Black on Black Love: Black Lesbian and Bisexual Women, Marriage, and Symbolic Meaning

• In Event: 519 - Section on Race, Class and Gender Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 03. Images, Emotions, and the Symbolic

Abstract

The views of Black lesbians and bisexual women have been marginalized in gay marriage debates. Past discussions on gay marriage and Blacks juxtapose white gay and lesbians supporting gay marriage because of state recognition and benefits, with LGBT people of color being critical of marriage because of its assimilationist aspects. In this paper I explore the meaning of marriage for nine Black lesbians and bisexual women living in Los Angeles via symbolic interactionists theory. I examine the history and meaning of marriage for both heterosexual Blacks and white gay and lesbians arguing that the meaning of marriage for Black queer women is based on social recognition and symbolic meanings of marriage within African American communities, not state recognition. For Black lesbians and bisexual women marriage represented racial pride, involvement in Black civic society, and the support of Black families.

Author

• Siobhan Brooks, Cal State, Fullerton