Reverse projection 

Rather than aggressively dissociating themselves from that which they are insecure, one who engages in reverse projection will, instead, playfully/pseudo-ironically engage with their insecurities so as to make themselves seem secure.

John didn't want anyone to know he was gay; John new that if he took extreme measures such as avoiding all physical contact with other men (e.g. handshakes, hugs, etc.), he would actually be projecting his insecurity and, in turn, would make it obvious that he was gay, so, instead, he chose to engage in reverse projection, i.e. do playful/pseudo-ironic things such as kissing his male friends or slapping their asses to make it seem as though he was comfortable with his sexuality.

Reverse projection by Living Ass April 12, 2021