Meet the ISTN-3 Grads: Luis Enrique García
Luis Enrique García (ze/hir) is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Cultural Studies, currently residing in Tijuana, Mexico and whose research explores the intersections of pornography, intragroup violence, and LGBTQ+ identities. We spoke with Enrique about hir academic journey, experience in the ISTN, and vision for the future.
Note: The following content mentions topics such as sexual abuse and pornography.
Where and what are you currently studying?
I’m in my fourth year of a PhD program in Cultural Studies, based in Tijuana, Mexico. Cultural Studies is a broad discipline—I’ve studied everything from Marx and capitalism to gender, identity. In some way, all of these topics intersect with my research.
Where did your interest in doing research with LGBTQ+ populations begin?
My research stems from personal experiences. During my master’s program, I began studying gay pornography and how it can contribute to intra-group violence among gay men. This topic grew out of my own encounters with fatphobia, transphobia, and other forms of harm within the gay community.
Through interviews, I found that 36% of the gay men I spoke with had experienced sexual violence, and 55% reported having a sexual encounter before adulthood with an adult partner. These findings have led to explore how such experiences are normalized and perpetuated within the community. I also noticed broader patterns and intersections, such as how gender, race, age, and gender expression shape these dynamics.
I also found that the relationship between pornography and violence in the gay community is a complex one. There are three broad perspectives among gay men that I’ve identified:
Those who do not hold negative opinions about porn, and believe in hegemonic standards of desirability. They might spend money on gyms, supplements, and maintain a “fit” physique. These folks are usually middle to high class and white or white-passing.
Those who question what they see in porn. For example, interviewees acknowledge that there are scenes that might look like rape, depicted by consenting actors who have entered into contracts. These folks also consider how amateur porn may blur these lines.
Those who don’t watch or like porn. They feel like they do not see themselves reflected in porn, and they don’t like normalizing violence between gay men. They might make their own porn for themselves. These folks usually see themselves as queer/cuir; they might be nonbinary people, trans folks, and/or men questioning masculinity.
Describe your experience in the ISTN. How has it impacted your scholarship and your research?
A class on online methodologies expanded my understanding of how to reach participants through digital platforms, like through INQYR’s LevelUP study on video gaming. Another session on transforming scientific results into policy change showed me how research can directly impact communities, which is what I was concerned with when I started my PhD.
One of the most impactful moments was a class on gender dysphoria, which prompted critical questions about reflexivity in research. Who should study whom? How do language and things like racial and gendered barriers shape our work? These discussions have deepened my approach to studying LGBTQ+ populations.
What are some key takeaways from ISTN that you will take into your future work?
All of the content from the ISTN sessions were very important. In many instances, I felt like there was a lot of knowledge I held but didn’t always have the scientific backing to support it---the ISTN provided me with this.
At the beginning of my PhD, I felt very alone in my program, but the companionship I’ve gotten from the ISTN with other LGBTQ+ researchers has been extremely valuable, and my worldview has been expanded
Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue further research opportunities, possibly in “gay neighbourhoods” of cities like Toronto or Montreal, where I can conduct ethnographic studies on LGBTQ+ people and pornography.
What do you do outside of work?
I’m in a period of self-discovery, identifying as nonbinary and exploring what that means for me. I’m also preparing to get married soon, which is exciting!
