Internalized Stigma Within Sexual and Gender Minorities: Change Strategies and Clinical Implications

Internalized stigma (including internalized homophobia/ heterosexism and internalized transphobia/genderism) negatively affects lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals' mental health and well-being. Early writings framed internalized stigma as a reaction provoked by a susceptibility to external stigma that should be addressed within the person. However, recent writers have drawn sustained connections between internalized stigma and heterosexist and transphobic sociopolitical atmospheres. Research on the experience of internalized stigma and its negative outcomes are reviewed and evidence-based therapeutic guidelines applicable across various theoretical orientations are presented for counselors working with sexual and gender minority clients.