A Comprehensive Guide to Overcome Internalised Homophobia and Trans-phobia

Internalised homophobia and trans-phobia are negative feelings that LGBTQ+ individuals have about their own sexual orientation or gender identity. These feelings are frequently triggered by societal stigma, discrimination, and negative depictions of LGBTQ+ identities. Overcoming internalised homophobia and trans-phobia is critical to mental health and self-acceptance.

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Internalised homophobia and trans-phobia are major concerns for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in India. These internal conflicts occur when people internalise cultural prejudices against their sexual orientation or gender identity, resulting in self-hatred, denial, and mental suffering. Addressing these concerns is critical to building a healthier, more inclusive society.

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In India, where traditional customs and orthodox attitudes are prevalent, many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to embrace themselves. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive knowledge of internalised homophobia and trans-phobia, as well as an exploration of common forms and specific, practical techniques for resolving these issues. By focusing light on these challenges, we seek to promote self-acceptance and mental health in the LGBTQ+ community.

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Understanding the Concepts

Homophobia - The term "homophobia" has negative connotations in the therapeutic area, as it does not imply irrational dread or physiological responses associated with terror. Homophobia focuses more on a narrow sense. There may be feelings of contempt and avoidance towards sexual minorities, as well as frustration when encountering LGBT individuals.

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Trans-phobia - Hill & Willoughby (2005) defined 'trans-phobia' as emotional hatred towards individuals who do not correspond to society's gender standards.

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Trans-prejudice - Critics argue that trans-phobia is linked to irrational fear, causing others to believe it is a mental disease. Thus, the term 'trans-prejudice' was proposed. This approach shifts the focus from fear or disease to an individual's own views about the trans-individuals.

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Different approaches to look at Homophobia and Trans-phobia

Feminist theory - To fully understand the oppression faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, it's important to analyse their socially created identities, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. Moradi and Subich (2003) defined four perspectives - oppression as primary, additive viewpoint, interactionist perspective, and intersectional perspective.

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Minority Stress Theory - Research suggests that individuals from socially stigmatised groups may feel increased stress due to their minority status. This stress might be prolonged, necessitating higher adaptability. Internalised homophobia is a powerful stressor that can persist even in the absence of external triggers. Stressors, both internal and external, have been linked to negative mental and emotional effects.

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Impact of Internalised Stigma

Following are some of the areas which are impacted due to internalised stigma:

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Identity development – Internalised heterosexism affects the identity formation of the LGBTQ+ individuals. This is associated with the earlier stages in identity development and also further difficulty in opening up to others. It also impacts in suppression of attraction towards same-sex individual and relationships. This induces unpleasant feelings of shame and guilt; leading to lower self-esteem.

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Emotional well-being – The internalised stigma impacts directly on the mental and emotional well-being, making the individual feeling depressed and anxious. There is increased risk of suicidal ideations as well.

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Relationships and sexual behaviour -  Internalised stigma can have a significant impact on LGBTQ+ relationships, making it a potential area of work. For example, internalised heterosexism has been linked to lower relationship quality, as well as partner violence and victimisation.

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Substance abuse - Research suggests a link between internalised heterosexism and substance addiction among sexual minorities. Substance abuse can be a negative coping mechanism for individuals experiencing minority stress and rejection due to their sexual orientation.

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Therapeutic Interventions to address Internalised Homophobia and Trans-phobia

Psychotherapy helps in dismantling heteronormativity. It also helps to reduce internalisation of negative self-implications associated with being homosexual or having homosexual as well as heterosexual interests. Psychotherapy provides a safe setting and an objective perspective for confronting unfavourable self-perceptions. Let us understand different phases of therapeutic work:

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Phase 1 – Understand experience of internalised stigma

It consists of assessing the symptoms, the individual’s ability to identify as a sexual minority, understanding social and sexual discomfort, negative beliefs associated with self and world. The symptoms include unhealthy emotions of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression; also include feelings of social isolation and suicidal ideation. The individual’s issues in their interpersonal relationships and identity development are also addressed.

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Phase 2 – Awareness of the internal and external world of the individual

It consists of exploration of the beliefs and feelings and its origins. The focus is on how the individual feels towards their identity – discrimination, abuse, harassment, victimisation, and perceived negative belief of self and others. Every therapy approach has its own way of helping the individual, for instance – CBT works on exploring the learned stigma and reinforced negative beliefs, EFT or CFT works on reducing the self-critical voice and regulate their experiences from internalised stigma, interpersonal therapy works on difficulties in interpersonal relationships and problematic relational patterns.

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Phase 3 – Reducing the internalised stigma

It includes working on specific experiences, emotions, beliefs about the stigma, replacing maladaptive coping mechanisms and risky behaviours with healthy strategies. The maladaptive mechanisms consist of - unhealthy coping like isolation and self-criticism, rumination, suppressing unhealthy/ unpleasant emotions, ignoring disturbing thoughts. The individual is facilitated to be mindful, improve individual’s psychological flexibility, improving confidence and cognitively restructuring the experiences.

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Phase 4 – Encouraging change in the real world

After helping the individual to reduce the internalised stigma, it is important to facilitate the individual’s involvement in the external world and building a sense of common humanity and sense of belongingness; with the sense of common humanity it helps to empower the individual to grow their change and also inspire other individuals struggling due to the stigma. The improved social interactions help in their intrinsic motivation in committed action. It involves being a part of awareness platforms and community support groups, getting involved in advocacy to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.

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Conclusion

Experiences with homophobia and social discrimination based on identities and minority categories might become internalised. This internalisation might lead to difficulties that may emerge in future relationships. Internalised homophobia can sometimes accentuate other issues, disrupting the flow of a healthy partnership. Internalised homophobia is also known as ‘minority stressors’, and it can have a significant impact on a person's mental health.

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Overcoming internalised homophobia and trans-phobia is an important step towards self-acceptance and mental health. By educating self, seeking community support, and participating in affirmative therapy, the individual can combat negative cultural messages and unconditionally accept identity. Individuals can explore their emotions and receive expert help without fear of judgement in an online therapy setting. It provides flexibility and convenience, making it easier for people to seek assistance from the comfort of their own home.

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Rocket Health India offers specialised online therapy services designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Rocket Health's emphasis on anonymity, inclusion, and personalised care creates a judgement-free environment in which individuals can work through their issues with the assistance of qualified, experienced therapists. Visit Rocket Health India to learn more about our specialised online therapy services and begin your journey towards self-acceptance and well-being.