Critical Consciousness for Connectivity: Decoding Social Isolation Experienced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ Youth Using a Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Health Equity

Nancy Vargas, Jesse L. Clark, Ivan A. Estrada, Cynthia De La Torre, Nili Yosha, Mario Magaña Alvarez, Richard G. Parker and Jonathan Garcia ()
Additional contact information
Nancy Vargas: College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Jesse L. Clark: David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Ivan A. Estrada: College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Cynthia De La Torre: Benton County Public Health, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
Nili Yosha: Outside the Frame, Portland, OR 97209, USA
Mario Magaña Alvarez: College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Richard G. Parker: Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS, Rio de Janeiro 20071-907, Brazil
Jonathan Garcia: Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-29

Abstract: Systemic oppression creates a context in which Latinx LGBTQ+ youth experience social isolation. Social isolation has been associated with mental and physical health disparities, including disproportionate levels of depression, substance use, self-harm, and attempted suicide. These disparities are often magnified in rural and suburban areas with fewer identity-affirming spaces. This community-engaged study reports on the formative process of developing a Latinx LGBTQ+ telenovela (soap opera) allyship intervention based on critical consciousness theory. We conducted eight focus groups with community advisory boards, which included Latinx LGBTQ+ youth ( n = 12), health and social service providers serving LGBTQ+ youth ( n = 10), 4-H Latinx alumni youth ( n = 12), and 4-H Latinx parents ( n = 8). We interviewed nine Latinx LGBTQ+ youth enrolled in a film-making workshop. As a result of our multi-stakeholder approach, we: (1) described how stakeholders reflected on and decoded intersectional isolation on the individual, community, and structural levels; and (2) identified ways that stakeholders suggested taking action by improving access to resources to address social isolation, provide culturally competent healthcare, and co-create an enabling social environment. Our study indicated the importance of tapping into core values and intersectional identities to build solidarity among and within marginalized groups to dismantle oppressive systems.

Keywords: Latinx LGBTQ+ youth; social isolation; critical consciousness; solidarity; community-engaged qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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