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Gonzalez Publish Research on Latinx LGBTQ+ Youth and Family Belonging

In collaboration with colleagues at SHIFT NC, Dr. Maru Gonzalez recently co-authored an article on research about Latinx LGBTQ + youth’s experiences with family belonging. The article appears in the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services.

Dr. Maru Gonzalez

Authors: Maru Gonzalez, Tania Connaughton-Espino and Bianka M. Reese

Abstract

There is a dearth of research about Latinx LGBTQ + youth’s experiences with family belonging. To address this gap in the literature, this phenomenological study explored the experiences of eight Latinx LGBTQ + youth as they relate to belonging within a familial context. Five themes were identified: (a) definitions of belonging and the importance of belonging to family, (b) family rejection/fear of rejection, (c) culture of queer invisibility, (d) divergent experiences among non-parental family members, and (e) resilience. This article presents the themes as they relate to Latinx LGBTQ + young people’s experiences of family belonging and discusses implications for future research and practice.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10538720.2022.2058143