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It is impossible to be raised in a culture or society that condemns or rejects who you are without absorbing some degree of self-hatred.[Source]

The process of coming to terms with one's sexual identity is more difficult for some. The more difficult and painful this process is, the more likely an individual will turn to alcohol or other illicit drugs to cope with denial and shame, overcome inhibitions, and establish the courage to explore relationships.[Source]

In addition, homophobia and heterosexism influence rates of substance abuse among individuals who are LGBT because some turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to hide from their emerging sexual orientation or in an attempt to fit in with their peers.[Source]

Definitions

• Homophobia is an intense, irrational fear of homosexuality and homosexuals.[Source]



• Homophobia is a belief system that supports negative myths and stereotypes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. A key form of blatant homophobia is silence. The effects of homophobia on LGBT populations range from mild confusion, shyness, and insecurities to self-hatred, withdrawal, and anger.[Source]



• Heterosexism is the broader context of victimization and oppression of LGBT individuals by individuals or societal institutions. Heterosexism can be manifest as blatant discrimination, which has serious detrimental effects on emotional well-being and can lead to self-directed anger. This anger can lead to the development of a victim mentality, feelings of hopelessness or despair, and destructive patterns such as drinking, drugging, and suicide attempts. It is important to use this term because it shifts the "problem" from the LGBT individual to society and helps LGBT persons understand that it is not their "fault" others don't accept them.[Source]

Find out more about homophobia and heterosexism

Prejudice against lesbians and gay men remains widespread in US society, although the public appears to be increasingly opposed to discrimination based on sexual orientation. The links on this page provide a brief introduction to sexual prejudice, the phenomenon that is often labeled homophobia or heterosexism (http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/homophobia.html).