“It's Just More Acceptable To Be White or Mixed Race and Gay Than Black and Gay”: The Perceptions and Experiences of Homophobia in St. Lucia

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals come from diverse cultural groups with differing ethnic and racial identities. However, most research on LGB people uses white western samples and studies of Afro-Caribbean diaspora often use Jamaican samples. Thus, the complexity of Afro-Caribbean LGB peoples' experiences of homophobia is largely unknown. The authors' analyses explore experiences of homophobia among LGB people in St. Lucia. Findings indicate issues of skin-shade orientated tolerance, regionalized disparities in levels of tolerance toward LGB people and regionalized passing (regionalized sexual identity shifting). Finally, the authors' findings indicate that skin shade identities and regional location influence the psychological health outcomes of homophobia experienced by LGB people in St. Lucia.

A systematic review of qualitative studies capturing the subjective experiences of Gay and Lesbian individuals’ of faith or religious affiliation

“…Lesbian and Gay individuals seek solace in 'conversion therapy'. With controversial and conflicting evidence, some consider conversion to be dangerous and ineffective (Jacob, 2015) whilst other have explored the potential benefits for some individuals in some cultures (Couzens, Mahony, & Wilkinson, 2017). Individuals have reported wanting to be 'cured' and needed to explore these specific needs so robust health programmes can be formed.…”

A scoping review of sexual minority women’s health in Latin America and the Caribbean

“…Furthermore, a qualitative study conducted in St. Lucia (n = 9) identified perceived consequences of marginalization of sexual minorities on their health. Participants identified depression, anxiety, fear, and social isolation as possible consequences (Couzens et al, 2017). Traeen et al (2009) assessed differences in quality of life among sexual minority and heterosexual college students in Cuba, India, South Africa, and Norway.…”

“…In addition, SMW in Mexico were more likely than SMM to report experiencing childhood physical abuse (Ortiz-Hernández and García Torres, 2005). Lastly, SMW in St. Lucia described the pervasive influence of discrimination on their everyday life and how skin color contributes to unequal treatment of the sexual minority community (Couzens et al, 2017). Participants believed there is greater tolerance for light-skinned sexual minorities in St. Lucia and that darkskinned sexual minorities are less accepted.…”

“…A dark-skinned lesbian participant reported she had become socially isolated due to fear of experiencing discrimination. Overall, participants identified that higher levels of education as a buffer of discrimination as well as a means to greater financial opportunities in society (Couzens et al, 2017).…”

“…There was little discussion regarding heterogeneity in health outcomes across subgroups of SMW (e.g., lesbian vs. bisexual women, racial/ethnic and low-income SMW). Indeed, only Couzens et al (2017) examined the impact of skin color on experiences of marginalization. Similarly, only one study mentioned inclusion of transgender women who identified as SMW in their sample (Rambarran and Simpson, 2016).…”