Being out to others: The relative importance of family support, identity and religion for LGBT latina/os
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Being out to others: The r elative importance of family support, i d e n t i t y a n d r e l i g i o n f o r LG B T latina/os
Antonio (Jay) Pa strana, J r.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
Abstract Contemporary accounts emphasize that family often plays a deleterious role in the lives of Latina/os who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Though there is a vast literature on the importance of family for Latina/os, little research examines how this may affect this LGBT population. Quantitative data analysis from a nationwide sample of LGBT Latina/os (N = 1159) assesses the importance of family support in understanding how many people a person chooses to be “out” to, or “outness.” It also examines how a selection of demographic characteristics, attitudinal measures of identity and religion are related to being an out LGBT Latina/o today. Findings reveal that, when controlling for a variety of characteristics and measures, family support is the strongest, positive predictor of outness for LGBT Latina/os. Two other predictors include the belief that one’s sexual orientation is an important part of one’s identity and having a connection to the LGBT community. Interestingly, when compared to their adult counterparts, youth were not likely to be out to as many people in their lives; and being born outside of the United States was found to be a consistent, negative predictor of being out to others. The significance of these findings is discussed regarding future research and social movement organizing with LGBT Latina/o populations. Latino Studies (2015) 13, 88–112. doi:10.1057/lst.2014.69 Keywords: LGBT; Latina/os; family support; sexual orientation disclosure; outness
© 2015 Macmillan Publishers Ltd. 1476-3435 Latino Studies www.palgrave-journals.com/lst/
Vol. 13, 1, 88–112
Being out to others
E x p l o r i n g Fa m i l i s m as En t r y P oint t o LGBT Latina/o R esearch Research on Latina/os often highlights the importance of family bonds and connections. Familism, or familismo, is the concept used to refer to the presence and significance of extended family networks for Latina/os. As a cultural value, it is often mentioned as a way to talk about the importance of group support over personal gain. Though prominent in the literature, this concept is also contested and some researchers have called for a greater understanding of how precisely this family dynamic affects Latina/os and how research can further understanding of the particular ways in which family networks may work differently for distinct groups. This article examines perceived family support for LGBT Latina/os in living an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) life within various social – public and personal – settings. Particular emphasis is placed on the relative importance of such factors as demographic characteristics, attitudes and identity, religion, as well as family support. Research on LGBT Latina/os has identified various barriers to increasing a person’s life chances. Some of these include the perva
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