Abstract Introduction There are few reports on mental health among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population in the context of COVID-19, especially in South America. Objective To describe the prevalence of symptoms associated with mental health disorders, as well as to analyze the risk of their occurrence, in different groups of the Chilean LGBT population in the context of COVID-19. Method A total of 1,181 LGBT people, ranged from 18 to 64 years participated in an online survey, using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-DASS-21. The central tendency measures were analyzed, then cut-off points were used to establish prevalence according to sex and sexual orientation. Finally, the probability of symptoms was analyzed using odds ratio. Results Lower levels of mental health were identified among the bisexual and other sexual orientations (pansexual, demisexual, asexual, etc.) population as compared with gays and lesbians, finding a greater presence of depressive symptoms (p = .000), anxious (p = .000) and related to stress (p<.001). Similarly, bisexual women are more likely to present symptoms associated with mental health disorders than men, as lesbians do, as compared with gays in the case of anxiety. Gays are at a higher risk of stress than lesbians. Discussion and conclusion Even though the pandemic affected the entire population, results give evidence of disparities among the various LGBT communities, showing the need to focus on preventive interventions and the implications of increased risk in bisexual population, particularly women, who are affected by various cross discriminations.

Resumen Introducción Existen pocos reportes sobre la salud mental en poblaciones de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGBT) en el contexto del COVID-19, especialmente en Sudamérica. Objetivo Describir la prevalencia de síntomas asociados a problemas de salud mental, así como analizar su riesgo de ocurrencia en diferentes grupos de población LGBT chilena en el contexto de la pandemia del COVID-19. Método Participaron en una encuesta en línea un total de 1,181 personas LGBT, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 64 años, quienes completaron el cuestionario DASS-21 (del inglés Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Primero se analizaron las medidas de tendencia central, luego se estableció la prevalencia según sexo y orientación sexual y finalmente se analizó la probabilidad de presentar síntomas mediante el odss ratio. Resultados Se identificaron menores niveles de salud mental en la población bisexual y otras orientaciones sexuales (pansexual, demisexual, asexual, etc.), en comparación con gays y lesbianas, debido a una mayor presencia de sintomatología depresiva (p = .000), ansiosa (p = .000) y vinculada al estrés (p<.001). Asimismo, las mujeres bisexuales fueron más propensas que los hombres a presentar síntomas asociados a trastornos de salud mental, al igual que las lesbianas, en comparación con los gays en el caso de la ansiedad. Los gays tienen un mayor riesgo de estrés que las lesbianas. Discusión y conclusión Aun cuando la pandemia afectó a toda la población, los resultados evidencian las disparidades entre las distintas comunidades LGBT, mostrando la necesidad de centrarse en las intervenciones preventivas y las implicaciones de un mayor riesgo en la población bisexual, especialmente en las mujeres, que se ven afectadas por diversas discriminaciones cruzadas.

Abstract In a regional dimension, two key factors of agricultural activity in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico that directly influence sustainable rural development are analyzed: intensive agriculture and soil quality. This research was designed as a qualitative descriptive study of this productive branch, for this purpose, 164 interviews with producers were conducted and various documents with information on the sector were analyzed, such as technical reports and bulletins. It was found that intensive agriculture predominates in the study area, with traditional production practices and patterns, such as gravity irrigation systems and excessive use of agrochemicals, which presupposes agricultural management that goes against the sustainable context. Action-research is required for the implementation of resilience strategies with a sustainable approach, aligned with the adequate environmental governance of the activity and the needs of the sector, since problems such as the loss of soil fertility, an increase in salinity and erosion in some agricultural farms continue to be observed.

Resumen En una dimensión regional, se analizan dos factores claves de la actividad agrícola de Guasave, Sinaloa, México que influyen directamente en el desarrollo rural sustentable: la agricultura intensiva y la calidad de suelos. La presente investigación se diseñó como un estudio cualitativo de tipo descriptivo de este ramo productivo, para ello se aplicaron 164 entrevistas a productores y se analizaron diversos documentos con información del sector, tales como informes técnicos y boletines. Se encontró que la agricultura intensiva predomina en el área de estudio, con prácticas y patrones de producción de tipo tradicional, como son sistemas de riego de gravedad y uso desmedido de agroquímicos, lo cual presupone manejos agrarios que van en contra del contexto sustentable. Se requiere de investigación-acción para la implementación de estrategias de resiliencia con un enfoque sostenible, alineadas a la gobernanza ambiental adecuada de la actividad y a las necesidades del sector, toda vez que se siguen observando problemas como la pérdida de fertilidad de los suelos, un incremento en la salinidad y erosión en algunos predios agrícolas.

Abstract: The Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIE) is a self-report instrument that assesses emotional intimacy in close relationships. The aim of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the EIE for its use in heterosexual, gay and lesbian people who are currently involved in a couple relationship. The sample consisted of 883 Chileans, (404 men and 479 women; 565 heterosexuals and 318 homosexual), between the ages of 18 and 72. Using a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the one-dimensional structure of the scale was replicated, achieving a good fit to the data, while the multi-group analysis revealed that the EIE-E (Spanish version) is invariant according to sex and sexual orientation. The internal consistency indices using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald Omega were appropriate, and a positive association was observed between emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Finally, results showed that lesbian women showed higher levels of intimacy relative to the other groups. It is concluded that the EIE-E is an appropriate instrument for the study of emotional intimacy in people who are in a couple relationship, be they heterosexual men or women, gays or lesbians.

Resumen: La Escala de Intimidad Emocional (EIE) es un instrumento de auto-informe que evalúa la intimidad emocional en relaciones cercanas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la EIE para su uso en personas heterosexuales, gais y lesbianas involucradas en una relación de pareja. La muestra incluyó 883 personas chilenas (404 hombres y 479 mujeres; 565 heterosexuales y 318 homosexuales), entre 18 y 72 años. Mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, se replicó la estructura unidimensional de la escala logrando un buen nivel de ajuste a los datos, mientras que el análisis multigrupo reveló que la EIE-E (versión en español) es invariante según sexo y orientación sexual. Los índices de consistencia interna mediante el alfa de Cronbach y McDonald Omega fueron apropiados y se observó una asociación positiva entre la intimidad emocional y la satisfacción con la relación de pareja. Finalmente, se identificó que las mujeres lesbianas evidencian mayores niveles de intimidad que el resto de los grupos. Se concluye que la EIE-E es un instrumento apropiado para el estudio de la intimidad emocional en personas que se encuentran en una relación de pareja, sean estas hombres o mujeres heterosexuales, gais o lesbianas.

ABSTRACT Background: The knowledge on the management of water as a vital resource to develop agriculture allows having greater effectiveness in its use. Goals: The agricultural activity in the lower part of the Sinaloa River depends on the fresh water of the regional dams and the aquifer. Methods: The use of groundwater represents approximately 15% of the total water used. In the presence of prolonged periods of drought, new wells are drilled without the use of an appropriate guide for farmers on the location of aquifer areas with a greater hydraulic transmissivity with the purpose of exploiting them more rationally. The National Water Commission has registered more than 680 wells on both banks of the Sinaloa River. Results: The information of 205 of these pumping wells for agricultural or domestic use and the specific capacity information was analyzed. Then, 79 out of 205 wells have pumping tests. It is then determined that the objective of this research work was to find the relationship between the specific capacity (Qe) and hydraulic transmissivity (T) data of the study area using the Thiem formula, considering a fixed value of the radius of influence. This hypothetical consideration and the heterogeneities of the aquifer environment add to the T-Qe relationship an additional component, it is determined that it has a normal behavior. Using the Kalman filter it is possible to eliminate or reduce such a component, thus improving the determination of the T-Qe relation of an R-value of 0.95 (without filter) to 0.97 (with filter), for a linear and exponential relationship. Conclusions: The application of a T-Qe estimate allows characterizing the aquifer area, with this procedure a map was obtained on the distribution of T, which will serve as a guide for future exploitations of groundwater in the study area.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El conocimiento sobre el manejo del agua como recurso indispensable para desarrollar la agricultura permite tener mayor efectividad en su uso. Objetivos: La actividad agrícola en la parte baja del río Sinaloa depende del agua dulce de las presas regionales y del acuífero. Métodos: El uso del agua subterránea, representa aproximadamente el 15% del agua total usada. Ante la aparición de periodos de sequía prolongados, se perforan nuevos pozos sin el uso de una guía apropiada que oriente a los agricultores sobre la ubicación de las zonas acuíferas que tienen una mayor transmisividad hidráulica con el propósito de explotarlos de manera más racional. Resultados: La Comisión Nacional del agua tiene registrados más de 680 pozos en ambas márgenes del Río Sinaloa. Se analizó la información de 205 de estos pozos de bombeo para uso agrícola o doméstico y la información de capacidad específica. De este número, 79 pozos tienen pruebas de bombeo. Se determina entonces que el objetivo de este trabajo de investigación fue encontrar la relación entre los datos de capacidad especifica (Qe) y transmisividad hidráulica (T) de la zona de estudio usando la fórmula de Thiem, considerando un valor fijo del radio de influencia. Conclusiones: Esta consideración hipotética y las heterogeneidades del medio acuífero suman a la relación T-Qe una componente adicional, se determina que tiene un comportamiento normal. Mediante el filtro de Kalman es posible eliminar o reducir tal componente, mejorando así la determinación de la relación T-Qe de un valor r de 0.95 (sin filtro) a 0.97 (con filtro), para una relación lineal y exponencial. La aplicación de una estimación T-Qe permite caracterizar la zona acuífera, con este procedimiento se obtuvo un mapa sobre la distribución de T, que servirá de guía para futuras explotaciones del agua subterránea en la zona de estudio.

Background: Transgender population is at a higher risk of suffering mental health problems than cisgender population (people whose sex and gender identity are in agreement) and other sexual minorities (gays, lesbians, and bisexuals), partly due to the greater stress that they suffer or for being victims of sexual prejudice. Aim: To describe positive and negative mental health indicators in a sample of transgender people living in Chile. Material and Methods: An intentional sample of 377 transgender individuals older than 18 years, living in the country's northern, center and southern zones were studied. Sociodemographic and well-being features, negative emotional symptoms, suicidal behavior, and substance consumption were assessed. Results: A precarious mental health was confirmed among participants. A high frequency of depression, ideation and suicide attempts, and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were identified. Also, a high frequency of substance abuse was found. These mental health indicators varied according to the sex assigned at birth and gender self-identification. Conclusions: Transgender people experience precariousness and vulnerability in their mental health.

Background: There are no reference values for the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-E) for the Chilean population. Aim: To elaborate reference values for the interpretation of the DERS-E for the Chilean population. Material and Methods: The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale was answered by participants from the general population (1,153 heterosexual men and women and 467 gay and lesbian individuals) and a group of 351 participants with emotional complaints. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to obtain the reference values. A concordance index was determined, and the odds ratio was calculated to evaluate the probability of having mental health problems comparing participants with emotional complaints with those from the general population. Results: The DERS-E cut-off score was 73 points for the Chilean population. No differences were detected for emotional regulation difficulties between men and women or by sexual orientation. Age had a weak association with emotional regulation difficulties. Conclusions: DERS-E has an adequate diagnostic capacity, allowing to differentiate between those who have high or low emotional regulation difficulties.

ABSTRACT: Transgender individuals have progressively acquired visibility and rights in many western societies. Psychosocial research on this population is recent and has focused on sexual prejudice and its impact on the mental health of transgender people. This paper intends to clarify some conceptual definitions used in psychosocial research, summarize the evidence obtained in Chile, and observe how it relates to international literature. Although the article focuses on mental health, the effects of prejudice and social rejection as precursors of a deteriorated mental health are also examined. This paper aims to contribute to debate and research on pending conceptual and methodological issues related to transgender populations in Latin America.

RESUMEN: Las personas transgénero han logrado progresivamente visibilidad y derechos en muchas sociedades occidentales. La investigación psicosocial sobre dicha población es reciente y se focaliza en el estudio del prejuicio sexual y su impacto sobre la salud mental de las personas transgénero. En este artículo se busca clarificar algunas definiciones conceptuales usadas en la investigación psicosocial, sintetizar la evidencia obtenida en Chile y observar cómo esta dialoga con la literatura internacional. Si bien el foco es la salud mental, se examinan también los efectos del prejuicio y el rechazo social como precursores de una salud mental deteriorada. Este artículo pretende contribuir al debate e investigación en temas conceptuales y metodológicos aún pendientes referidos a la población transgénero en América Latina.

Abstract: Background: Research on psychological abuse in same-sex couples has increased in recent decades. However, the few studies that have validated standardized measures to assess this phenomenon have been conducted in English-speaking countries. The Psychological Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence Scale (EAPA-P) is a self-reported questionnaire measuring psychologically abusive behaviors experienced in intimate partner relationships. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the EAPA-P in Spanish-speaking same-sex couples. Method: 372 lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals participated in the study through an online questionnaire. Validity was tested using factor analysis and correlations with a measure on psychological distress, and the discriminatory power of the scale was examined. Internal consistency reliability was calculated with the ordinal alpha coefficient Results: The main results showed a one-dimensional factor structure explaining 52.27% of the total variance, with a reliability of .95. The discriminant analysis revealed that a score above 12, in a range from 0 to 76, was the optimal cut-off point to identify victimization. Significant correlations were found between the EAPA-P scores and depressive symptomatology. Conclusions: The EAPA-P appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess psychological abuse victimization in Spanish-speaking same-sex couples.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La investigación del abuso psicológico en parejas del mismo sexo se ha incrementado en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, los pocos estudios de validación de medidas estandarizadas se han realizado en países anglosajones. La Escala de Abuso Psicológico Aplicado en la Pareja (EAPA-P) es un cuestionario auto-administrado que mide comportamientos abusivos experimentados en relaciones de pareja. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EAPA-P en parejas del mismo sexo compuestas por personas hispano-hablantes. Método: 372 lesbianas, gais y bisexuales participaron en el estudio a través de un cuestionario en línea. Se examinó la estructura interna, las correlaciones con una medida de malestar psicológico y la capacidad de discriminación de la escala. La fiabilidad se examinó mediante el coeficiente alfa ordinal. Resultados: Se extrajo un único factor que explicó el 52,27% de la varianza total, obteniendo una fiabilidad de ,95. El análisis discriminante reveló una puntuación mayor de 12 como punto de corte óptimo para identificar la victimización. Se hallaron correlaciones significativas entre las puntuaciones de la EAPA-P y sintomatología depresiva. Conclusiones: La EAPA-P parece ser un instrumento válido y fiable para evaluar el abuso psicológico en personas hispano-hablantes en parejas del mismo sexo.

ABSTRACT: Recent cultural transformations have reshaped the experience of intimacy. This article presents and discusses the results of a qualitative study -conducted in Santiago, Chile- aimed at exploring, through life stories and focus groups, the meanings attributed to intimate relationships by 64 men and women (ages 38 to 45), contacted through snow ball sampling. Results show that people embody in their intimate relationships the social tensions ensuing from the coexistence of different social discourses regarding intimate experiences. While yearning for love and intimacy, they also feel threatened by the dependence, the loss of autonomy, and the giving up of individual projects that they associate with being in a couple relationship. It is argued that tackling these tensions requires a new conceptualization of intimacy, one that understands it as a discontinuous intersubjective process, marked by experiences of rupture and repair. In order to do this, the psychoanalytic concept of thirdness is used, which regards intimacy bonds as spaces of co-construction outside of the logic of complementarity.

RESUMEN: Las transformaciones culturales recientes han reconfigurado la experiencia de intimidad. Este artículo presenta y discute los resultados de un estudio cualitativo conducido en Santiago de Chile, cuyo objetivo fue explorar, mediante relatos de vida temáticos y grupos focales, los significados atribuidos a las experiencias de intimidad en la relación de pareja por 64 hombres y mujeres de entre 38 y 45 años, en un muestreo de bola de nieve. Los resultados muestran que las personas encarnan en sus relaciones de pareja las tensiones que se desprenden de la coexistencia de distintos discursos sociales sobre las experiencias amorosas. Junto con anhelar amor e intimidad, expresan sentimientos de amenaza por la dependencia, pérdida de autonomía y renuncia a los proyectos personales, que asocian a la experiencia de pareja. Se discute que abordar dichas tensiones requiere una nueva conceptualización de intimidad, que la entienda como un proceso intersubjetivo discontinuo, marcado por experiencias de ruptura y reparación. Para esto, se utiliza el concepto psicoanalítico de terceridad, que considera los vínculos de intimidad como espacios de coconstrucción fuera de la lógica de la complementariedad.

Background: Most of the information in Chile about health and wellbeing of sexual minorities refers to risk behaviors. Aim: To assess health and wellbeing in a sample of Chilean homosexual men and women. Material and Methods: Spanish versions of the Satisfaction With Life Scale and Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45) were answered by 191 homosexual women and 256 homosexual men aged 18 to 67 years, from four Chilean cities. Results: Lesbian women have better levels of satisfaction with life and adjustment in personal relationships than homosexual men. Eight percent of respondents had suicidal thoughts in some moment of their life. Conclusions: The information gathered in this work could help in the development of mental health policies for sexual minorities.

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the association among HIV status; negative psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, and hostility); and risky sexual behaviors (multiple sexual partners and unprotected sexual intercourse) in a Chilean sample of men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods This study had a cross-sectional design and a sample of 325 MSM whose ages ranged from 18 to 64 years (mean: 30.8; standard deviation: 9.8). Association tests (chi-squared) and group mean comparisons (Student’s t-tests and F-tests) were performed. Results No statistically significant differences were found for condom use or for the number of sexual partners between HIV-positive men and those who are not infected. In both groups, about 50% reported sexual encounters without condom use in the past six months. There were statistically significant differences in symptoms associated with depression between the two groups. Conclusions These results reveal the need to strengthen messages about the importance of condom use, as the only way to prevent HIV, and as a means of preventing HIV infection and reinfection, in national prevention and self-care programs for sexually active subjects. More studies are needed in Latin America to advance HIV prevention efforts for the MSM population. The data generated by this study can be used to inform the development of HIV prevention programming strategies and interventions targeting the MSM population in Latin America.

RESUMEN Objetivo Explorar la relación entre el estado con respecto a la infección por el VIH, los síntomas psicológicos negativos (ansiedad, depresión y hostilidad) y el comportamiento sexual arriesgado (varios compañeros sexuales y relaciones sexuales sin protección) en una muestra de hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con otros hombres (HSH) de Chile. Métodos Este estudio tuvo un diseño transversal y una muestra de 325 HSH de 18 a 64 años (media: 30,8; desviación estándar: 9,8). Se efectuaron pruebas de asociación (ji al cuadrado) y comparaciones entre las medias grupales (prueba de la t de Student y prueba F). Resultados No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto del uso de preservativos o del número de compañeros sexuales entre los hombres seropositivos al VIH y los no infectados. En los dos grupos, más del 50 % refirió que había tenido algún encuentro sexual sin protección en los seis meses anteriores. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos en cuanto a los síntomas asociados a la depresión. Conclusiones Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de fortalecer los mensajes acerca de la importancia del uso de preservativos como la única manera de prevenir el VIH y como un medio de prevenir la infección y la reinfección por este virus, en los programas nacionales de prevención y autocuidado destinados a las personas sexualmente activas. Es necesario efectuar más estudios en América Latina para impulsar las medidas de prevención de la infección por el VIH orientadas a la población de HSH. Los datos generados por este estudio pueden servir para formular estrategias programáticas de prevención e intervenciones dirigidas a esta población en América Latina.

Resumo: Este artigo revisa brevemente algumas das condições sócio-culturais e legais que favorecem - ou desfavorecem - a vida de gays, lésbicas e pessoas trans na América Latina e apresenta alguns dados comparativos disponíveis sobre a situação legal destas populações e a discriminação contra elas exercida. Conclui indicando o escopo e persistência do preconceito e discriminação contra gays, lésbicas e pessoas trans na região.

Abstract: This paper briefly examines some of the sociocultural and legal conditions either helping or hindering the life of gay men, lesbians, and transgender individuals in Latin America. Some comparative data available about the legal situation and discrimination towards these populations is presented. In conclusion, the scope and persistence of prejudice and discrimination against gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals in the region is discussed.

Resumen: Este artículo revisa brevemente algunas de las condiciones socioculturales y legales que favorecen -o desfavorecen- la vida de gays, lesbianas y personas transgéneros en América Latina y recopila algunos datos comparativos disponibles sobre la situación legal de dichas poblaciones y la discriminación ejercida ellas. Se concluye indicando el alcance y persistencia del prejuicio y la discriminación hacia gays, lesbianas y personas transgénero en la región.

The Lesbian, Gay men, Bisexual and Trans -gender (LGBT) Pride Parade takes place in Santiago (Chile) every year. It gathers sexual minorities and also heterosexuals who attend to support LGBT population rights vindication. Specifically, the objective of the study was to describe gay men and lesbians who participate in the LGBT Pride Parade, from the viewpoint of discrimination and victimization. In this sense, this study is innovating because it is based on questionnaires administered in the context of LGBT Pride Parades. In Chile, data on this issue are scarce. There are few previous studies on the topic, revealing that many LGBT people report discrimination and victimization in different situations and contexts. Nevertheless, these studies have not clearly stated the existing differences in the patterns of discrimination and victimization events that affect the different groups (for example, those that affect gay men and lesbians). So, the study focused only on this population for two reasons: first, mainly LGBT subjects attend the parade and secondly, there were no previous studies to compare both groups in the country. Second, the study also aimed at showing that gay men suffer greater discrimination and victimization than lesbians. A non-probabilistic sample of 343 participants was collected. From this sample, 140 subjects were excluded as they did not identify themselves as gay men or lesbians, thus totaling a sample of 203 participants. There were a total of 110 gay men (54.2%) and 93 lesbians (45.8%), aging from 18 to 53 years (M = 24.62 and SD = 6.62). Concerning results, 72.7% of gay men reported discrimination events perceived, as compared to 79.6% of lesbians. In addition, 81.8% of gay men reported victimization events, while lesbians reported 75.3 %. Significant differences are observed between gay men and lesbians, affecting only the latter in: prohibition to enter or stay in entertainment venues, discrimination by security guards, and discrimination at work. Among victimization events, gays reported more mockery than lesbians. This study has various implications. One of them is the fact that an important place where gay men and particularly lesbians are discriminated is their workplace. Future studies will have to focus on investigating the impact of discrimination due to sexual orientation in a work context. In addition, future studies should further examine whether verbal mockery-type victimization and its impact on the gay men population is a common pattern of victimization toward the country's LGBT population. Likewise, it would be necessary to study whether other relevant dimensions in the country, such as social class and religion, contribute to experiencing this type of victimization. Also, there are therapists in Chile who consider homosexuality as an illness and apply reconversive therapies, thus contributing to stigmatization and violence toward sexual minorities. Therefore, this study may contribute to the training of future therapists and health personnel assisting gay men and lesbians since sexual minorities have reported that they face various barriers that prevent them from having equal access to health services, a fact that could have a great impact on their quality of life. Finally, considering the differences in discrimination and victimization found between gay men and lesbians in Chile: Do gay men experience more discrimination and victimization events than lesbians? Are there two different patterns of discrimination and victimization or, instead, a general one that affects both gay men and lesbians in Chile? Data are not conclusive. They indicate that there are many similarities in the discrimination and victimization events perceived by gay men and lesbians, but they also reveal two different patterns. Therefore, the existence of a differentiated pattern of discrimination and victimization between gay men and lesbians should be confirmed by future studies.

La marcha por el Orgullo Lésbico, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero se realiza cada año en Santiago de Chile y aglutina a minorías sexuales, pero también a heterosexuales que asisten para apoyar a dicha población en la reinvindación de sus derechos. Específicamente, el propósito del estudio realizado fue describir a gay y lesbianas participantes en la Marcha del Orgullo desde el punto de vista de la discriminación y la victimización. Se centró solo en dicha población ya que mayoritariamente es la que asiste a la marcha y porque no existen estudios previos que comparen en el país a ambos grupos. Además, tuvo como objetivo mostrar que los hombres gay sufren más discriminación y victimización que las lesbianas. La muestra consistió en 203 gay y lesbianas mayores de 18 años. Con respecto a los resultados, la proporción de gay que reportaron haber percibido eventos de discriminación fue igual al 72.7% y 79.6% en las lesbianas. Asimismo, el 81.8% del total de los gay reportaron eventos de victimización y un 75.3% del total de las lesbianas. Se observan diferencias significativas entre gay y lesbianas, afectando solo a las últimas, en la prohibición de entrada o permanencia en lugares de entretención, discriminación ejercida por agentes de seguridad y discriminación laboral. Entre los eventos de victimización, gay informaron más burlas que las lesbianas. Se concluye que hay similaridades en los eventos de discriminación y victimización percibidos por gay y lesbianas, pero también algunas diferencias. La existencia de un patrón diferenciado entre gay y lesbianas deberá ser confirmada en futuros estudios.

This paper explores the professional field of sexology in Chile and also shows how sexologists see and define themselves. A qualitative study was conducted and 11 professionals were interviewed. Main findings indicate that sexology can be defined as a clinical field disciplinarily associated with medicine (urology, gynecology, and to a lesser extent, psychiatry) and psychology (clinical psychology). Sexology appears as private professional practice, though not in public health, and as a professional field, rather than a research area. In addition, there is a two-fold development concerning its conceptual, methodological, and technological approach: sexual medicine and sexual therapy. Finally, interviewees do not recognize themselves as sexologists and there is no evidence of the use of this term in the past.

En este artículo se explora el campo de la sexología en Chile, se analiza cómo lo ven y cómo lo definen los profesionales que se desempeñan en dicho campo. Se hizo un estudio cualitativo basado en entrevistas a 11 profesionales. Entre los principales hallazgos encontramos que los profesionales estudiados no se reconocen en la definición de sexólogo/a. Esta definición es imprecisa como campo disciplinario y no tiene especialización científica. La sexología sin referencia institucional disciplinaria o gremial, carecería de estándares de calidad. La sexología desregulada institucionalmente queda expuesta a déficits de control y fines no legítimos. El/la profesional queda sin designación, ni reconocimiento profesional (no es especialidad o subespecialidad de alguna disciplina), ni tampoco sujeto a control o autoridad científica o gremial especializada. El profesional queda con una definición social construida principalmente a partir de su exposición pública y carente de una autodefinición afirmativa.