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Misconceptions And Effects Of Homophobia

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Misconceptions about homosexuality include: that homosexuals created HIV or that sexuality is a choice or that gay individuals are feminine and lesbians are masculine. Even though they may not seem to be, the effects of homophobia can be fatal. Many individuals who learn about their non-heterosexuality are in a vulnerable place—especially younger people. When exposed to homophobic opinions on homosexuality from their community, it leaves many of these lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual youth feeling alone, scared, humiliated, confused, and ashamed which can higher their risk for self-harm, homelessness, substance abuse, or suicide. Studies show that “gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth because of homophobia” (Cozza, 2003). The leading cause of death for the youth in the homosexual community is suicide—which can be accredited to society’s homophobic and prejudiced attitudes. These attitudes can quickly turn to pure hatred toward homosexual people. Organizations who encourage these ideologies, such as the Boy Scouts of America, have policies that discriminate against gays and encourage this hatred toward that community. Being gay in itself is not what causes these individuals to hurt themselves or commit suicide, it’s …show more content…

However, the effects of homophobia can be. Because of its victimization, homophobia can distort the mental health of both homo- and heterosexual individuals. “A healthy community requires an end to the conspiracy of silence about homosexuality through open discussion and confrontation of homophobia wherever it appears, by gays and straights alike” (“Homophobia”). Only then will society be able to progress. As time goes by, however, these characteristics in individuals are not the only ones being attacked. More and more people are beginning to suffer because of their faith and beliefs as

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Most often, these attitudes represent the stigma and negativity (homophobia) against individuals with same-sex attractions and behavior. As a result, sexual minorities learn to believe that same-sex sexuality is inferior and worthy of shame; collectively, these beliefs are commonly known as internalized homophobia (Nungesser, 1983; Shidlo, 1994) 2.2 Cognitive Dissonance and Identity Confusion As a result of experiencing same-sex sexual arousal or behavior in a homonegative environment, young adolescents' feelings of being different often develop into cognitive dissonance and identity confusion, the second stage of gay/lesbian identity development (Troiden 1989). Characteristic of this stage is feeling a sense of isolation that includes (a) feeling alone in every social situation; (b) feeling there is no one to talk to; (c) feeling the need to emotionally distance oneself from others; (d) fearing that same-sex friendships may be misinterpreted; and (e) feeling hopeless about the future (Martin and Hetrick 1987; Ryan and Futterman 1998) 2.3 Insecure attachment

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In conclusion, the circumstances and conditions that lead an individual to commit suicide are extremely complex. However, with LGBTQ youth, understanding the dynamic of societal and familial conditions that are consistent among reported incidents of suicide or attempted suicide in this group is crucial for prevention. It is our culture’s intolerance of homosexuality, which is often violent, that leads many teens to consider suicide and an alarming number to take their own lives. The popular assumption that an LGBTQ individual is inherently at risk for suicide is evidence of our culture’s inability to understand or accept differences in sexual orientation or sexual expression. Our intolerance is reflected in the incidents where these people are targeted and bullied because of their perceived sexual orientation or because they do not conform to accepted gender expectations.

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Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay and lesbian youths. Gay and lesbians youth are 2 to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth or the straight people. Over 30% of all reported teen suicides each year are committed by gay and lesbian youths,

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