La Construcción Narrativa de la Identidad en una Familia de Elección: Prácticas de Cuidado en la Comunidad Lgbtiq+

Abstract

The present research-intervention aims to understand the narrative construction of identity within a chosen family of individuals from the LGBTIQ+ community, with the goal of fostering generative transformation through the strengthening of care practices. To achieve this, a single qualitative case study of second-order analysis was conducted with a group of four individuals who define themselves as family and identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community (one transgender woman, two gay individuals, and one person with a fluid gender identity). Three narrative-conversational encounters were developed with them, linking other narrative media. These encounters took place both in-person and virtually to facilitate the participation of individuals located outside the city. The analytical work focused on the methodological concepts of: narrative construction of identity, stories about care, care practices, and chosen families. For description and interpretation, a narrative conversational analysis was employed, incorporating concepts such as story, memory, and alternate narratives. As the main result and discussion, it was recognized that care, as a relational practice, facilitates the exploration and reaffirmation of identity and promotes more conscious and meaningful care practices. This understanding underscores the interdependence between care and identity, highlighting how these dimensions mutually reinforce each other in a cycle of co construction. Additionally, it was concluded that the care practices exercised within chosen families not only fulfill an affective and supportive function but also stand as acts of resistance against the impositions of a heteronormative society. These practices, by challenging traditional family models, reaffirm the diversity and agency of the LGBTIQ+ community in constructing meaningful and alternative bonds, thereby creating spaces for holistic well-being, personal development, and collective growth.