“I Don’t Like to Say That I’m Anything”: Sexuality Politics and Cultural Critique Among Sexual-Minority Latino Youth

Abstract

This article offers an initial exploration of forms of cultural and political agency of Latino youth who experience sexual attraction to both men and women. The authors focus on young people's perspectives about bisexuality, their views and critical responses regarding social categories of sexual identity, and their reflections about the relationships between sexual and gender identities. Following a social constructionist approach, the authors explore sexual identity not as an essence to be discovered in a coming-out process but as a dynamic, interactive process in which the subjects construct their sexual identities in dialogue with existing cultural possibilities and within the context of their social relations. Based on in-depth interviews with 11 boys and five girls from 15 to 19 years old who had Latin American or Caribbean ancestors, the findings show different ways in which these sexual-minority Latino youth participated in struggles over meanings, labels, forms of discrimination, and normalization.The scientific study of bisexuality among Latinos is scant and mostly focused on behavior rather than in the subjective experience of sexuality. This absence is particularly important as it limits the understanding of personal, social and political dimensions shaping sexuality, including sexual behavior. Research exploring sexual meanings and identities from the perspective of the subjects themselvesthat is, an experience-near approach (Geertz 1974)-is needed for a critical analysis of the relevance and limitations of conceptual approaches and scientific labeling in sexuality research on Latino bisexualities.

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

“…Important cultural constructs, such as machismo (i.e., strong sense of being manly) and familism (i.e., family needs take precedence over individual needs) for Latino youth, emerged when discussing the process of identity development (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010).…”

“…One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010). Latino youth also indicated that the identity development process was inherently relational because of the central role of family relationships in Mexican families (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). This was also found among Black MSM who described the perceived need to meet hypermasculine expectations for Black young men as heightened compared to White young men (Fields et al, 2015).…”

“…Yet other reports have not found racial-ethnic differences in level of disclosure (Boxer, Cook, & Herdt, 1991; Ryan et al, 2009). Across all racial-ethnic groups, youths discussed fear of disclosure because of potential for rejection, and parental reactions to disclosure included both acceptance and rejection (Aleman, 2005; Balaji et al, 2012; Coffey, 2008; Follins, 2003; Hunter, 1990; Kuper, Coleman, & Mustanski, 2014; Munoz-Laboy et al, 2009; Reck, 2009; Timm et al, 2013; Voisin et al, 2013; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Only one report found a significant difference in experienced parental acceptance after disclosure, in that Black participants reported less acceptance than Latino or White youth (Coffey, 2008).…”

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

“…Important cultural constructs, such as machismo (i.e., strong sense of being manly) and familism (i.e., family needs take precedence over individual needs) for Latino youth, emerged when discussing the process of identity development (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010).…”

“…One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010). Latino youth also indicated that the identity development process was inherently relational because of the central role of family relationships in Mexican families (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). This was also found among Black MSM who described the perceived need to meet hypermasculine expectations for Black young men as heightened compared to White young men (Fields et al, 2015).…”

“…Yet other reports have not found racial-ethnic differences in level of disclosure (Boxer, Cook, & Herdt, 1991; Ryan et al, 2009). Across all racial-ethnic groups, youths discussed fear of disclosure because of potential for rejection, and parental reactions to disclosure included both acceptance and rejection (Aleman, 2005; Balaji et al, 2012; Coffey, 2008; Follins, 2003; Hunter, 1990; Kuper, Coleman, & Mustanski, 2014; Munoz-Laboy et al, 2009; Reck, 2009; Timm et al, 2013; Voisin et al, 2013; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Only one report found a significant difference in experienced parental acceptance after disclosure, in that Black participants reported less acceptance than Latino or White youth (Coffey, 2008).…”

Immigrant Sexual Minority Latino Men in Rural North Carolina: An Exploration of Social Context, Social Behaviors, and Sexual Outcomes

“…Furthermore, recent work suggests that we may not understand well current Latino male sexuality. For example, it appears that Latino sexual identities may be more nuanced than previously thought (Carrillo & Fontdevila, 2011; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Similarly, traditional conceptualizations of male gender have largely focused on negative aspects of machismo , failing to account for its positive aspects, e.g.…”

Intersectional discrimination, psychological distress, and physical health symptoms among Latine sexual minority adults.

“…For example, it is plausible that Latine individuals are socialized into their racial/ethnic identity prior to their sexual identity. This may lead to a stronger attachment and sense of belonging to one’s racial/ethnic identity relative to the LGBTQ+ community as many youths may not engage in sexual identity milestones until early adolescence ( Gattamorta & Quidley-Rodriguez, 2018 ; Rosario et al, 2004 ; Yon-Leau & Muñoz-Laboy, 2010 ). Heterosexism in one’s racial/ethnic community may be more detrimental when it originates from family members, friends, and/or individuals in their community who were once sources of support and provided a sense of belonging.…”

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

“…Important cultural constructs, such as machismo (i.e., strong sense of being manly) and familism (i.e., family needs take precedence over individual needs) for Latino youth, emerged when discussing the process of identity development (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010).…”

“…One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010). Latino youth also indicated that the identity development process was inherently relational because of the central role of family relationships in Mexican families (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). This was also found among Black MSM who described the perceived need to meet hypermasculine expectations for Black young men as heightened compared to White young men (Fields et al, 2015).…”

“…Yet other reports have not found racial-ethnic differences in level of disclosure (Boxer, Cook, & Herdt, 1991; Ryan et al, 2009). Across all racial-ethnic groups, youths discussed fear of disclosure because of potential for rejection, and parental reactions to disclosure included both acceptance and rejection (Aleman, 2005; Balaji et al, 2012; Coffey, 2008; Follins, 2003; Hunter, 1990; Kuper, Coleman, & Mustanski, 2014; Munoz-Laboy et al, 2009; Reck, 2009; Timm et al, 2013; Voisin et al, 2013; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Only one report found a significant difference in experienced parental acceptance after disclosure, in that Black participants reported less acceptance than Latino or White youth (Coffey, 2008).…”

Immigrant Sexual Minority Latino Men in Rural North Carolina: An Exploration of Social Context, Social Behaviors, and Sexual Outcomes

“…Furthermore, recent work suggests that we may not understand well current Latino male sexuality. For example, it appears that Latino sexual identities may be more nuanced than previously thought (Carrillo & Fontdevila, 2011; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Similarly, traditional conceptualizations of male gender have largely focused on negative aspects of machismo , failing to account for its positive aspects, e.g.…”

Intersectional discrimination, psychological distress, and physical health symptoms among Latine sexual minority adults.

“…For example, it is plausible that Latine individuals are socialized into their racial/ethnic identity prior to their sexual identity. This may lead to a stronger attachment and sense of belonging to one’s racial/ethnic identity relative to the LGBTQ+ community as many youths may not engage in sexual identity milestones until early adolescence ( Gattamorta & Quidley-Rodriguez, 2018 ; Rosario et al, 2004 ; Yon-Leau & Muñoz-Laboy, 2010 ). Heterosexism in one’s racial/ethnic community may be more detrimental when it originates from family members, friends, and/or individuals in their community who were once sources of support and provided a sense of belonging.…”

Sexual minority youth of color: A content analysis and critical review of the literature

“…Important cultural constructs, such as machismo (i.e., strong sense of being manly) and familism (i.e., family needs take precedence over individual needs) for Latino youth, emerged when discussing the process of identity development (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010).…”

“…One report found that Latino youths’ sexual identity development was influenced by their exposure to machismo (Wilson et al, 2010). Latino youth also indicated that the identity development process was inherently relational because of the central role of family relationships in Mexican families (Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). This was also found among Black MSM who described the perceived need to meet hypermasculine expectations for Black young men as heightened compared to White young men (Fields et al, 2015).…”

“…Yet other reports have not found racial-ethnic differences in level of disclosure (Boxer, Cook, & Herdt, 1991; Ryan et al, 2009). Across all racial-ethnic groups, youths discussed fear of disclosure because of potential for rejection, and parental reactions to disclosure included both acceptance and rejection (Aleman, 2005; Balaji et al, 2012; Coffey, 2008; Follins, 2003; Hunter, 1990; Kuper, Coleman, & Mustanski, 2014; Munoz-Laboy et al, 2009; Reck, 2009; Timm et al, 2013; Voisin et al, 2013; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Only one report found a significant difference in experienced parental acceptance after disclosure, in that Black participants reported less acceptance than Latino or White youth (Coffey, 2008).…”

Immigrant Sexual Minority Latino Men in Rural North Carolina: An Exploration of Social Context, Social Behaviors, and Sexual Outcomes

“…Furthermore, recent work suggests that we may not understand well current Latino male sexuality. For example, it appears that Latino sexual identities may be more nuanced than previously thought (Carrillo & Fontdevila, 2011; Yon-Leau & Munoz-Laboy, 2010). Similarly, traditional conceptualizations of male gender have largely focused on negative aspects of machismo , failing to account for its positive aspects, e.g.…”

Intersectional discrimination, psychological distress, and physical health symptoms among Latine sexual minority adults.

“…For example, it is plausible that Latine individuals are socialized into their racial/ethnic identity prior to their sexual identity. This may lead to a stronger attachment and sense of belonging to one’s racial/ethnic identity relative to the LGBTQ+ community as many youths may not engage in sexual identity milestones until early adolescence ( Gattamorta & Quidley-Rodriguez, 2018 ; Rosario et al, 2004 ; Yon-Leau & Muñoz-Laboy, 2010 ). Heterosexism in one’s racial/ethnic community may be more detrimental when it originates from family members, friends, and/or individuals in their community who were once sources of support and provided a sense of belonging.…”