Covert Cultural Sexual Abuse of Gay Male Teenagers Contributing to Etiology of Sexual Addiction

Abstract

Gay male teenagers are at high risk for the development of sexual addiction. There exists a regular assault on the sexuality of gay males. This covert cultural sexual abuse suffered by these gay adolescents predisposes them to reenact this trauma through sexual acting out. The trauma model is useful in conceptualizing how to treat this population and address the post traumatic stress disorder suffered from the cultural victimization of homophobia and heterosexism.

Notes

* (Herman, 1992). This is exactly why so many gays and lesbians have trouble coming out. In addition to surmounting homophobia, rejection, and adversarial reactions, each gay and lesbian individual must delve into their own personal post-traumatic stress. Coming out requires constant hypervigilance in determining if it is safe or dangerous to be out and reveal one's instinctual sexual and romantic feelings.