Relationships and identity of gay men in Mexico: A qualitative approach

ABSTRACT

Relationships are a fundamental element of human and social interactions because they provide us with meanings around physical and abstract objects that allow us to make sense of our reality and identities. There is little Mexican research regarding how gay men construct a sense of identity through their social interactions. This article describes the relationships that gay men in Mexico City have within their families, with their friends, and with their partners. Fifteen in-depth interviews are analyzed through elements of Grounded Theory and Critical Discourse Analysis. Results show that family reproduced homophobia with participants that taught them that their gay identity is socially unaccepted. This is deconstructed through friendships with other gay men. Partner relationships are lived as one of the last milestones in the construction of a gay identity. Some men question hegemonic values around sexuality through polyamorous and polygamous relationships. Conclusions show the importance of these social relationships for gay men's emotional well-being, but that their relationships are often impacted by cultural and interpersonal homophobia.

KEYWORDS:

• gay identity
• friendships
• family
• relationships
• masculinities

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank María Martínez Lechuga for her review of this text, and Tania E. Rocha Sánchez and Clara Juárez Ramírez for their tutorship during this research project.