Borderland Queer: Narrative Approaches in Clinical Work with Latina Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW)

Abstract

This article seeks to examine the use of narrative approaches as an effective counseling technique for exploring and validating the multi-layering oppressions often encountered by Latina women who have sex with women (WSW). Research exploring the lives and perspectives of Latina WSW remains a newly charted field with possibilities for acquiring information about sexual identity and best practices in working with this community. Their sexual minority status coupled with ethnic/racial gender identities present the added challenges of racism and sexism. To fully meet the specific needs of this population within a mental health setting, counselors must utilize an empowering approach that will draw from the strengths of the Latina WSW community, which will allow for open expressions of experiences and validation of their unique narratives. In this article, the author explores the relevant literature and proposes that narrative techniques can be powerful tools in addressing the racism, homophobia, and sexism that affect the lives of Latina WSW.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ
• Latina women
• narrative therapy
• WSW
• sexual minority women