexual individuals. However, limited local studies have been found to further examine the lived experiences of homosexuals who suffer from this internal conflict. Thus, the focus of this study is to understand and analyze the internalized homophobia among homosexual men at Central Luzon State University. This study employs qualitative research design, phenomenological study, purposive and snowballing sampling, in-depth and semi structured interviews and thematic analysis.
The present study revealed significant themes in understanding internalized homophobia. It found that the causes of internalized homophobia include perceived stigma, sexual orientation discrimination, identity confusion and self-loathing. the study showed that negative social environments greatly affect homosexual male students' perception of themselves towards their sexuality, resulting in self-criticism and self-abomination. hence the study disclosed that participants acquired internalized homophobia not entirely because they hate themselves too much but because of the negative views implied by pre-established societal norms, religious beliefs and stigma towards homosexuality, which converted it into self-rejection and created self-depreciating attitudes and conflicts within themselves. Moreover, the study showed that same-sex attraction influenced identity confusion and self-loathing. As a result of having internalized homophobia, homosexual male students developed eating disorders, anxiety and depression and relationship gaps.
The findings of this study led to various conclusions. First, it causes include perceived stigma, sexual orientation discrimination, identify confusion and self loathing as a result of the negative experiences they have encountered. The development of eating disorder, anxiety and depression and building a gap with their social relationships are the effects of internalized homophobia to homosexual males. In addition, the impacts of internalized homophobia on their behavior and the development of self-identity are having identity crisis, self-questioning, thoughts of self-acceptance and self-acceptance and self-awareness, and thoughts of being undecided and having self-uncertainty. Moreover, in dealing with internalized homophobia homosexual males use the following strategies: going with the flow, utilizing distraction, emotional release, optimism, concealment, resistance and acceptance and understanding.