“me & you & you are words for us”: Black Lesbian Identities in Love and (Creative) Labor

Session Submission Type: Sponsored Session

Abstract

This Lesbian Caucus sponsored session explores how we recall, identify, and describe Black lesbian experiences. What are the epistemological barriers for knowing and seeing these unfixed and dynamic identities? Pat Parker’s poem “Language” encapsulates the ways in which this identity is both loosely defined and clearly circumscribed (the circle of us). We will explore the creative/scholarly practices of uncovering and deeply knowing Black lesbian identities, while identifying lexicons, engaging unsung yet influential writers, and interrogating the self. We will uncover the practices of labor and love by Black lesbians who do the necessary work of carving identity through creative production.

Sub Unit

• General Conference / Theme 4: Love and Labor

Moderator

• Mel Michelle Lewis, Goucher College

Presenters

• Stephanie A. Allen, Purdue University

• Julie Enszer, University of Maryland, College Park

• Bettina A. Judd, The College of William and Mary

• Dominique C. Hill, Miami University