"The Greatest Path to Acceptance is to Know We Exist:" Capturing Narratives of Sexually Diverse Latinx in Nebraska

Sexually diverse Latinx consistently confront oppression and marginalization within both Omaha’s non-LGBQA+ Latinx and non-Latinx communities through advocacy, however, there is still much to do to increase visibility, advocacy, and support for this Latinx community in Nebraska according to a new study conducted by the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

The study examines narratives and experiences of those who belong to the Latinx community and at the same time who identify as sexually diverse (i.e., Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Asexual+ (LGBQA+)) and their places of advocacy. Limited research has focused on their experiences and, in particular, their experiences of living in Nebraska, a majority White and heterosexual state. With its unique approach, this report fills a gap in the literature on sexually diverse Latinx in Nebraska.

According to OLLAS Director Dr. Cristián Doña-Reveco, “this is the first such study to be performed in Nebraska and together with OLLAS previous report on Latin American Victims of Trafficking in Nebraska, published in 2021, center on somewhat invisible voices within the Latinx experience in our State”. The report’s authors conducted ten in-depth interviews with sexually diverse Latinx between the ages of 19-56 who currently or previously lived in Nebraska.

This report highlights how these Latinxs navigate their intersectional identity, the stressors they encounter in their everyday lives and the factors that ameliorate those stressors, the complexity of developing connections — and disconnections — with their community and chosen families, and the transit from invisibility to visibility through advocacy.

Dumayi Gutierrez, Ph.D., an adjunct professor for OLLAS at UNO and an assistant professor at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA, led the research.

“The study used a unique approach to shift stereotypical, one-dimensional messages to uplift and empower sexually diverse Latinx voices,” Gutierrez said. “Although research has increased on sexually diverse Latinx experiences, these experiences within Nebraska are scarce. Our work highlighted a systemic approach to integrating familial, communal, and relational understanding within a diverse community.”

Participants proposed several ideas to increase visibility, advocacy, and support for the sexually diverse Latinx community in Nebraska, including:

• Increasing education for the LGBTQ+ community and identity for the Latinx community
• Increasing visibility and promote safe spaces for local businesses and organizations.
• Providing a physical area and resources for LGBTQ Latinx connection, such as a community center
• Connecting and educating parents and families on acceptance, identity development, and promotion of discussion around sexuality
• Providing resources for local queer organizations, movements, and individuals
• Increasing platforms and representation of LGBTQ+ Latinx leadership and role models

“Sexually diverse Latinx navigate oppression, marginalization, and resiliency interconnected with minority stressors. It further promotes the need to explore tight reigns of religiosity, potential flexibility with traditional culture, and impact on mental health,” Gutierrez said. “Lastly, the need to increase education, awareness and intersectional safe spaces in Nebraska is imperative. Advocacy, promoting visibility, connection, and action for this incredibly resilient community is critical.”

Authors of the report include:

• Dumayi Gutierrez, Ph.D., LMFT, LMHP, an OLLAS adjunct professor and assistant professor at Alliant International University, San Diego & Online
• Daniel Nguyen, Graduate Student, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Funding for the study came from the Sherwood Foundation. The full report can be viewed online.

For questions about the report, please contact Dr. Dumayi Gutierrez at dgutierrez@unomaha.edu or Cristián Doña-Reveco, Ph.D., OLLAS Director, at 402-554-3556 or by email at cdona@unomaha.edu.