Coming Out in Rural America: The Case of Emilio Hernandez

Abstract

The following case vignette will takes the reader into to a rural, Hispanic, Catholic home in which both Emilio, a 17-year-old high school student, and his family are struggling with his sexual orientation, experimentation, and coming out process. As the case progresses, the school social worker and the Department of Child Services become involved and the word of family troubles spreads throughout the rural community. The challenges faced by Emilio and his family are explored, the importance of social capital in a rural community is demonstrated, and the efforts of professionals to intervene become evident.