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

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.