Qualitative analysis explores how alternative relationship models challenge heteronormativity among Black WLW, indicating complex layers of resistance.
Few studies examine Black women-loving women's (Black WLW) resistance to heteronormativity. Using semi-structured interviewing and open-ended surveys, this qualitative analysis reveals how stud-for-stud (S4F) and femme-for-femme (F4F) couples provide alternative relationship models for Black WLW instead of heteronormative stud-femme relationships. Internalized homophobia characterizes the resistance from Black WLW communities to fully accept and embrace these homogenous relationships. However, this resistance is also rationalized by hegemonic ideations of masculinity, femininity, and phallocentric sex. Congruent with previous scholarship, Black WLW use their own understandings of heteronormativity to subvert it to their own advantage.
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J. Maldonado (2025) studied this question.
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