Estimation and Discussion of the Milestones of Sexual Identity Development among Sexual Minorities in the Global South: The case of Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Palavras-chave

Sexual Development
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Life Course Perspective
South American People

Como Citar

Araujo Gomes da Silva, S., Miranda Ribeiro, P., de Souza Noronha, K. V. M., Ramalho Guedes, G., & D. Cochran, S. (2026). Estimation and Discussion of the Milestones of Sexual Identity Development among Sexual Minorities in the Global South: The case of Minas Gerais, Brazil. evista atinoamericana e Población, 20, e202558. https://doi.org/10.31406/relap2026.v20.e202558

Resumo

This study aims to examine the timing and sequencing of sexual identity development among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to assess how institutional and social contexts shape these processes. We use data from the Manas Survey (PMa), comprising 754 online questionnaire responses and 33 semi-structured interviews. Employing a sequential transformative mixed-method design, we estimate key identity milestones and analyze how gender, race/color, religion, and place of residence structure recognition and disclosure trajectories. Quantitative results indicate significant gender differences and earlier milestones among younger cohorts. Qualitative evidence shows that these trajectories unfold under prolonged family dependence, religious moral regulation, and racial and territorial inequalities. Earlier recognition does not necessarily imply greater autonomy, as disclosure often occurs within contexts of continued economic and emotional vulnerability. The findings suggest that classical milestone models require contextual reinterpretation in settings characterized by strong family centrality and uneven social change.

https://doi.org/10.31406/relap2026.v20.e202558
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Este trabalho encontra-se publicado com a Creative Commons Atribuição-NãoComercial 4.0.

Direitos de Autor (c) 2026 Samuel Araujo Gomes da Silva, Paula Miranda Ribeiro, Kenya Valeria Micaela de Souza Noronha, Gilvan Ramalho Guedes, Susan D. Cochran