‘At times, I feel like I'm sinning’: the paradoxical role of non-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-affirming religion in the lives of behaviourally-bisexual Latino men

Abstract

In this paper we examine non-LGBT-affirming religiosity among behaviourally bisexual Latino men as it relates to sexual attitudes, experiences, and behaviours. We asked, how does religiosity correspond to masculine identities, sex roles, and condom efficacy? And, how might religiosity influence contexts of health risks? Data was analysed from a mixed-methods study of 142 behaviourally bisexual Latino men, aged 18–60 years. Major findings included positive correlations between religiosity and a) masculine ideologies, b) internalised homonegativity, c) less comfort with receptive sex, d) low condom efficacy, and e) higher levels of loneliness and incidents of discriminatory events. Results are paired with illustrative, descriptive case studies from life history interviews. It is suggested that non-LGBT-affirming religiosity plays a paradoxical role in the lives of behaviourally bisexual Latino men: on one hand, increasing internalised homonegativity and attendant health risks; on the other, providing social support to members of a marginalised population.

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Among Behaviorally Bisexual Men: Non-Disclosure as Stigma Management

“…Further, for all four groups, our findings suggest that these cultural and religious backgrounds (even when these cultural values and religions are not endorsed by the participants) served as barriers to disclosure of their sexual orientation because of the anticipation of negative reactions from the friends, family members, and female partners who did endorse them. Although previous research has noted that religiosity was perceived as potentially contributing to greater stigma of same-sex behavior in Latino (Severson et al, 2014) and Black communities (Jeffries, Dodge, & Sandfort, 2008), past work did not identify religiosity as a barrier to disclosure. Likewise, past work has found that Latino bisexual men view Latino culture as contributing to more stigma toward homosexuality (Martinez et al, 2011; Muñoz-Laboy, 2008).…”

“…Although the research literature has found that African American and Latino bisexual men are significantly less likely to disclose than White men (e.g., Shearer et al, 2012; Stokes et al, 1996), the reasons for these differences are less clear. Research has suggested that the greater non-disclosure in African American and Latino bisexual men may be due to greater fears of victimization or rejection (Benoit & Koken, 2012; Dodge et al, 2008; Malebranche et al, 2010), more conservative religious or cultural views on homosexuality (Martinez et al, 2011; Severson, Muñoz-Laboy, & Kaufman, 2014), or fears of family reactions and respect for family (Martinez et al, 2011; Muñoz-Laboy, 2008). However, without including White or Asian men as a comparison group, the existing studies on African American and Latino men cannot determine whether these reasons for non-disclosure (e.g., stigma, religion) are more common among these groups than other cultural groups.…”

Contextualising family microaggressions and strategies of resilience among young gay and bisexual men of Latino heritage

“…One major reason for this is that among many young Latino gay and bisexual men limited self-sufficiency and strong filial piety inhibit the type of strategies these men can use when negotiating rapport with their families (Ocampo 2013, del Pino et al 2014, Severson, Muñoz-Laboy, and Kaufman 2013). So strategies that entail deferring disclosure of one's sexual orientation, suppressing expression of sexuality, or conforming to family expectations upon coming out maybe preferred over more confrontational approaches (Sandfort, Melendez, and Diaz 2007, Severson, Muñoz-Laboy, and Kaufman 2013, Guarnero 2007, Ocampo 2013, del Pino et al 2014). The decision to negotiate coming out is often changeable in young adults, as young adulthood is often characterised by change and newly acquired autonomy (del Pino et al 2014, Ocampo 2013, Severson, Muñoz-Laboy, and Kaufman 2013).…”

Sexual Relationships, Behaviors, and Experiences Among Bisexual Men in Mumbai, India

“…Banik, Fisher, & Anand, 2014). While public health researchers in North America are beginning to study a more comprehensive range of bisexual men’s health issues (Dodge, Rosenberger, et al, 2012; Dodge, Schnarrs, et al, 2012; Dodge et al, 2013; Jeffries, Dodge, & Sandfort, 2008; Martinez et al, 2011; Muñoz-Laboy, Parker, Perry, & Garcia, 2013; Muñoz-Laboy et al, 2009; Severson, Muñoz-Laboy, & Kaufman, 2014), such studies have not yet examined experiences of self-identified bisexual men in the context of India. Of particular interest are men who routinely engage in sexual interactions with partners of diverse genders and who also self-identify their sexual orientation as “bisexual” (rather than “heterosexual,” “gay,” or other labels).…”