Voices of silence: lesbophobia in the face of the suicide problem among young lesbians

Abstract

This project aims to provide a reflection on the problem of suicide among young lesbians, pointing out as one of the possible factors social and internal Lesbosphobia. We will have as theoretical basis for this discussion a review of the literature on suicide and, especially, the LGBT population (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite and transsexual) with a special focus on the lesbian population. In the same way, we will support the discussions about the construction of gender identities, intersectionality and queer theory. To collect data, we will use the focus group technique with young lesbians aged 18-29, seeking to investigate how the discovery and assumption of lesbianity occurred, the contact with LGBT peers. In the face of this process, we will understand how they dealt with the social manifestations of disgust and disrespect at the assumed sexual orientation and consequences of their lives. Such data will be transcribed and analyzed from the methodology of content analysis and interpreted through the theory studied. Thus, an attempt is made to broaden the discussion about the vulnerabilities and materiality of the lesbo- phobic discourses and, consequently, victimizations such as the risk of suicide.