Sociopolitical and Cultural Correlates of Internalized Homonegativity in Gay and Bisexual Men: Findings from a Global Study |
| |
| Authors: | Rigmor C Berg Richard Lemke Michael W Ross |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Norwegian Knowledge Center for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway and Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway;2. Department of Communication, Institut für Publizistik, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany;3. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | Objectives: Based on the premise that internalized homonegativity (IH) is a product of the incorporation of environmental heterosexism, the authors examined the influence of sociopolitical and individual influences on IH. Methods: The cross-sectional study consisted of 109,382 gay and bisexual men across 77 countries. Results: Variables at the (European) country-level that were associated with higher levels of IH included lack of laws recognizing same-sex relationships and perceived and actual negative gay-related public opinion about homosexuals. Individual-level variables significantly associated with IH were public opinion about homosexuals and exposure to gay-related victimization/discrimination. Conclusions: An improved sociopolitical climate for LGB individuals is needed. |
| |
| Keywords: | Gay men homosexual internalized homonegativity homophobia/heterosexism sexual rights stigma political |
|
|
