This qualitative investigation explored the unique experiences of immigrant Latinamothers and sex-communication with their adolescent daughters in an era of high anti- immigration rhetoric in the United States. The research findings are summarized in two studies. In study one, we explored the views of sexuality and sexuality parenting of 15 immigrant mothers of Mexican origin, using an intersectional lens to guide data analysis. To contextualize our understanding of U.S. immigrant Latina mothers, results describe participants’ identity as immigrants and its connection to their personal views on sexuality and intent to parent on sexuality. Three additional themes emerged: 1) mothers’ views of sexuality shaped by their intergenerational experiences—subthemes a) silence and misinformation, and b) striving for confianza to facilitate positive sex-communication experiences with daughter(s); 2) mothers’ self-doubt and discomfort with sex-communication—subtheme a) answering with uncertainty and insecurity; 3) the straddling of two worlds generates internal conflict concerning mothers’ views of sexuality and parenting—subthemes a) apprehension towards new perspectives on gender and sexuality, and b) fears of sexual violence shape how mothers parent and communicate with daughters. This qualitative study provides an opportunity to have a more in- depth analysis of unique processes immigrant Mexican mothers experience and the extent to which that shapes their views on sexuality and parenting. Study 2 sought to explore immigrant Mexican mothers’ reported processes of sex-communication with their adolescent daughters. This study revealed what Latina mothers think about the sexual experiences of their daughters and how their own experiences shape how they discuss sexuality with their adolescent daughters. The study findings generated five main themes: 1) Lecturing daughters about sexuality with the intent to protect; 2) Apprehension from personal experiences hinders positive sex- communication with daughters; 3) Heteronormative sexual identity and experiences for daughter are favored; 4) Grappling with Mexican/American sex values and family values; and 5) Mothers await cues from daughters to initiation sex-communication. Findings provide in-depth analysis of unique processes immigrant Mexican mothers experience and generate insights that are beneficial to sex education and prevention efforts tailored to this underserved population. Clinical implications for family therapy and parent-based sex education programming to help promote sexual health in immigrant Latino families are discussed.
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