Exploring the meanings attached to the sexual identity of Black women-loving-women (WLW) in Soweto.
Date
2014-01-09
Authors
Pakade, Nomancotsho
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Abstract
Women’s bodies and sexualities across history and race have been subjected to policing by
the state, society and men. However, within the context of Black sexuality, black women’s
bodies have been subject to silencing during the colonial encounter.This exploratory study set
to document the subjective meanings associated with the Black WLW sexual identity of 50
women in Soweto. This study seeks to contribute to the recently emerging body of literature
which has documented Black women’s same-sex sexualities as means to render their
identities and experiences visible. Furthermore, to capture the terms used to describes samesex
practicing women. The Q methodology was used to capture the various expressions along
with their subjective representation. Two main distinct accounts emerged from the analysis.
The Q analysis results indicated that there are two dominant forms of gender expressions and
perceptions of what constitutes a Black WLW sexual identity in Soweto. Factor A
distinguished itself through conceptualising this sexual identity in a ‘closed construction’ of
attraction, with distinct gender roles. As such women in this factor identified with a sense of
being domineering in the relationship, with potential partners expected to cook and clean. On
the other hand, women who defined Factor B had a more inclusive construction of the Black
WLW. These women placed emphasis on being comfortable with the bodies, particularly
their breasts. Additionally, they valued the notion of equality in their relationships from
sharing household chores to believing that sex should be about both partners pleasuring each
other. The study also unpacked the meaning of self-identifying terms used by WLW in
Soweto. In the absence of historically positive terms for same-sex sexualities, specifically
indigenous terms, labelling becomes a site that does not prioritise meaning but reflects the
negotiation of an oppressed sexual identity. What is in a name becomes a continuous struggle
of reclaiming existence and visibility with oneself, the lesbian and gay community and the
broader society.