By Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.–
Managing various identities involves complex dynamics that we are just beginning to understand and identify. Various authors have discussed acculturation and assimilation and have done so in a manner that uses these terms interchangeably. This can result in confusion over their definitions and how these processes present themselves. The dynamics of acculturation and assimilation are distinct and have unique impacts affecting those who are both LGBTQ+ and of color.
Acculturation is the product of cultural learning that occurs because of contact between members of two or more culturally distinct groups. It is the process of adopting the prevailing norms, attitudes, and behaviors of the dominant society and integrating them into one’s own constructed culture. In essence, acculturation is the function of blending the cultures, which is commonly known as the “melting pot” phenomenon—with the result of not being a true reflection of the dominant group nor of an ethnic culture. This often leaves the person lacking in basic support from groups with which they identify.
Assimilation, on the other hand, is when an individual wants to be a non-distinguishing member of the majority. As a result, the person adopts the language, attitudes, and beliefs of the dominant group and minimizes their own. For LBBTQ+ people of color, this can interfere with feeling closely associated with important support that enhances their sense of self.
Specific to identity, LGBTQ+ people of color need to navigate their state of identity that helps to affirm their sense of self and confidence. In an article that I wrote and published in 1989 in the Journal of Marriage and Family Review, I identified five states for LGBTQ+ people of color. These states were reported with associated research findings concerning intersectionality and being an LGBTQ+ person of color. Interestingly, people may experience some of these states simultaneously, further complicating the dynamics they face. The five states are:
1 – Denial of Conflicts
This is when the person tends to minimize the discrimination they experience and feels their sexuality and ethnicity have limited consequences.
2- Identifying as Bisexual When Primarily Not Bisexual
Sometimes an individual will prefer to be identified as bisexual even though their more recent sexual histories are those with the same sex.
3- Conflicts in Allegiances
This is when the person experiences conflict in being identified by their sexual preference rather than by their primary ethnic background.
4- Establishing Priorities in Allegiances
When an individual has a primary identity with their ethnicity, they may feel stress and tension as a result of pressure from the LGBTQ+ community to primarily identify with their sexual preference.
5- Integration of Multiple Communities
This is when the person develops a multicultural perspective. Developing supportive environments and social groups becomes important for enhancing their well-being.
Considering the more recent discussions of viewing gender as a spectrum rather than something binary, understanding gender requires more development as well as ways to navigate gender identity. Some ethnic groups view gender with a primary reference to a binary notion. For example, the Spanish language uses a binary notion of gender throughout its language. In other words, there are no non-binary references. Hence, the world view for the Spanish speaker is gender binary and is therefore either male or female.
We need to continue to explore these concepts and understand how LGBTQ+ people of color can navigate these dynamics that we have only begun to understand. One opportunity will occur from October 19–22 of this year, when the Gay Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), now known as Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, will hold its 40th annual conference in San Francisco—the city in which it was founded in 1981. Since then, GLMA has become a leader in public policy advocacy related to LGBTQ health.
Stated to be the premier scientific conference on LGBTQ health, the event will present innovative healthcare breakthroughs and interventions as well as the latest research from LGBTQ health experts from across the country. This year’s conference is accepting proposals now that are due March 18.
The 2022 conference theme is Local Action, Global Impact. With participation from those of the San Francisco Bay Area, community leaders, researchers, policy makers, and clinicians are expected to be presenters with diverse interdisciplinary perspectives. Information about GLMA and its conference is on the internet ( https://www.glma.org/ ).
Eduardo Morales, PhD, is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the current Past President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Published on February 24, 2022
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