Heteronormativity in Education Within a South Texas Borderland Region: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Framed by queer theory, this qualitative study sought to better understand the unique experiences of homophobia that occur amongst Latinx gender and sexually diverse youth (GSDY) in south Texas. Latinx GSDY in this borderland region, are less likely to be in schools that adopt affirming policies and are therefore more likely to experience homophobia. The study collected written journal responses from eight Latinx gender and sexually diverse alumni of borderland region schools that presently serve as community leaders and advocates. Findings suggest that homophobia is experienced as trauma and that participants employed positive trauma responses to confront their experiences.