Unveiling the Nexus: Stigma, Identity, and Gender Expression among Black Lesbians Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Stigmatization can significantly impact the lives of marginalized individuals, especially those belonging to multiple minoritized communities. Despite Black queer women possessing minoritized racial, gender, and sexual identities, little research explores their nuanced stigmatization. In this study, I investigate Black lesbians’ experiences with stigma, as well as their utilization of strategies to manage this stigma. I focus on the influence of gender expression, generational differences, and sociocultural contexts. With qualitative interview data gathered from a sample of 15 Black queer women, I use thematic analysis to examine their lived experiences, communities, and discrimination. My findings indicate that gender expression is an important part of sexual minority visibility, as it shapes how Black lesbians experience stigma. I also found generation and sociocultural contexts, like religion and the family, to be key factors affecting which stigma management strategies are employed. The implications of this study shed light on the complex relationship between visibility, stigma, and belonging, providing insight into Black lesbians’ self-concept and how they contend with their intersectional identities.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................1

METHODS ...............................................................................................................11

Study Participants ....................................................................................................11

The Interviews .........................................................................................................13

Analyses..................................................................................................................13

Positionality ............................................................................................................14

FINDINGS ...............................................................................................................15

Sexual Minority (In)Visibility: Gender Expression Shaping Identity and Stigma............15

Masculinities and High(er) Visibility: Gender Nonconformity ......................................15

Femininity and Low Visibility: “Passing” as Heterosexual............................................17

Contextual Monitoring of Gender Expression .............................................................19

The Role of the Black Church in Cultural Beliefs and Managing Stigma ........................20

Religious Socialization and Embedded Homophobia....................................................20

Managing Sexual Minority Stigma in Religious Contexts..............................................21

“Familial” Dynamics: Family of Origin Complexities and (Chosen) Family Formation.....26

Biological Family: Acceptance and Stigma Management...............................................27

Chosen Friends and Family: Managing Stigma through Selective Association.................31

DISCUSSION.............................................................................................................34

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................41

REFERENCES.............................................................................................................42

APPENDICES.............................................................................................................50

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Sociology
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Sociology, Individual and Family Studies Psychology, Social Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
Stichwort	Culture Family Intersectionality Stigma Stigma Management Black Women Religion Lesbians
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Karen A. Hegtvedt, Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Megan N. Reed, Emory University Dr. Dianne Stewart, Emory University Dr. Cathryn Johnson, Emory University

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