Lerissa—Kami #2

Gender and Sexual Identity

• The individual identifies as pansexual and is affirmative about this identity.
• Gender fluidity is not fully explored or affirmed yet.

Cultural Background and Ethnicity

• Ethnicity is primarily Mexican, with uncertain influences from their biological father, who has maternal roots in Latin America.
• Grew up in a mixed family: a Hispanic mother and an Asian stepfather from Japan.

Intersection of Culture and Sexuality

• The individual feels cultural expectations can limit their expression of identity.
• Experiences a fear of expressing their identity fully at home, largely due to their mother's expectations regarding family image.
• Describes wearing a mental “mask” to meet cultural expectations during family gatherings, especially concerning their Asian roots.

Coming Out to Family

• First came out as bisexual around age 13 or 14; the reaction from the mother was one of confusion, suggesting the individual would figure things out later.
• Reevaluated and came out again as pansexual around age 16, where the mother was more accepting and inquisitive, even gifting a pride flag during the holidays.
• Father showed indifference as long as their child was happy.
• Siblings were not informed due to their youth.
• Extended family remains uninformed due to concerns about potential negative reactions.

Family Support

• Immediate family (parents) are supportive, although the individual does not express their identity openly at home.
• Some cousins show support by using a chosen name selected while exploring gender identity, showcasing acceptance.
• There are discrepancies in acknowledgment of identity between immediate family and extended family due to traditional views.

Cultural Impact on Family Views

• Family's understanding is influenced by cultural values; the individual’s Latinx heritage has a complex relationship with queer identities.
• The mother had some exposure to LGBTQ+ through friendships, contributing to a broader acceptance but still with conservative views.

Challenges in Balancing Identity

• The individual feels the need to mask their identity around their stepfather and extended family, but is more self-expressive with close cousins.
• A barrier exists where the individual feels comfortable only around certain family members.

Coping Mechanisms and Resilience

• Initially struggled with understanding gender identity, leading to a period of confusion and mild depression around 2021.
• Finding community support and exploring ideas of gender fluidity became a pathway to affirm identity.
• Engaging in conversations with a supportive cousin aided in navigating through confusion.

Desire for Family Understanding

• The individual does not seek deeper understanding or inquiry into their identities from family, preferring privacy.
• Prefers to keep personal identities undisclosed, wishing for minimal probing into their self-discovery journey, only willing to explain to close friends or accepting relatives.

Conclusion

• Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the individual's view and expression of their queer identity, revealing complexities in balancing personal truth with cultural expectations.
• Despite challenges, there is an overall sense of affirmation and self-acceptance regarding their identity there is little significant tension.