Sonia On Gay Latina Life

Name: Sonia
Gay.com Member Name: Supernova51485
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Mexican
Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Birthplace: Palm Springs, CA

As a Latino/Hispanic, do you have a "coming out" story specific to your culture? Or do you have any stories describing why you feel you cannot "come out" as an LGBT Latino?
Growing up in a Mexican devoted Catholic family I was taught that if your gay your going to hell, that was hard to face when I was 13 realizing that I'm gay. When I came out to my parents they didn't talk to me for a couple months and it was hard to live at home knowing how they felt. Slowly they're accepting it but its something we don't talk about.

Who is your favorite Latino/Hispanic icon? Why?
Frida Khalo because she wasn't afraid of being so brutally honest with her work.

Are you aware of any LGBT Latino/Hispanic celebrities or public figures, or can you name any that you know to be gay-friendly or pro-gay?
Not really... I can't name one off the top of my head.

How did you learn about sex and sexual orientation? Was it from family, friends, religion, etc?
Mainly from the media like TV and movies.

What are your perceptions of what makes a gay man (top/bottom or other roles?) and a lesbian in Latino/Hispanic culture?
In the hispanic community its frowned upon to be a bottom only for gay men, its like a sign of being weak. If your a butch lesbian its also frowned upon, they don't fit into what is the stereotype of what a man and a woman is suppose to be like and act like.

Could you provide an experience where you were a victim of gay bashing/abuse from fellow Latinos vs. non-Hispanic people, whether you were "out" or not?
No luckily I haven't had to experience anything like that.

How did you learn about STDs and safe sex? Was it culturally specific through organizations or just through personal experiences?
I learned about STDs and safe sex from school. Not really through personal experiences.

If you are out to your family, describe how difficult/easy your "coming out" experience was.
It was emotionally very difficult and they had already kinda said their opinion on the topic and it wasn't positive. It was something that just wasn't allowed, but times are changing and so are their opinions.

Was there any particular family member you felt most comfortable telling? Why?
My brothers, they're my best friends and we tell each other everything and I know they would support me no matter what.

Was there someone you felt least comfortable telling? Why?
My parents, I care a lot about what they think and I didn't want to upset them.

If you are actively involved in the larger gay community, do you, as a Latino/Hispanic, ever feel either objectified or discriminated against by others because of your race or ethnicity?
I'm not active but wish I was. I'm not aware of any organization.

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