MY SECRET LIFE - THE EMERGENCE OF ONE GAY MANS AUTHENTIC IDENTITY

This qualitative study explores the life history of Bruce, a gay man, from the perspective of homophobia. Homophobia is the fear and hatred expressed toward gay men, lesbians, and bisexual women or men as well as persons suspected of being gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Homophobia m ay become internalized, creating a form of self-hatred derived from th e negative stereotypes associated with homosexuality. Bruce's life was shaped by the homophobia of others and his own self-hatred, leading t o isolation and a lack of a projected authentic identity. This article focuses on the affective meanings related to significant events in Br uce's life history and how they contributed to transformation in his l ife from victimic to agentic themes. It is important for occupational therapy practitioners to recognize the influence that homophobia and i nternalized homophobia have on therapeutic interventions.