Accuracy of the Identification of Sexual Orientation and Internalized Homophobia Inventory: A Case of University Fraternity

Abstract

Sexual prejudice is a common phenomenon especially with increasing advocacy for same-sex rights and increased acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The internalized (personal) homophobia (sexual prejudice towards same-sex relations) is often drawn from individuals’ beliefs that the LGBT people are immoral, sick, sinful, abnormal, inferior to the heterosexuals, or accused of suffering from psychological disorders among other prejudices that may be influenced by individual’s religious, cultural and other institutional beliefs and perceptions. The internalized homophobia significantly results in higher psychological distress among the LGBT population compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The LGBT population is argued to be significantly subjected to the stressors which are postulated to vary with the status of internalized homophobia of an individual. Therefore, these studies investigated the sexual orientation and internalized homophobia among universities in South Africa. The resulted showed that university fraternity exhibit about 7-16% degree of homophobia with increasing prevalence. Over 72% of fraternity cited to be anti-homosexuality hence increased criminalization of homosexuality. Identification of the sexual orientation of others by university staff and students impact on the internalized homophobia inventory which in turn affects how homosexuals view themselves in response to the sexual prejudice.