Complicating Traditional Understandings of Familismo: Precariousness in the Lives of Queer Latino Men in College

Abstract

Abstract The cultural value of familismo is regarded as one of the main sources of support and reliance among Latina/o families. However, such familial dynamics can be challenged when involving sexual identities that do not align with familial values or traditional cultural expectations in Latina/o families, such as queerness. Thus, the author proposes the concept of precarious familismo to capture adverse, supportive, and disparate familial dynamics that can occur among Latinas/os when queer identities are involved. In doing so, he accounts for the influence of systems of oppression. To illustrate the functioning of precarious familismo, the author developed a two-part model. Data for this qualitative study stems from the Latino Male Leadership Project, a multisite investigation including men from four colleges and universities across the United States. Implications for research and practice are discussed.