Internalized homophobia develops when societal and cultural pressures create negative feelings within. Overcoming the pain of growing up gay in a straight man's world. The sad truth is that in a world where homophobia is built into almost every legal, medical, religious, and social structure, internalized homophobia is inevitable.
What is internalized homophobia, and why does it occur? Alan downs describes the internalization of homophobia in his book, the velvet rage: Internalized homophobia can manifest in various ways, indicating the internal struggle lgbtq+ individuals may face due to negative social attitudes.
Nobody was born with prejudices: Growing in a society that presents heterosexuality as the only rule can leave a deep imprint, such as internalized homophobia.