Discussions regarding nationality and cultural ties within the United States are often entrenched in the binary of "foreigner" and “naturalized.” Introducing additional axes of identity creates far greater nuance. In this paper I ask how a queer identity intersects with a Latin American identity in the children of immigrants. Through analyzing semi-structured open-ended interviews with 3 queer-identifying children of Latin American immigrants, I argue that a queer identity is subject to willful ignorance by Latin American immigrant parents, whilst their children find space for expression within American social life. 

I explore how queer individuals navigate the tensions that arise between their family culture (which tends to be more repressive/silencing of queerness) and U.S. culture’s generally more queer-accepting social life. The findings show that the children of immigrants see their parents’ judgement framed not in direct opposition to their queerness (which would require an acknowledgement of it) but instead in opposition to  their “Americaness.” This causes the children to disassociate more from their ethnic identity, wanting to instead find acceptance in American social life where they are able to express a queer identity.

In turn the children of Latin American immigrants believe their parents see their opposition to them as an effect of the United States. Each response avoids an acknowledgement of queer identity so as not to spark further tension. Overall this paper shines a light on identity development, its struggles and its nuances, highlighting how our understanding of our identity hinges on a cultural context.