Internalized homophobia

prejudice expressions among non-heterosexual persons

Abstract

Homophobia is increasingly in society to the point that non-heterosexual persons reproduce homophobia against other non-heterosexual ones. The objective of this research was to understand how homophobia is expressed and what motivates it among non-heterosexuals. Eight non-heterosexual participants were interviewed whose reports were grouped into thematic axes. The main results highlighted the origins, motives and homophobia consequences and participants’ impressions about LGBTQIA+ social movements. Internalized homophobia is both a result of heteronormative pressures as an attempt to protect oneself from psychosocial risks and vulnerabilities.