Acceptance of Homosexuality and Homophobia Associated with Suicidal Behavior among Homosexual Men

The gay males committed suicide 2 to 3 times more than heterosexual males. The study aims were to describe and to understand the existential process of the homophobia, its effects in the process of acceptance / denial of the homosexual orientation, associated with the suicidal behaviors in gay males; and to identify risk factors and protectors of suicidal behavior. It was a qualitative, descriptive and comparative study, with 3 gay males with suicide attempt and 4 gay males without suicidal history, by means of in-depth interviews on: sexual orientation, social networks, homophobia and suicidal behavior. There was identified that the homophobia in the family has a major negative effect on the psychic resources of the gay male, it is based on the hegemonic masculinity; united to the homophobic bullying they were fundamental elements for the development of the internalized homophobia. The family and peers’ supports were identified as protection factors to diminish the negative effects of the homophobia and to promote the positive identification and the self-acceptance of the homosexual orientation. In conclusion, the familial homophobia and the family rejection to the homosexual disclosure are aspects associated with the suicidal behavior in gay males.