“S-T-R-8 Up” Latinas: Affirming an Alternative Sexual Identity

Abstract

For young women, being "aggressive" is generally viewed as a negative identity and associated with bullying and interpersonal violence. Especially in a heteronormative context, sexually aggressive identities are not commonly associated with young women. Resulting negative perceptions or silences surrounding this possible sexual identity are directly consequential in the development of comprehensive sexuality education curricula. Taking a narrative approach and applying a Photovoice elicitation strategy to prompt discussion, the data presented in this article show how young Latinas, when given the opportunity, critically construct aggressive identities in contrastive terms, affirming the identity to befit a counter-intuitive understanding. Implications of considering subjective complexities in sexuality education curricula are discussed in the conclusion.

The role of spirituality in sexual minority identity.

“…Among the general population, Habarth (2008) found positive associations between heteronormativity and social conservatism, and heteronormativity and right-wing authoritarianism in the general population; among sexual minorities specifically, a negative relationship was found between heteronormativity and life satisfaction. A high degree of concern about conforming to established heteronormative conventions, such as compliance with traditional gender roles, is particularly associated with negative LGB identity (Estrada, Rigali-Oiler, Arciniega, & Tracey, 2011; Gubrium & Torres, 2011; Hamilton & Mahalik, 2009; Sánchez & Vilain, 2012).…”