Visualizing Joy, Activism, and Healing Among LGBTQ+ Latine Folks: A Photovoice Study of Resistance and Resilience in Central Texas

Background and Purpose: LGBTQ+ Latine Central Texans are exposed to intense compounding oppression related to their gender, sexual, and racial/ethnic identities due to prolific cultural, political, and legislative attacks within the state. These attacks likely increase the risk of interpersonal violence, social disconnection, and behavioral health problems. However, little is known about how this population resists oppressive narratives and stereotypes to create joy and healing.

Methods: Our team sought to understand resistance to the stigma LGBTQ+ Latine Central Texans experience regarding their minoritized identities through photo taking and interviews (i.e., PhotoVoice study). Recruitment occurred through researchers’ professional networks, Community Advisory Board members’ social networks, community canvasing, and social media advertisements. Interested individuals were eligible if they were above the age of 18, resided in Central Texas (Austin to San Antonio), identified as LGBTQ+ and Latine, and spoke English or Spanish. The sample included 15 LGBTQ+ Latine folks who took up to 10 images in their environments over two weeks and completed an individual semi-structured interview. Researchers translated and/or transcribed the 60-120 minute audio-recorded interviews verbatim. A subset of three researchers employed a reflective thematic analysis, collectively coding 5 transcripts to generate initial codes. Analyst met regularly to discuss and refine codes and develop a thematic structure of superordinate themes and subthemes based on observations in the data, personal/professional experiences, and extant literature and theory. The remaining 10 transcripts were split evenly among two analyst and coded using the thematic structure, modifying as necessary until all transcripts were coded and a final thematic structure was generated.

Results: Resistance is expressing and celebrating the historical and contemporary residence of LGBTQ+ Latine people in Central Texas despite oppressive cultural and religious community ideology and traditional notions of gender within families of origin. Participants discussed queering spirituality, authentic gender expression, visibility in LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ environments, cognitive reframing, and uplifting racial/ethnic community as core strategies of resistance. Sometimes participants utilized consciousness raising and formal advocacy to facilitate resistance but largely viewed their existence in hegemonically white, heterosexual, cisgender environments as pioneering change. Resistance engendered feelings of serenity, joy, and pride that empowered participants to continue developing their identities as LGBTQ+ Latine people and (re)connect with family, community, and spirituality to heal from adversity.

Implications: LGBTQ+ Latine people of Central Texas currently face a salvo of oppressive messages and actions that likely have a negative impact on their wellbeing. We identify methods used by members of the community to resist adversity, empower one’s self, and heal. Images and narratives shared by participants can be used by social workers to empower others with shared identities, educate community members on the experiences of this population, and challenge anti-LGBTQ+ policies and ideology spreading throughout the U.S. Future research can build from this study by incorporating main findings when examining the populations experiences and wellbeing, particularly in prevention and intervention work.