Latina Veterans Suffer from “Pushing Through” Pain

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges faced by Latina veterans, particularly the pressure to endure pain and prove their worth in a male-dominated environment.

She served for almost six years. The work was hard on her body, and the physical labor hurt her back, much of it due to her need to fit in. "Especially being a female, I think we have to kind of prove ourselves to be at the level of the guys. … I feel that I definitely had to grow a thick skin." Carolina recalls the jeering from male sailors, and the unwanted attention she received simply for being a woman. But she believed she had to endure it all. The push to power through is common, says Dr. Pamela Fullerton, a bicultural clinical counselor with Puerto Rican and German heritage. "We see this story line in us Latinas … constantly trying to prove our worth." 100LatinaBirthdays.com

People in this episode

Guests: Carolina, Dr. Pamela Fullerton

Topics covered

• Latina veterans
• pain management
• gender equality
• military service
• cultural expectations

Keywords

• Latina veterans
• pain
• military
• gender
• cultural expectations
• Dr. Pamela Fullerton
• Carolina

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LWC Studios

Places: Puerto Rico, Germany

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