Challenges When Reporting Being Sexually Assaulted Among Gay Latino Men : The Effects of Racism and Homophobia

Background and Purpose: While little research has focused on the sexual assault of men, researchers have consistently found that gay and bisexual men are more likely to be sexually assaulted than heterosexual men. Prevalence rates of adult sexual assault of gay and bisexual men are estimated up to 44.7%. Homophobia has been found to influence the sexual assault reporting process, including how seriously male survivors’ complaints will be taken. However, research has not yet examined whether racism plays a role in sexual assault reporting practices for men of color, including gay Latino men. This lack of research hinders the ability to understand the role that racism and homophobia affect the experiences of gay Latino sexual assault survivors. This study examines the barriers that gay Latino men identified when deciding to report being sexually assaulted as well as the negative repercussions they experienced when reporting being sexually assaulted.

Methods: 14 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with gay Latino sexual assault survivors from six cities in the United States, in Spanish and/or English. 4 self-identified as Black Latino men. All interviews were audio-recorded and were and transcribed verbatim. Grounded theory methodology was utilized and data analysis consistent with grounded theory methodology was utilized. NVIVO10 was utilized to analyze the data. Men were debriefed and provided with resources at the conclusion of the interview.

Findings: Nine factors were identified as barriers to reporting sexual assault. Racism and homophobia were not always identified as barriers, but they played a role in other barriers such as: being believed, being blamed, and not be taken seriously, and a lack of gay friendly services. Eight negative repercussions were identified among men who did reporting being sexually assaulted to reporting authorities. All of the men who reported being sexually assaulted to reporting authorities experienced racism and/or homophobia, and some were subjected to physical and verbal assaulted based on their marginalized identities. Men were denied basic health services by medical care providers, even when men requested such services.

Conclusion and Implications: Gay Latino and/or Black sexual assault survivors cited racism and/or homophobia as a barrier and many experienced both when reporting having been sexually assaulted to reporting authorities. There is a need for culturally responsive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health care services to be provided to gay Latino sexual assault survivors that are validating and respectful of their multiple marginalized identities. Social workers and other health care providers should engage with gay Latino sexual assault survivors in a manner that is culturally congruent and provide them with resources and services that are responsive to their race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, in order to achieve racial and social justice.