Trooper said:I was also surprised at the gentlemen's comment...it's almost like he isn't able to overcome his own internalized homophobia...that happens to me once in awhile. Always catches me off guard and makes me upset with myself.... basically, sometimes it's hard to "unlearn" what's been pounded into your head as a child.
I think you are absolutely right about this. It took him a marriage and two children in their teens before he finally came out. I think that there may be some acceptance of the idea that he is a second class citizen and will be that for the rest of his life. It's hard for me to imagine feeling that way but I guess after living life in the closet for 45 years, it isn't that difficult to think of yourself this way.
Trooper said:I was also surprised at the gentlemen's comment...it's almost like he isn't able to overcome his own internalized homophobia...that happens to me once in awhile. Always catches me off guard and makes me upset with myself.... basically, sometimes it's hard to "unlearn" what's been pounded into your head as a child.
I think you are correct about this. It took this man one 15 year marriage and two teenage kids before he could finally admit who he was. I think much of the guilt for the pain "coming out" caused his family displays itself as "internalized homophobia" as you put it. I think it is another way of displaying his belief in the "second class citizen" label to deny that he actually deserves equal rights.