Sandra Robinson
Professor Duarte
SSC 101: Social Issues
October 1, 2015 Internalized Homophobia

I would like to say that this is most interesting subject and one that is really miss understood by many in our society. I have started to research some information concerning this subject and I find that there are many dealing with this situation in my mist and even in my circle in the church. The definition is defined as lesbians and gay men that really fear being the way that they are but it is what it is. I have through my studies in the last week found out that Internalized homophobia is defined as the involuntary belief by lesbians and gay men that the homophobic lies, stereotypes and myths about them are true. There are two logical, predictable consequences of a lifetime of such messages.1 First, heterosexuals will grow to believe many of the messages, and treat these with this issue and kind of people accordingly. They will be thoroughly indoctrinated into their role in heterosexism, protecting their heterosexual privilege by colluding with the perpetuation of heterosexism / homophobia.

But there is a second logical consequence - these same messages also stick to lesbians and gay men, resulting in internalized homophobia. Lesbians and gay men are taught to act out the lies and stereotypes, doubting themselves and other gay people (sometimes called “horizontal hostility.”) This is the way lesbians and gay men collude with the perpetuation of heterosexism. For the heterosexist system to be maintained and passed on to the next generation, we all must believe the messages (lies and stereotypes) to some degree, and collude with heterosexism by performing our assigned roles.

Most progressive, non-profit organizations, whether in human services, public service or social change, recognize that their mission cannot be completely fulfilled until all forms of oppression (racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, albinism, anti-Semitism, et al) are addressed. Many of these same organizations, however, do not recognize the forms of internalized oppression that interfere with accomplishing their missions.

Progressive organizations must take conscious action to recognize, acknowledge and interrupt all forms of oppression AND internalized oppression as it affects individuals, the organization as a whole, and its mission.

This workshop encourages Lesbians and gay men to recognize and examine the harmful impact of a lifetime of homophobic / heterosexist messages on their own self image, as well as their attitudes toward other gay people. Exercises and skills are offered to challenge internalized homophobia, in our own lives, for the young lesbians or gay men in our lives, and in our organizations. .
1.Internalized heterosexism, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems among lesbians and gay men [An article from...
David Jenks PHD