Internalised Homophobia

Many gay men came out at an early age and their life have been shaped by that event. Many others have not done so in their lifetime and, according to a published report, some of those men may be suffering from an Internalised Homophobia that could put their sexual health and that of others at risk by engaging in unprotected sex.

During a research project among a group of HIV people, the study revealed that internalised homophobia was shown through different parameters set for the study:

• self-assessed sexual orientation;
• comfort with one’s sexuality and one’s body
• compulsive sexual behaviour
• alcohol use
• drug use
• mental health
• comfort using condoms
• and unsafe sex.

Using these parameters above, the research established some evidence that those in low income, with problems accepting their body image, or those who have a strong religious belief were more likely to engage in risky sexual encounters, either by not using condoms or not disclosing or asking for HIV status.

It also helped to understand that many of the problems gay men face at some point may be related to the level of acceptance of their own sexuality.

On reflection, how many of us can really say we are happy with our sexuality? If you do, then feel proud of it.



You can read the article at Aidsmap