While this very good article I'ved 'linked' below doesn't use the word, when I read it, it's the first thing that came to mind.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...ourtesy-stigma
On the boards here there has been a lot of discussion about the acceptance of religiously conservative parents. And this article points out, I believe, that parents have a lot to deal with when their children tell them they are gay. Even without the religious element, there is the issue of shame.
God love them, but I know my family deals with this. They don't talk about it. But then, they don't talk much about my being gay either - at least not while I am present. You see:
that is the power of shame.
Shame kills love.