The multiple roles of chosen familia: exploring the interconnections of queer Latino men’s community cultural wealth

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature on college students with multiple marginalized identities by investigating the experiences of queer Latino men as they created familial relationships during their time in college. Data from The National Study on Latino Male Achievement in Higher Education was used to elucidate how queer Latino men’s chosen family members fostered the community cultural wealth that helps them succeed at selective institutions. In addition to providing emotional and social support, chosen familia bolstered queer Latino college men’s navigational, aspirational, and resistant capital. By centering the stories of these participants using a narrative inquiry approach, this study offers important implications for staff and faculty at selective institutions as they seek to increase queer Latino men’s success in college.