Internalized Homonegativity, Disclosure, and Acceptance of Sexual Orientation in a Sample of Portuguese Gay and Bisexual Men, and Lesbian and Bisexual Women

The purpose of this study was to assess internalized homonegativity and its correlates in a sample of Portuguese self-identified gay and bisexual men, and lesbian and bisexual women. Five hundred eighty participants, aged between 18 and 76 (M = 31, SD = 10), responded to an online questionnaire that included a demographic questionnaire and the Internalized Homophobia Scale. Results revealed that though lesbians revealed the lowest levels of internalized homonegativity and were the most likely to disclose to parents and friends, bisexual men scored the highest on levels of internalized homonegativity and were the most likely to hide their sexual orientation.