Understanding Femmephobia Within Queer Communities: Insights From Gay Latino College Men

ABSTRACT

Guided by the perspectives of 50 gay Latino men in college, this qualitative study examines notions of femmephobia within queer communities, the various ways it is manifested, and the effects it has on gay Latinos. Because femmephobia is not an outgrowth nor confined to queer communities, connections to systems of oppression are made. Data stem from interviews and participation in a private social media page with gay Latino men. Through a narrative approach, students’ stories reveal that there is notable femmephobia at varying levels. Themes include: the downplaying of femininity, privileges and desirability of masculine men, the role of machismo and misogyny, and disinterest in femme men as a matter of “preference.” Implications for practice are offered, which are especially relevant to higher education practitioners as they look to support students in a time when queer communities are under attack at local and national levels.

KEYWORDS:

• Femmephobia
• gay
• higher education
• Latino men
• queer communities
• systems of oppression

Disclosure statement

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

Notes

1. Because the call for participants used the language of “gay Latino,” students are referred to as such in this paper. The terms “gay Latino men” and “gay Latino” are used interchangeably. Meanwhile, “Latina/o” is used when referring to men and women as a group. When reviewing literature, we use the language that is consistent with said scholarship.

2. Queer is an umbrella term that refers to gender/sexual/romantic identities that do not align with societal norms.

3. We understand that there are various systems of oppression that intersect and lead to harm for gay Latino men. For purposes of this study, we focus on patriarchy, heterosexism, and femmephobia.