Sexual stigma

Sexual stigma is social devaluation, prejudice, or discrimination directed at people because of their sexuality or sexual conduct. It can be enacted through institutions, social interactions, and internalized beliefs.

Sexual prejudice: Negative attitudes toward people based on their sexual orientation or sexuality. Prejudicial attitudes are one route through which sexual stigma shapes judgments and behavior.
LGBTQ health disparities: Differences in health outcomes and access to care between LGBTQ people and non-LGBTQ populations. Stigma contributes to unequal health risks and barriers to appropriate care.
Sexual morality: Social norms and judgments concerning acceptable sexual behavior. Moral rules define which sexual identities and conduct are treated as discrediting.
Gender stigma: Social devaluation or discrimination directed at people because of their gender or gender expression. It can overlap with sexual stigma but targets gendered identities and expression.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that heterosexuality is the normal or preferred form of sexuality. It makes non-heterosexual identities appear deviant and helps justify unequal treatment.
Concealable stigmatized identity: An identity that can be hidden but may expose its bearer to devaluation if disclosed. Sexuality can be concealed, making disclosure and concealment recurring responses to stigma.
Sodomy laws: Laws that criminalize specified sexual acts, historically including consensual sex between men. Criminalization has formally enforced stigma against particular sexual conduct.
HIV stigma: Prejudice and discrimination directed at people because of their actual or perceived HIV status. It often intersects with assumptions about sexuality, but centers on HIV status.
Minority stress: Chronic stress arising from stigma, prejudice, and discrimination experienced by members of marginalized groups. It explains how repeated stigma can affect mental and physical health.
Coming out: The process of disclosing a sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Disclosure can bring support while also exposing people to stigma and discrimination.

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