Digital Misogynoir and Intersectional Resistance: Black Feminist Perspectives on Online Harassment

• In Event: Digital Justice and Online Harm: Emerging Frontiers in Crime and Ideology

Abstract

This manuscript, based on my dissertation, delves into the experiences of Black women and non-binary femmes in navigating digital spaces, particularly on Twitter, where they face various forms of misogynoir - the intersection of misogyny and racism specifically targeting Black women and femmes. Through qualitative interviews and analysis, this research situates digital misogynoir within the broader context of online discrimination and systemic oppression, drawing upon intersectional feminist theories such as Black Feminist Thought, Hip Hop Feminism, and Digital Feminist Hip Hop Sensibility. The study examines how digital misogynoir manifests and its impact on the mental health, sense of belonging, and overall well-being of Black women and non-binary femmes. It also explores harm reduction strategies these individuals utilize, including digital resistance tactics, community-building efforts, and self-care practices. This research reveals the resilience of Black women and non-binary femmes in the face of digital misogynoir, as well as the limitations and challenges they encounter in mitigating its harmful effects. Through semi-structured interviews with Black women and non-binary femmes, this study sheds light on the nuanced ways in which they experience online harassment, marginalization, and erasure.

Author

• KáLyn (Kay) Coghill, Virginia Commonwealth University