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Race/ethnicity and sexual orientation: intersecting identities
Cheryl A Parks1, Tonda L Hughes, Alicia K Matthews
1School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, West Hartford, CT 06117-2698, USA. cheryl.parks@uconn.edu
Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology
|August 18, 2004
Summary
Sexual identity development for lesbian women of color differs significantly from White lesbians. Findings highlight cultural influences on African American and Latina lesbians compared to White counterparts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Racial/ethnic minority women identifying as lesbian navigate dual cultural expectations from majority and minority groups.
- Understanding the intersection of race, ethnicity, and sexual identity is crucial for psychological and social well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of race/ethnicity on sexual identity development among African American, Latina, and White lesbians.
- To compare the timing and disclosure patterns of lesbian identity across different racial and ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from a diverse sample of nearly 450 women.
- Comparative study focusing on African American, Latina, and White lesbian participants.
Main Results:
- African American and Latina lesbians showed minimal differences in the timing and disclosure of their lesbian identity.
- Substantial variability was observed when comparing women of color (African American and Latina) to White lesbians.
- Racial and ethnic background significantly impacts the sexual identity development process.
Conclusions:
- Sexual identity development is not uniform across all lesbian individuals and is influenced by racial and ethnic factors.
- Implications for clinical practice suggest tailored approaches are needed when working with lesbians of color.
- Further research should explore the specific cultural nuances affecting sexual identity formation in diverse lesbian populations.