Internalized and Horizontal Heterosexism In Gay and Lesbian Individuals

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between two forms of heterosexism within a gay and lesbian sample: internalized heterosexism and horizontal heterosexism. In addition, the impact of age, sex, level of sexual orientation disclosure (outness), and social support on each of these two types of heterosexism were explored. A national sample of 414 gay and lesbian individuals stratified by age and evenly split between male and female were recruited. Participants filled out a survey containing measures of all study variables using an online platform. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses and a path analysis with bootstrapping procedures. Results revealed a strong, positive relationship between internalized heterosexism and outwardly projected horizontal heterosexism, suggesting that the impact of society’s oppressive messages, when internalized, have a broader impact than has been previously researched and reported on. Even when controlling for the effects of social desirability, younger age, decreased outness, and decreased support were associated with higher internalized heterosexism, as was being male. Males showed a higher level of internalized heterosexism than females in the sample. Several of the relationships between predictor variables and horizontal heterosexism were mediated by internalized heterosexism. Age was only partially mediated by internalized heterosexism, but outness and support were fully mediated by internalized heterosexism. The results are discussed using social psychological theory on self-concept and its relation to perception of others to give further meaning and context to the findings. Implications for practice and directions for future research are provided.