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 at 44.7%. Homophobia has been found to influence the sexual assault reporting process, including how seriously male survivors’ complaints will be taken. One study found that Black male sexual assault survivors identified racism as a barrier when reporting being sexually assaulted, while Latino male sexual assault survivors identified masculinities as a barrier to reporting. However, no studies have specifically examined the role that racism and homophobia affect the experiences of gay Latino sexual assault survivors. This study examines the barriers that gay Latino (including Black) 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: Three themes were identified as barriers to reporting sexual assault. These themes were: 1) stereotypes 2) fears of homophobic reactions by reporting authorities and 3) effects of various stigmas on the reporting process. All 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 to expand our knowledge in order to implement 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 intersectional 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.