"Coming Out Among Hispanic LGB Young Adults", Karina Gattamorta, PhD, PI

There is limited research examining the coming out process among Hispanic youth.


The coming out to one's family may be more challenging for Hispanic sexual minority youth than for white youth because Hispanic cultural factors, (i.e., the importance of marriage and having children, traditional gender roles, conservative religious values), and widespread homophobia may result in homosexuality being regarded more negatively. This study incorporates interviews with Hispanic emerging adults who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in order to: (1) describe the coming out experiences of Hispanic LGB youth, (2) identify perceived barriers experienced by Hispanic LGB youth to coming out, and (3) gather recommendations from Hispanic LGB youth regarding family-based interventions that can facilitate the coming out process. Information gathered from this study will be used to develop or tailor an intervention to help families navigate the coming our process.