Black Queer Space and Safety

Abstract

The use of concealment or disclosure to manage sexual orientation within organizational settings (workplace, church, social gatherings, etc.) is used by Black queer individuals. The intersectionality orientation concealment and racial identity impacts the functioning of individuals in an organizational setting. Descriptive narrative case study methodology provides insights into Black queer identity management. Multiple representative case studies, of eight collective cases, are used here in the discussion of faith and intersectionality. Included in the study were Black employed queer individuals. This article seeks to demonstrate the need for inclusive safe space to be available to and utilized by Black queer individuals. Historically, Black faith-based organizations have been the safe spaces that are utilized by the Black community. However, Black queer individuals may find--have found--the faith-based organizations to be less inclusive of their full selves.

The current author has always viewed faith as the steadfast belief in the seen and the unseen. Faith is the daily, moment-to-moment commitment to trust that a higher power freely loves, protects, carries every human being. Religion has moved through many iterations, but is at last, understood by this author as community in Christ; beautifully flawed, inherently inclusive, boundlessly loving family, growing and struggling together in loving relationship with God. However, this is not always, and in some areas or communities, not often how religion presents. This author, being a Black, queer, woman, encompassing a number of other intersecting identities, knows too well how religion can shun and ostracize that which is different, other. Religion can strangle faith.

This study shows that while participants searched for and created safe spaces and community, they did not name the church or faith in a higher power as aspects of healing, safety, or community.