Media Effects on the Identity Development of Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals: A Retrospective Study

Previous research has demonstrated that the emotional well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth can be positively influenced by exposure to LGBT individuals in media. However, a majority of this research uses White samples; there is limited research demonstrating how media exposure influences the emotional well-being and identity development of racial minority LGBT youth. Despite similarities that LGBT individuals share in their identity development, there is a significant difference between White LGBT youth and racial minority LGBT youth due to cultural and environmental influences. This retrospective study sheds light on how media influenced the identity development of Latina/o LGBT individuals throughout adolescence by examining the intersection of race and sexuality. Using focus groups and interviews, the data collected provides insight into how media exposure plays a role in Latina/o LGBT individuals identity development, along with the influence of culture, religion, and race