Abstract
The article is aimed at examining the significance of internalized heterosexism for HIV-related health behaviour of gay men in Germany. Based on the analysis of selected interviews from a qualitative study on psychosocial dynamics of HIV infections three aspects will be outlined that interlink the internalization of heteronormative representations of masculinity with risk behaviour in this group: 1. Masculinity becomes an essential issue for constructing a coherent gay identity in heteronormative societies that annotate male homosexuality with non-masculinity. 2. Internalized representations of heteronormative masculinity may lead to self-devaluation if the self-image is inconsistent with the masculine ideal. 3. A paradox desire for the idealized and violently experienced image is acted out sexually. Finally, strategies of acquiring images of masculinity beyond heterosexist inscriptions into the gay subject are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
