O alvo fácil: homofobia e o impacto na constituição da auto imagem de homem cisgênero homossexual

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of homophobic violence on the body self-image of cisgender homosexual men. Grounded in the understanding that heteronormative, patriarchal, and misogynistic societal structures significantly influence the construction of male homosexuality, this research employs a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach to analyze data from the supervision of psychotherapeutic processes conducted within an Existential Phenomenological framework. The data, collected from an undergraduate student's internship at a university clinic-school, reveals that experiences of homophobic violence negatively impact the development of a positive body self-image, leading to adverse consequences for both physical and mental health, as well as interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, the findings highlight the crucial role of peer support groups, where individuals with shared experiences of violence can engage in collective processes of self-image resignification, complementing the individual therapeutic approach.

Keywords: sexual and gender minorities, homosexual men, homophobia, masculinities, existential phenomenology, gendered embodiment.