Language and Coming Out Issues for Latinas and Latinos
At our clinic, it is greatly important that we have materials about GLBT issues available in Spanish. But equally important is that we have a culturally competent setting where one can feel comfortable and accepted as both Latina/o and gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. For so many of them, it is the first time they have ever spoken to another person about their orientation or identity it's truly amazing to see.
- Alicia Wilson, of La Clínica del Pueblo in Washington, D.C.
The Spanish language is spoken by many GLBT Latinas/os, and even if they don't speak it in their daily lives, it may still be spoken when they visit home, go to church or attend community events. This presents two challenges for GLBT Latinas/os: The Spanish language itself is limited for discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity issues, and there's a lack of GLBT resources that are printed in Spanish.
"Before I could come out to my folks, I had to first figure out how to say it in a way that wasn't all negative. The words that were in our language weren't exactly the kind of things you'd use to describe your son!" said Ricardo Rivera of La Casa.
Although "gay" has the same meaning in Spanish as in English, the word "lesbiana" still has negative connotations. Many Latina women who love women, however, are purposely using the word to reclaim it from those who would use it against them.
One way around the problem with the Spanish language is to simply avoid use of any GLBT-related words, negative or positive.
"The fact that I'm a lesbian seemed to have been conveyed without my using any words to describe my orientation," said Sandra Telep. "I've spent every summer in Mexico with my mom's family since I was born, and one summer I took my partner with me for the first time. My aunt made it a point to take me aside and tell me that my partner seemed very nice. She never said the words, but didn't need them to show me her acceptance."
As more GLBT Latinas/os decide to be open and honest with others, the awareness of straight Latinas/os increases.
Latinas/os who know someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are less likely to believe the stereotypes and misconceptions they may have, and the words they use to describe GLBT people become more positive. The more this happens, the easier it will be to come out to others, especially family.