Support for Latine LGBTQ+ Survivors

Para ver este recurso en español, por favor haga clic en este enlace. 

We will be using the term “Latine” instead of “Latinx”. Latine has gained popularity over the usage of “Latinx” for its gender-inclusivity and ease of pronunciation. The –e suffix is used regularly in Spanish speaking countries, a more natural way of pronouncing words.
The –e suffix can be used to signify gender inclusiveness in other words, such as “elle”.
“Latinx” was created as a term that rejected patriarchy and heteronormativity, and is used by many LGBTQ+ members of the community. But many community members find Latinx difficult to pronounce as the “x” is pronounced differently across many Spanish and indigenous languages.
We acknowledge that the community is broad and not monolith—and many still prefer “Hispanic” or “Latino/a”, but for many gender expansive and young people, “Latine” feels more at home.   

Statistics on Latine LGBTQ+ Survivors


Barriers Faced by Latine LGBTQ+ Survivors

Higher rates of sexual and domestic violence are likely due to the heightened stigma, objectification, and community isolation that the community experiences.   

  • Domestic violence in the Latine LGBTQ+ community remains under researched and unaddressed. Even after a survivor reaches out for help, they experience additional barriers. These barriers are exacerbated by the threat of immigration enforcement, law enforcement, xenophobia, racism, and discrimination by service providers and outside organizations.  
  • “ Familismo” or familism, is a Latine belief and cultural value system that is composed of implicit and explicit expectations that drive thoughts, behaviors, traditions, and dynamics through centering, prioritizing, and upholding the family unit (as a collective and whole) over oneself (as an individual). Generally, familismo consists of a collection of beliefs and actions that reflect how family is at the top of a hierarchical scale in terms of urgency, priority, and dedication. In Latine culture, the family serves as the source of attachment, support, loyalty, and obligation. 
  • The Latine family unit differs from the traditional, white, American nuclear family. The family unit includes aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, family, and leaders in the community.  
  • While familismo has been shown to provide support and as a protective barrier for folks, it can also make a Latine LGBTQ+ survivor feel less inclined to disclose their gender and/or sexual identity for fear of disrupting the family unit.  
  • For some Latine LGBTQ+ survivors, familismo and its common ties to religious conservative culture, can make it difficult for individuals to feel safe in disclosing violence they may be experiencing. Survivors may also fear being outcasted, outed, lose their sense of safety or lose connection to their community and/or culture should they decide to “come out” to their families.  
  • To continue to understand the complexities of the Latine LGBTQ+ community, we also must look at how social constructs and practices like Machismo and Marianismo play a role in the disclosure of one’s gender identity, sexual orientation, or the violence they are experiencing. Additionally, we encourage folks to keep in mind that while these concepts are based on individual and collective experiences, we must hold ourselves accountable and make sure not to encourage these stereotypes, as it can harm the work, we are collectively doing to support Latine LGBTQ+ survivors.  
  • Machismo is the belief and expectations of men’s role in society—a set of values, attitudes and beliefs tied to masculinity that are seen as more valued and respected. This also includes the depiction of how women should stay in traditional roles and encourages dominance over women. 
  • Marianismo is a set of values regarding women’s roles in society, which include being family and home centered, self-sacrifice, and passivity. Marianismo is also rooted in the Christian values brought over during colonization and expects women to follow in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary.  
  • While meant to provide a value system for the Latine community, machismo and marianismo ultimately are gender roles that affect how Latine survivors, especially LGBTQ+ Latine survivors, consider who to reach out to for support. Latine survivors, especially Latine LGBTQ+ survivors, have been meet with disbelief, lack of concern, and racism from Latine and non-Latine service providers, law enforcement, and medical staff. While these experiences are not unique to the either the Latine or LGBTQ+ community, survivors who are at the intersections, have noted that their experiences have felt more pronounced than had they not been at the intersections.  
  • Latine survivors may not receive services in the language they need, especially if they do not speak Spanish and only indigenous languages native to Latin America. Many Latine survivors have limited English proficiency, or rely on their children, family or friends for translation services. While this can act as a supportive measure, most survivors do not feel comfortable disclosing their abuse in front of friends or family.   


Reminders and Affirmations for Latine LGBTQ+ Survivors

  • LGBTQ+ Latine community exists despite all odds.   89.9% of Latine LGBTQ+ youth are proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.  
  • Whether or not you speak English well or don’t speak English at all, your experiences matter. You deserve to feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered.  
  • The stereotype that the Latine community is homophobic, transphobic or machista is harmful. Many Latine LGBTQ+ folks find comfort in their extended families, and have experienced less stress than other non-Latine survivors. They find the sense of loyalty, prioritization, attachment and support to be key in their lives.  
  • The decisions you make to survive complicated family dynamics are valid.  
  • You do not need to be out to be valid and loved.  
  • Your trauma is real, and it does not define you.  
  • You are beautiful and deserving of love.  


Resources

The National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence has created a SafetyPlanning_Latine-LGBTQIA2S-Survivors.pdf for service providers, organizations etc. Looking to expand their understanding of Latine LGBTQ survivors.  

Alliance For Immigrant Survivors (AIS) is a national network of advocates and allies dedicated to defending and advocating for policies that ensure immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other gender-based abuses have access to life-saving protections that all survivors of violence deserve.   

LGBTQ+ resources – Esperanza United is a national organization founded and led by Latinas that mobilizes Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence (GBV).  

You can find your local LGBTQ+ center and find resources, social groups, and support groups for both the broader LGBTQ+ community and those specific to the bisexual community by going to: www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenter