"If I Was Straight and White It Would Be Different": The Effects of Racism and Homophobia on the Reporting Process Among Gay Latino Male Sexual Assault Survivors

Abstract

Researchers have consistently found that gay men are more likely to be sexually assaulted than their heterosexual counterparts. After an individual is sexually assaulted, they may decide to report the assault to the reporting authorities. While homophobia has been identified as a barrier to reporting sexual assault among male sexual assault survivors, little attention has been devoted to illuminating the intersections of racism and homophobia in the reporting process. This study aimed to determine the ways in which the racial/ethnic and sexual identity of gay Latino sexual assault survivors affects the decision-making process to report sexual assault. Fourteen men (N = 14) participated in the study from six cities in the United States. Participants were recruited through a newspaper, a geosocial networking app, and personal contacts. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted either in English or Spanish, audio-recorded, and subsequently translated (when in Spanish) and transcribed verbatim. Coding methods consistent with thematic analysis were conducted. Results from the interviews revealed three major themes related to how racism and homophobia impact the decision for Gay Latino men to report sexual assault to authorities: (a) gendered stereotypes, (b) fears of homophobic reactions by reporting authorities, and (c) effects of various stigmas on the reporting process. Findings provide rich and unique insight into how race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation affect the decision-making process for gay Latino male sexual assault survivors. Results lend themselves to providing survivor-centered support to gay Latino sexual assault survivors in a culturally responsive fashion.

Keywords: PTSD; cultural contexts; ethnicity; sexual assault; sexuality.