Is There Really Pride?: A statistical analysis of internalised homophobia among three age cohorts of Men-who-have-Sex-with-Men in America


Anthony Lenarduzzi, University of Guelph

Confidence or pride in one’s identity is a complex feeling among many sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) minority groups. For many, pride is a rejection of the static belief systems that they were raised with; for some, their identity may still be tied to feelings of shame, guilt, and discomfort. These feelings are more succinctly described by the term internalised homophobia. This study uses data from "Generations: A Study of the Life and Health of LGB People in a Changing Society, United States, 2016-2019" to investigate the links between feelings of internalised homophobia, age cohort, and perceived social support. A practical application of the minority stress model, this study emphasises the risks associated with internalised homophobia and compulsive sexual behaviours. In recognizing the lack of literature giving depth to how internalised homophobia or homonegativity is sustained among MSM, this study contributes to the need for further intersectional research on internalised homophobia. This study highlights the significant impact that perceived social support from family, friends, and (a) significant other(s) have on the likelihood of an MSM individual reporting feelings of internalised homophobia. Utilising logistic regression models and estimation, each interaction between age cohort and the social support sub scales reported statistical significance (p<.05; p<.01; & p<0.05 respectively) in the model when controlling for demographic and theoretically associated variables. Interestingly, while some age cohorts were correlated positively to higher levels of social support with less likelihood of reporting feelings of internalised homophobia, others experienced higher likelihoods of reporting feelings of internalised homophobia at higher levels of social support.

This paper will be presented at the following session: