Family Acceptance of LGBT Youth Framing the Issue Family Acceptance of LGBT Youth Framing the Issue Héctor Carrillo Department of Sexuality Studies San Francisco State University

In most societies… StructureCulture Heteronormativity Homophobia

What do we presume about sexual identities?

Need to question assumptions Are Western models of sexual identity formation universally applicable? Are Western models of sexual identity formation universally applicable? Is open disclosure of sexual orientation a prerequisite for family acceptance? Is open disclosure of sexual orientation a prerequisite for family acceptance? Can family acceptance be communicated without fully open communication? Can family acceptance be communicated without fully open communication?

What constitutes acceptance?

What Constitutes Acceptance? Can acceptance be expressed through indirect communication? Can acceptance be expressed through indirect communication? How can acceptance be translated into actions on the part of families? How can acceptance be translated into actions on the part of families?

Who is supposed to take the first step?

Burden placed on sexual minority youths who are expected to “come out” or disclose Burden placed on sexual minority youths who are expected to “come out” or disclose Families, however, could take the lead in expressing their acceptance Families, however, could take the lead in expressing their acceptance

What is the link between acceptance and sexual health? Homophobia and family rejection leads to HIV risk

Avoiding Stigma “[I decided to leave] because of my family … I felt harassed. … I wanted to be me, because I knew what my situation was. I wanted to leave to be far from my family, so as to not harm them emotionally.” Aldo, age 32

Distance from Family “I still lived with my mother. I tried many times to leave her home, but she constantly said ‘don’t go.’ But I couldn’t have a formal boyfriend that I could bring home … And I saw other friends who were more liberal who brought their boyfriends home and introduced them to their parents and their siblings.” Prado, age 31

Goals of educational work Reduce homophobia Reduce homophobia Prepare parents and families to accept the possibility of having sexual minority children and relatives Prepare parents and families to accept the possibility of having sexual minority children and relatives Prepare parents and siblings to convey acceptance to sexual minority children Prepare parents and siblings to convey acceptance to sexual minority children Prepare parents to protect and defend their sexual minority children Prepare parents to protect and defend their sexual minority children

Anti-Homophobia Campaign CENSIDA/CONAPRED – 2005