Cultivating Compassion: Addressing Internalized Homophobia with Sentur

Article Summary

Dive into the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) tools in addressing internalized homophobia. Discover what internalized homophobia is according to the Internal Family Systems lens and how we see a path forward for healing. We cover the top ways homophobia causes pain in the community from the obvious and not-so-obvious ways that might surprise you. We review the 5 steps towards liberation from internalized homophobia and how this meditation can help you with two crucial steps. Finally, we close with an introduction to how Sentur can be your trusted companion on your journey of self-transformation with internalized homophobia, and your entire journey of self-transformation. Sentur's unique approach, rooted in IFS principles, supports you with Sentur's '3 P's for transformation' - Peace, Place, and Path - all in one platform.

We believe EVERYONE deserves to thrive, especially you. And we want to thank you for taking the time to create this healing within yourself, your family, your community, and our global society.

What is internalized homophobia?

Internalized homophobia is acknowledging that a part(s) of you hold judgment towards homosexuality. This judgment may be toward yourself or to others. It's a challenge many of us face because its origins are cultural, familial, and religious.

Internalized homophobia causes individual, familial, community, and societal suffering.

In Internal Family Systems (IFS), we understand that burdens like self-criticism or judgment towards ourselves and others create suffering. But here's the good news: We believe in the possibility of healing. Suffering from internalized homophobia can encompass feelings of shame, abandonment, fear, loneliness, and more.

What does suffering from internalized homophobia look like?

Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community experience suffering from homophobia in many ways. There are the more obvious implications of individuals outside the LGBTQIA+ community that hold the burden of homophobia.

And there is the not-so-obvious implication of individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who have parts that hold this within themselves.

For example, someone within the community might also have an inner critic who holds this burden, so while the individual is claiming their freedom and right to thrive, they also have a part inside them (inner critic) that is actively shaming them. Oftentimes this inner critic is relentless, and with devastating consequences to the individual physical and mental health.

Below is a list of ways this cultural, religious, and societal burden brings pain to this community. This can be from individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who have parts that hold onto Suffering can include:

• shame

• abandonment

• fear

• loneliness

• or any other suffering that is caused by internalized homophobia.

Additionally, in Internal Family Systems (IFS), we know that parts of us will step into extreme protective roles to deal with pain, such as shame, abandonment, fear, etc. Some of the protective roles parts take on in a system suffering from the effects of homophobia include:

• addiction

• self-harm

• suicidality

• dissociation

• disordered eating

• perfectionism

What does the path to liberation from internalized homophobia look like?

The path toward liberation from internalized homophobia looks like this:

• Awareness: Bring awareness toward the part(s) of you holding onto the criticism of homosexuality.

• Relationship: Befriend this part(s) by showing compassion, curiosity or kindness toward these parts.

• Restoration: Invite a release of the burden of internalized homophobia to the part(s).

• Collaboration: Integrate the part(s) liberated energy into your inner world.

• Connection: Bring the compassion, liberation, and curiosity you have received yourself to the world.

You will focus on building awareness and relationships during the meditation in the video above.

Additionally, a 10-minute bonus segment shows you just how Sentur can be used to continue the awareness and relationship-building outside of the 30-minute meditation exercise and be brought into regular practice in your everyday journey of self-transformation.

“If you do not make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.”

— Carl Jung

The Path to Liberation: The 3 P's on Sentur

We know the journey has just begun after you complete the meditation above.

Continuing to build awareness and relationship with the part(s) or parts of you that you encountered during your time in the meditation is crucial for continued healing. Sentur is your home for continuing this journey.

Sentur is more than just a platform; it's your sanctuary for personal growth and self-empowerment. Our unique approach, the "3 P's" - Peace, Place, and Path, is designed to guide you every step of the way:

1. Peace: Find solace in chaotic moments with our "I Need Support" tool. It's your instant relief when life gets overwhelming inside.

2. Place: Sentur is your one-stop destination for inner connection. Explore your inner world, from understanding your parts and trailheads to nurturing your self-energy, all in one place.

3. Path: Walk your personalized path of self-transformation with personalized recommendations and expert guidance. Every incredible journey is made with just the next right step. And we’ve got you covered. Step, by step, by step. We support your journey by offering guided exercises, meditations, and 24/7 interactive support.

With Sentur, your transformation is at your fingertips. We believe in the power of inner peace, self-discovery, and self-compassion to guide you toward liberation from internalized homophobia.

As you embark on this journey of liberation from internalized homophobia, remember you are not alone. Sentur is here alongside you to support, guide, and empower you on your journey.

Here at Sentur, we are ruthlessly committed to the belief that EVERYONE deserves to thrive, especially you.

Thank you again for taking the time to explore this topic of internalized homophobia and create this healing within yourself, your family, your community, and our global society.