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Homophobic Labeling in the Process of Identity Construction

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Abstract

Even if from a cultural level we have implemented substantial progress in terms of discrimination, in many countries gay people are still considered abnormal or deviant. This view still triggers stigmatization and labeling that affects how people, not just homosexuals, represent themselves and how they interact. This research examines the labeling processes suffered, and the role that they have played in homosexual identity construction, in particular with regard to homophobia. Based on semi-structured interviews, applied to homosexuals coming from the same Italian region, we have found that labeling on the part of friends and acquaintances has affected people’s lives, especially during adolescence. We also highlighted theories used by the interviewees on how to handle labeling, and where one can get ideas for improving interventions against discrimination to be implemented in educational contexts, especially with regard to the need to counter the internalization of homophobia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, Padua, Italy

    Antonio Iudici & Massimo Verdecchia

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  1. Antonio Iudici
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  2. Massimo Verdecchia
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Correspondence to Antonio Iudici.

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Iudici, A., Verdecchia, M. Homophobic Labeling in the Process of Identity Construction. Sexuality & Culture 19, 737–758 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-015-9287-0

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