Department of Educational Administration
Date of this Version
2021
Citation
Duran, A., & Garcia, C. E. (2021). Quaring sorority life: Identity negotiation of queer women of color in culturally-based sororities. Journal of College Student Development, 62(2), 186-202.
Abstract
Using quare theory as a theoretical framework and critical narrative inquiry as a methodology, researchers centered the stories of 20 queer Women of Color affiliated with culturally based sororities. Participants spoke about how they perceived gendered and heterosexist norms in their sororities and how they negotiated their identities in these environments. Findings reveal that queer Women of Color made crucial decisions regarding their identity negotiation while in the process of joining their organizations. Moreover, some participants articulated how, once affiliated, they strategically minimized attention to their sexuality and gender, while others asserted these identities to disrupt hegemonic norms.