La semana pasada, Logo presentó un programa sobre las personas gay y lésbicas en Estados Unidos de origen latinoamericano. El reportaje se enfocó en los retos de la comunidad debido a la cultura tradicional y estatus de inmigración.  Les invito a que presenten sus opiniones.

Last week, Logo aired“Los Otros,” a special news report on U.S. Gay and Lesbian Hispanics raising awareness on the challenges of being out in the Hispanic community. Several of the people interviewed did not reveal their names and one individual went on camera and talked about being gay with the safety net that his family would not be watching.

The majority of Hispanic gays in hiding or the ones that have been persecuted for their sexuality tend to be first generation Hispanics. As families and communities evolve in the United States, they are surrounded by diversity and a democracy that actually works. I have heard this “transition” or evolution often times referred to as the “demoralizing” effect that takes place in the United States, but really, is it just that people are learning there are other cultures aside from their own and are becoming more educated?

It would be interesting to see additional special reports on los otros (the others) that focus on second and even third generation Hispanics. The differences are apparent and one can almost break down their marketing campaign to reach each sub-group differently. In my opinion, the tactics would cater specific needs:

First Generation:Their parents (or themselves) are the first to have migrated to the United States. Speak and understand basic English. Have a challenging period of transition and acculturation. Culture differences arise when the person tries to integrate their new American upbringing with their family and culture and receives a lot of push back from the family.
Where to find them: They watch Univision and Telemundo with their families, go to Hispanic Heritage month events and church. Approaching this group is difficult as you don’t want to push them away.Grassroots tactics work best. 

Second Generation: Born in the United States. Some move away to the parents country of origin and return here at some point before being full adults. This group experiences difficulties similar to the first generation group. Second generation are  more acculturated, may or may not speak Spanish at home. Family still plays a very important role and will do so in the coming out process.
Where to find them: Those who are born and raised in the United States, when they are teenagers, they identify as a teen and not as a Hispanic teen. Meaning they can be targeted via mainstream initiatives. Coming out during this time, they may be involved in the likes of OutYouth organizations. Claiming their heritage often happens at a more mature time of their lives. This older group may be involved in Latino(a) queer organizations, such as allgo, Texas’ statewide queer people of color organization, and be reaching out to the first generation Hispanic. Grassroots and mainstream initiative will work well with his group.

Reaching this community can be tricky but it is also easier than it may seem. Cultural sensitivity is not just a blanket practice for all Hispanics, there are many exceptions to the stereotype.

Thoughts? Please comment below.