This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Russell, G. M. Articles by Bohan, J. S. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Case of Internalized Homophobia

Theory and/as Practice

New Leaf Services, San Francisco and Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies, Amherst, MA

Janis S. Bohan

Metropolitan State College of Denver

This paper suggests that theoretical formulations do not stand apart from research and practice but rather themselves represent forms of praxis. This proposal is illustrated by an alternative perspective on the psychological construct of internalized homophobia. Calling upon postmodern construals of self and identity, the authors argue that the usual distinction between homophobia-in-the-world and internalized homophobia as experienced and expressed by non-heterosexual individuals is a false one. Rather, all members of a homonegative society incorporate and convey homonegative attitudes, reflecting common rather than differential expressions of that homonegativity. A new term, homonegating processes, is proposed as more encompassing and useful than current terminology. In addition, the paper argues that the assumption of such an alternative perspective both expresses and engenders alternative enactments in psychological practice. The paper closes with an exploration of some pragmatic implications of this analysis.

Key Words: heterosexism • homonegativity • homophobia • internalized homophobia • sexual orientation • ventriloquation

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				K. J. Gergen and B. Zielke Theory in Action Theory Psychology, June 1, 2006; 16(3): 299 - 309. [Abstract] [PDF]