Visibility as Privilege and Danger: Heterosexual and Same-Sex Interracial Intimacy in the 21st Century

Abstract

Sexuality scholars largely neglect interracial intimacy in the United States as a site worthy of sustained empirical research. Consequently, monoraciality is not adequately problematized or identified as a racial prerequisite to fundamental heterosexual privileges. Further, by implicitly constructing same-sex couples as monoracial, scholars fail to consider how heterosexuality and White supremacy together saturate public spaces to render queer interraciality profoundly invisible. In this essay I critique the monoracial bias of sexuality research by analyzing interracial narratives on the topic of visibility. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with four heterosexual and four same-sex interracial couples, I argue that for interracial partners a paradoxical tension surrounds visibility. Though couples may seek public affirmation of intimate relationships, for both heterosexual and queer interracial couples, public recognition risks harassment or violence.

Multiracial Church Attendance and Support for Same‐Sex Romantic and Family Relationships

“…Results from this study suggest that, despite the claims of some religious persons that issues of racial inclusion and homosexuality are entirely distinct (Moon 2004;Udis-Kessler 2008), these two issues are closely related. Moreover, while racial prejudice and heterosexism may be mutually reinforcing (Rosenfeld 2007;Steinbugler 2005), findings from this study suggest that this intersectionality may play a key role in the attenuation of both racism and homophobia among religious persons. The finding that increased and intimate exposure to ethno-racial diversity within a religious community may influence persons' attitudes toward same-sex romantic and family relationships-even among conservative Protestants-suggests that greater exposure to one type of diversity, under the right conditions, may promote cosmopolitanism and a more generalized tolerance among religious persons.…”

Queer Blindfolding: A Case Study on Difference “Blindness” Toward Persons Who Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender

“…As will be demonstrated within the data, Elizabeth's claim that queer identities go unnoticed is in conflict with her intrapersonal and interpersonal lived experience. We will see that as she and I further explore her narrative, queer blindfolding is exposed as a discursive strategy that fosters a form of social invisibility that serves to repress the painful acknowledgment of queer oppression (for more on queer [in]visibilities, see Acosta, 2011;Arend, 2005;Steinbugler, 2005;Tucker, 2009). We will demonstrate that Elizabeth's claim is a good intention that has become subconsciously packaged as reality.…”

“It wasn't feasible for us”: Queer Women of Color Navigating Family Formation

“…Researchers are beginning to examine experiences of lesbian families of color post conception (Glass & Few-Demo, 2013;Rostosky, Riggle, Savage, Roberts, & Singletary, 2008;Steinbugler, 2005). This research focuses largely on families' attempts to manage stigma and overall mental health and does not examine pathways to family formation in the context of social identity.…”