Internalised homophobia (or self-dislike)
The concept of internalised homophobia is associated with gay, lesbian and bi individuals who have experienced homophobia from society or family. Internalised self-dislike can be experienced by any minority group who have been the subject of prejudice. However, it is most obvious amongst the LGBTQ community. It is important to be aware that the we internalise negative self-images that are presented to us by society or family. The experience may be overt (physical or verbal violence) or it may be subtle.
Here is an example of how subtle prejudice can work in creating a negative self image, that is to say interalising homophobia:
How many times in the last week have you seen adverts depicting couples either making a decision, making a choice or enjoying themselves?
When you have counted them work out how many of those couples were same sex couples?
The vast majority will have depicted opposite sex couples. At an unconscious level (by simply experiencing those adverts on a regular basis) you will have been exposed to the assumption that the “norm” appears to be opposite sex couples. In other words the adverts depict a prejudice against same sex coupling.
We are often unaware of our negative self-image or internalised homophobia, despite the fact that it may affect our everyday actions and behaviours. Those behaviours may result in self-sobotaging behaviour, anxiety, depression, lack of self confidence, excessive alcohol and drug use, unstable relationships and so on and so on.
Psychotherapy can assist in uncovering negative attitudes towards oneself and afford a secure environment in which to resolve the conflicts that have arisen internally. Once those issues have been addressed forward movement in a more constructive way may be possible.
If you would like to learn more you can contact me by telephone on +44 7956 569149, email at [email protected] or use the contact form below. If you want me to call you make sure that you give some times and days (based on the UK time zone) that are convenenient - note I do not take or receive calls when with clients nor do I make/receive calls between 10 pm and 8 am UK time zone.
I also work through skype so you do not have to be in London or even the UK. I look forward to hearing from you.
Here is an example of how subtle prejudice can work in creating a negative self image, that is to say interalising homophobia:
How many times in the last week have you seen adverts depicting couples either making a decision, making a choice or enjoying themselves?
When you have counted them work out how many of those couples were same sex couples?
The vast majority will have depicted opposite sex couples. At an unconscious level (by simply experiencing those adverts on a regular basis) you will have been exposed to the assumption that the “norm” appears to be opposite sex couples. In other words the adverts depict a prejudice against same sex coupling.
We are often unaware of our negative self-image or internalised homophobia, despite the fact that it may affect our everyday actions and behaviours. Those behaviours may result in self-sobotaging behaviour, anxiety, depression, lack of self confidence, excessive alcohol and drug use, unstable relationships and so on and so on.
Psychotherapy can assist in uncovering negative attitudes towards oneself and afford a secure environment in which to resolve the conflicts that have arisen internally. Once those issues have been addressed forward movement in a more constructive way may be possible.
If you would like to learn more you can contact me by telephone on +44 7956 569149, email at [email protected] or use the contact form below. If you want me to call you make sure that you give some times and days (based on the UK time zone) that are convenenient - note I do not take or receive calls when with clients nor do I make/receive calls between 10 pm and 8 am UK time zone.
I also work through skype so you do not have to be in London or even the UK. I look forward to hearing from you.
