Researcher(s)
- Kel Marquez-Henriquez, Communication, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Eric Layland, Education and Human Development, University of Delaware
Abstract
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus (LGBTQ+) community continues to grow in the US. Of this growing population, 20% of LGBTQ+ adults identify as Latinx. LGBTQ+ Latinx people are part of our local communities but continue to be underrepresented in research. Despite the gap in representation, scholars have expanded the study of the unique intersection between Latinx culture and LGBTQ+ identity. Of particular interest at this intersection, cultural values, which take the form of gender roles, family roles, and religion/spirituality, are passed down through generations of Latinx families. I conducted a literature review to analyze how these cultural values shape identity development for LGBTQ+ Latinx people. My findings suggest cultural values are linked to challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals including policing of gender, stigmatization, and family rejection. Despite these negative impacts, research also shows positive signs of resilience and strength promoted through culture. This overview of the literature describes the intersection of Latinx and LGBTQ+ identities and culture but will require a systematic review to formally analyze and synthesize evidence on this topic. Therefore, my project acts as a preliminary step for a future systematic review that will aim to identify these patterns and gaps in the literature. These future findings will provide suggestions on how families and community leaders can best care for and support LGBTQ+ Latinx youth identity development and integration.