Learn what internalized stigma is and how it shows up
Whether you’re conscious of your own internalized stigma or it’s buried deep, we all experience it as a result of living in a world with homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. Exploring how it shows up for you is a first step in challenging it.
LEARNInternalized sigma looks, sounds, and feels different ways for different people.
Internalized stigma is when you absorb societal prejudice against LGBTQ+ people and direct it at yourself. This can sound like self-hating thoughts that repeat over and over inside your head. This can feel like doubting your self-worth, feeling angry at yourself, and feeling afraid for your ability to survive. Sometimes you may not even be aware of your own internalized stigma, as it’s sometimes buried deep inside.
ACTIVITYUse compassion to combat thoughts and beliefs.
It can be hard to treat ourselves with as much care as we treat others, but being compassionate with ourselves is one important way we begin to challenge our own negative beliefs.
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COMMUNITYHere’s some of the ways young LGBTQ+ people have shown compassion and care to each other and themselves.
ACTIVITYTake a moment to pause for yourself.
Whew, this is heavy stuff. Make sure you check in and care for your needs as you continue to explore internalized stigma. Here are a few one-minute meditations to center yourself.