Resumen

ORCASITA, Linda Teresa et al. “My journey”: Processes of disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation in families. Interdisciplinaria [online]. 2023, vol.40, n.1, pp.261-279.  Epub 04-Dic-2022. ISSN 1668-7027.  http://dx.doi.org/10.16888/interd.2023.40.1.16.

According to the report carried out by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in 2017, less than 25 % of the territories of the planet recognize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (the LGBTI + population) and, in the same way, there are still numerous countries, mostly from the African continent, who penalize, discriminate and reject homosexuality. In Colombia, between the years 2016, 2017 and until February 2018, 139 homicides of LGBTI+ people were reported. Additionally, in several of its cities, among which are Barranquilla, Medellín, Bogotá and Cali, there has been violence by the National Police against LGBTI+ people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. In this regard, 21 cases have been reported between 2008 and 2017, of which two were against gay men and three against lesbian women. In addition, in Valle del Cauca, 195 homicides were reported up to the year 2017 which were related to the sexual orientation and gender identity of the victims, specifically located in the city of Santiago de Cali, in which nine murders were reported, four of which were gay men, two lesbian women and three trans women (Colombia Diversa, 2018). Furthermore, different studies have shown that it is difficult for many families to separate from the heteronormative tradition and accept the sexual orientation of a gay son or a lesbian or bisexual daughter. This research sought to characterize the process of disclosure and acceptance of sexual orientation in 15 families with gay sons and lesbian and bisexual daughters in Cali-Colombia, using a semi-structured interview and a timeline called My Journey in which the participants reflected their narratives in drawings. The research was qualitative, with a narrative design by topics (Hernández, Fernández & Baptista, 2014). The results are articulated to the macro project called “Family dynamics in the process of disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation of gay sons and lesbian daughters in the city of Cali-Colombia” In the present study, 15 families participated, which were made up of both children and parents / caregivers. From the thematic analysis of the interviews carried out individually, the descriptions made by the families of the moment in which the sons and daughters revealed their sexual orientation are mentioned. This moment corresponds to early, middle and late adolescence, and the mother was the one to whom the sexual orientation was revealed at first. In addition, the forms through which the revelation was given are presented, which were direct or indirect and, in some cases, led to family secrets. It is concluded that the processes that families go through in the face of the disclosure and acceptance of the sexual orientation of a gay son or a lesbian or bisexual daughter have dynamic phases that can occur at different times and in different ways depending on the particular characteristics of each family and its context. It is recommended to promote associations of families and friends united in favor of gender diversity, in such a way that they are configured as elements for decision-making in public policies and actions, which generate care routes for other families that require guidance in any of the stages they are going through and that can provide social support to gay sons, lesbian daughters and their families. From the field of health professionals who accompany families in affirmative processes, it is necessary to strengthen training with a gender perspective and in future studies address the experiences of families with transgender members, taking into account their specific needs and from an intersectional perspective.

Palabras clave : gay sons; lesbian daughters; bisexual daughters; family; sexual orientation.

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