As evidenced in these publications, the LGBTQIA+ Latine identity has historically experienced many hardships. As people of color, and sometimes immigrants, these individuals have, and continue to face racism and xenophobia. They are also discriminated against for being sexual minorities. Likely as a result of these two societal exclusions, many LGBTQIA+ Latines inevitably also experience the hardships that come from having a low socioeconomic status, which particularly disadvantages them when they are seeking mental healthcare.

Being a minority within already underrepresented communities expectedly takes a toll on mental health. Minority stress theory posits that LGBTQIA+ people of color face high levels of stress by simply existing in a “predominantly heteronormative and homophobic society”. When coupled with other lived experiences, such as being an immigrant, low-income, and with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ Latines can face stressors that negatively impact their mental health. “The minority stress experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals inherently reflects mainstream society’s negative and deeply rooted views, norms, and policies towards individuals who are not heterosexual or cisgender.”

The AIDS/SIDA epidemic was an additional stressor. Facing another layer of discrimination, many LGBTQIA+ Latine experienced isolation from friends and family members, people that would have otherwise provided a support system that could alleviate the pain of the diagnosis and stressors already faced by latine. This isolation birthed a variety of creative works in the form of zines, newsletters, and art to connect with other queer individuals.

Mental stress may lead to other health issues and risky behaviors. Outreach literature produced during the 1990s AIDS epidemic would highlight risk factors that impacted Latines. An example of this are newspapers created by the group Las Buenas Amigas which formed in 1986 in New York and New Jersey as a space for lesbian Latinas, including mothers, immigrants, professionals, activists, and students, to gather and discuss issues. They created a newsletter called "Las Buenas Amigas Lesbianas Latinas in Nueva York" in which they provided important information in Spanish and English. In one of their 1993 newsletters, they highlighted statistics about the AIDS epidemic in the United States and advocated for additional services to be provided for Latinas struggling

Hindrances to mental health care are exacerbated for LGBTQIA+ Latine minors with parents who shun sexual fluidity and mental illness. To address the issue, support groups, like the one advertised in this Rio Bravo local newsletter, emerged to help minors connect or reconnect with their parents. These spaces also educated parents on what it meant to be LGBTQIA+. These support groups created a strong network of support for LGBTQIA+ minors.

Queer Latines have resorted, and continue to resort to artistic expression to deal with emotional distress and to find an outlet to share their identities, as has been seen throughout this exhibition. Many have coped through the writing of poems, stories, and zines. By sharing their stories and experiences, these authors also provide solace to others and bring awareness to the mental stress their minority status induces.

Anaya, Itzel. “The Stressors, Mental Health, and Well-Being of LGBTQ Latinx Adults.” Ph.D., Palo Alto University, 2021. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2604874125/abstract/7E2EA67DA82A459EPQ/1.