A qualitative study of Latino lesbian and gay youths' experiences with discrimination and the career development process

Eight Latino lesbian and gay (LG) youth were interviewed for this descriptive qualitative study. The purpose of this study was to examine the Latino LG youth career development process and to increase our understanding of how multiple identities intersect with each other and the career development process. Six themes emerged: knowing you are different, within-group prejudice, no restrictions to career choice, intersecting developmental tasks, resilience in the face of heterosexism, and contradictory identity management in the workplace. Findings from these themes are discussed in relation to current career theory and research, and in particular Social Cognitive Career Theory. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.