“One knows when it happens”: perceptions of Mexican gay teens on the non-recognition of non-heterosexual childhoods and teens

Abstract

This research explores and analyzes the opinions and ideas of a group of gay teenangers from Mexico City and the metropolitan area in terms of socially constructed looks around sexual diversity. This is an interpretative qualitative research made from semi-structured interviews –in its e-interview modality– for data collection, and discourse analysis for the interpretation of the empirical "corpus". The theoretical argument starts from a critical look at
heteronormativity and adultocentrism from a gender perspective, LGBTIQ+ studies and youth studies. The findings presented points in three directions: the questioning of the invisibility of gay childhoods and teens; the criticism of attempts at correction or healing; and the recognition of sexual diversity as a right. The final reflections emphasize the need to make LGBTIQ+ minors visible and the importance of deconstructing prescriptions and beliefs that deny certain sexual existences.