Righteous Masculinity: Understanding the Sexual Victimization of Queer Women

• In Event: 4246 - Violence

Abstract

Sexual violence is a widespread social issue and sexual victimization is especially prevalent among queer-identified women. Still, there is little research on queer women’s experiences of sexual violence or explanations for the high rate of victimization. This study uses data from 40 open-ended interviews to investigate lesbian, bisexual, and queer women’s experiences with sexual violence. Participants answered questions about the characteristics of their sexual assaults and perpetrators, as well as connections the survivors perceive between their sexual assaults and sexual identities. Findings indicate that the perpetrators of such sexual assaults are motivated by an expression of masculinity, regardless of the perpetrator’s gender identity at the time of violence. To understand the role of masculinity in queer assailant’s assaults, we develop the concept of “righteous masculinity.” Additionally, we find that perpetrators may see sexual violence as a more powerful way to prove their masculinity when their victim is queer, providing a potential explanation for the high rates of sexual victimization among queer women. We argue that focusing on the role of masculinity can help scholars and activists better understand and challenge the sexual victimization of queer women, as well as deepen understanding of the links between gender-based violence and masculinity.

Authors

• Nicole Bedera, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

• Kristjane Nordmeyer, Westminster College