Beloved Place: A Latinx/A/O Cultural Center and Undergraduate Latino Men

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the role of a Latinx/a/o cultural center in the experience of undergraduate Latino men at a predominantly White institution. A qualitative case study approach was used to explore the relationship between a Latinx/a/o cultural center and six Latino undergraduate men. Each participant was interviewed three times using participant photo elicitation. Utilizing a conceptual framework of querencia, findings indicate a strong relationship between participants and the Latinx/a/o cultural center. Findings show participants experienced place-based political refuge, challenging machismo through emotional vulnerability, and environmental congruence through physical and cultural validation. The findings offer a unique understanding of the transactional relationship between a person (Latino men) and a place (Latinx/a/o Cultural Center) to become a beloved place.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative Research
• Race/racialization
• Latino Men
• Post-secondary Education
• Latino Cultural Center
• Case Study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).