This is episode 117 of the Baehr and Curadh podcast. We are going to talk about internalized homophobia.
- To everyone listening to this podcast... You have some traits of internalized homophobia and you don't even know it.
- We live in a world where everyone is assumed to be heterosexual. But more than that, we live in a world where heterosexuality is thought to be superior.
- It leads to something called internalized homophobia.
- Imagine a Jewish person in Nazi Germany. It's very much like that.
- Growing up in an evangelical household.
- Low self-confidence, feelings of inadequacy, self-minimization, anxiety, and depression.
- Avoiding public displays of affection.
- Feeling you are never good enough.
- Internalized homophobia is what a lot of homophobic hate crimes stem from.
- Attempts to change your attraction, or engage in addictive behaviors that distract from queer thoughts and feelings.
- Conversion therapy.
- Men joining a seminary, the armed forces or law enforcement to "cure" themselves.
- Over-achievement as a bid for acceptance.
- Increased fear and withdrawal from friend and relatives.
- Embarrassment about those you attracted to, or how it manifests.
- Feelings of shame and guilt.
- Continual self-monitoring of one's behaviors, mannerisms, beliefs, and ideas.
- Marrying someone of the opposite sex, hoping the homosexual feelings will be replaced.
- Contempt for the more open or obvious members of the LGBT community.
- Mistrust and destructive criticism of queer community leaders.
- The opposite. Giving a "pass" to queer people because they are queer.
- Contempt for those at earlier stages of the coming out process.
- Projection of prejudice onto another target group.
- Reluctance to be around children for fear of being seen as a pedophile.
- Becoming psychologically abused or remaining in an abusive relationship.
- Putting down or avoiding heterosexuals.
- Feeling superior to heterosexuals.
- Thinking about or attempting suicide.
- A general sense of personal worth and also a positive view of your sexual orientation is critical for your mental health.
- Just being aware of internalized homophobia is a good thing.
