Generational changes in the meanings of sex, sexual identity and stigma among Latino young and adult men

Abstract

In this paper we examine the sexual identities of Latino men who have sex with men and women, in which an analysis was made of 150 sexual histories of Latino men aged 18–60. This study asks how is the bisexual identity and experience of stigma different for Latino men along the generational spectrum, and how do these differences relate to kinship support and gender ideology? In the process of analysis, two main clusters of characteristics were identified to reflect this population: young men aged 18–25, whose open bisexual identity correlated positively with kinship/peer support and flexible gender and sexual roles; and men aged 26–60, who refused or were reluctant to identify as bisexual despite the fact that they were sexually active with both men and women. This group as a whole had less kinship and peer support, were more likely to identify with traditional gender roles and were less sexually versatile. Finally, a third group reflected Latino men across the generational divide who were less concerned with same-sex stigma, but who nevertheless felt the bisexual label to be confining, illegitimate, or otherwise negative.

‘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

“…These findings reflect broader trends of Latinos in the USA, where declining religious affiliation is concentrated within young, native-born populations (Navarro Rivera, et al, 2010). Furthermore, the afore mentioned, previous analysis by the authors identified a youthful cohort (ages 18–25) who, along with identifying as bisexual and practising fluid gender and sexual roles, were largely American-born (Severson, et al, 2013) and repeatedly demonstrated irreverence and disdain towards organised religion and religious proscriptions on sexual behaviour.…”

“…Findings elsewhere supported our initial hypotheses: religiously-oriented non-heterosexuals have been found to experience internal conflict and shame regarding their sexual orientation (Schuck & Liddle 2001), and non-heterosexuals who belong to non-LGBT-affirming religious communities face psychological distress (Mahaffy 1996; Rodriguez and Oulette 2000; Thumma 1991). Furthermore, a previous analysis of the data by the authors identified a subgroup of men in our population over 25 who held traditional views on gender and sex roles, expressed negativity towards non-heterosexuality, and made frequent reference to religion in their life history interviews (Severson, et al, 2013). This led us to believe that among men in our study, religiosity would play a strong role in the organisation of non-heterosexuality.…”

Conceptions of privacy and the non-disclosure of same-sex behaviour by behaviourally-bisexual men in heterosexual relationships

“…Indeed, information about sexual behaviours has been found to be the most private kind of information and the least likely to be discussed with others, even with family and friends (Afifi and Caughlin 2006; Golish and Caughlin 2002). However, only recently has the issue of privacy been addressed within the context of behaviourally-bisexual men (Muñoz-Laboy et al 2009; Operario, Smith, and Kegeles 2008; Severson et al 2013). These studies reported that privacy issues, including viewing the topic of sexuality as a private, personal issue and the cultural importance of keeping sexual matters private as reasons for non-disclosure of their same-sex behaviours (Muñoz-Laboy et al 2009; Operario et al 2008) or not identifying as bisexual (Severson et al 2013).…”

“…However, only recently has the issue of privacy been addressed within the context of behaviourally-bisexual men (Muñoz-Laboy et al 2009; Operario, Smith, and Kegeles 2008; Severson et al 2013). These studies reported that privacy issues, including viewing the topic of sexuality as a private, personal issue and the cultural importance of keeping sexual matters private as reasons for non-disclosure of their same-sex behaviours (Muñoz-Laboy et al 2009; Operario et al 2008) or not identifying as bisexual (Severson et al 2013). Although this research identified the desire to maintain privacy as a key factor in the decision to not disclose, it did not provide an in-depth examination of the meaning of privacy to behaviourally-bisexual men, nor did it identify specific ways in which privacy rules guide disclosure decision-making.…”

Latina Lesbian Students: Understanding their Experiences and Perceived Sexual Identity Development at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

“…Although these countries have differing cultural norms and dialects, there are certain cultural standards across them on the issue of sexual orientation (Agronick, O'Donnell, Stueve, Doval, Dugan, & Vargo, 2004;Greene, 1994;Morals, 1992, Rosario, Schrimshaw, & Hunter, 2004. The intolerance and homophobia exhibited in the Latino culture toward sexual minorities is considered to be more intense than that exhibited in the dominant Anglo culture (Greene, 1994;Encarnacioń, 2011;Kahn, 2013;Severson et al, 2013).…”