ABSTRACT
Background: The LGBTQIA+ community faces relentless discrimination and negative social attitudes despite the overhaul of IPC Section 377 in India, which are sometimes projected inwards as internalized homophobia. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and internalized homophobia and assess the level of internalized homophobia among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. Methodology: A correlational research design was used with a sample of individuals identifying as either gay, lesbian or bisexual (n = 109) recruited using mixed-snowball sampling method for the study and the data was analysed using statistical methods like Spearman’s correlation, Welch’s ANOVA and linear regression. Internalized homophobia was measured using the Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS) and Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale (LIHS), whereas perceived social support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results revealed a significant relationship between perceived social support and internalized homophobia among male participants and higher levels of internalized homophobia among non- heterosexual women compared to non-heterosexual men. The findings indicate that lacking perceived social support can contribute to increasing internalized homophobia, which in turn reduces perceived social support within a negative, self-perpetuating cycle. The intersectionality of gender-based violence targeting one's identity as a woman and a non-heterosexual individual, may contribute to heightened levels of internalized homophobia among women. The study provides important findings that may help to formulate instructive queer affirmative mental health policies and practices. Conclusions: Perceived social support can extensively contribute toward the development of internalized homophobia among LGB individuals