Homosexuality and Family: The Importance of the Family Environment in the Coming Out Process of Gay Youth in the City of Arica, Northern Chile

The 21st century has increased the visibility of sexual diversity, although heterosexuality continues to operate as the dominant norm, generating discrimination toward those who diverge from it, particularly homosexual youth. In societies such as Chile's, these tensions frequently extend into the family sphere. Grounded in the anthropology of sexuality and gender, this study examines how gay youth experience the disclosure of their homosexuality within the family context. It explores the meanings families assign to this revelation, parental beliefs surrounding homosexuality, the sexual norms transmitted through family socialization, and the family's role in the social integration of these young people. Using a qualitative and ethnographic approach, the research combined primary and secondary sources, emphasizing case studies. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 20 gay Chilean mestizo youth aged 15-22 from Arica and semi-structured interviews with 20 parents or caregivers. Findings highlight the importance of family support during disclosure, while also revealing persistent patterns of heteronormativity, parental difficulty in accepting homosexuality, and the influence of fears, myths, and social stereotypes rooted in personal and territorial experiences.