Identity Development of Latino Gay Men

Much has been written on gay identity development and ethnic identity, but research conducted that examines the cross-section of both identities is very limited. Several theories have been proposed which detail gay and lesbian identity development, which involve a conversion of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior from a dominant heterosexual culture to those of the minority gay and lesbian culture. Likewise, ethnic identity models propose similar stage sequential processes and conversion from a dominant Anglo culture to those of a minority ethnic culture. Both the ethnic and gayidentity development models function and are based on two dichotomous variables (e.g., Latino and Anglo, gay and nongay) and have been considered constructs on a continuum with two mutual endpoints. As a result, gay and lesbian people of color may end up rejecting one side and accepting the other. Morales (1990) suggested that Latino gay men live their lives in the gay community, the Latino community, and in the predominantly heterosexual white mainstream community, and that all of these communities have different expectations. The differences and stress often force Latino men into conflict as they attempt to meet the pressures, expectations and challenges. For many Latino gay men, managing these differences may determine how they choose to self-identify and how they identify with each of their other respective identities. This qualitative study examined and analyzed transcripts of interviews with Latino gay men, as they told their unique and heartfelt stories and experiences of being Latino and gay. It also examined the psychological stressors, and how they were instrumental in the manner in which they managed and maintained their identities in the Latino community, the gay community, and in the heterosexual community.