Same-Sex Relationships Among African American Women Previously in Heterosexual Relationships

Same-Sex Relationships Among African American Women Previously in Heterosexual Relationships by Patricia Lynn Smith MS, Capella University, 2011 MA, The City College of New York, 2007 BS, Atlantic Christian College, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University July 2016 Abstract In the United States, same-sex relationships have been a popular topic for the past decade, largely in relation to marriage. This phenomenological study examined the life experiences of African American women currently in same-sex relationships but previously in heterosexual relationships. Exploring the participants’ experiences to the fullest extent was important to understand each person’s journey through the stigma and biases that she faced when making life choices. Given the rarity of literature on the subject matter, professional practitioners and clinicians may not know how to assist these women. Queer and social identity theories were applied in exploring the directed research question, which focused on avenues the participants consciously chose to take in order to pursue the lifestyles they wanted to live. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 African American women aged 40 and older who were in same-sex relationships at the time of the study but had previously been in heterosexual relationships, and who lived in the 5 boroughs of New York City. The study recruitment method was snowball sampling, and numerous interview questions were used to captureIn the United States, same-sex relationships have been a popular topic for the past decade, largely in relation to marriage. This phenomenological study examined the life experiences of African American women currently in same-sex relationships but previously in heterosexual relationships. Exploring the participants’ experiences to the fullest extent was important to understand each person’s journey through the stigma and biases that she faced when making life choices. Given the rarity of literature on the subject matter, professional practitioners and clinicians may not know how to assist these women. Queer and social identity theories were applied in exploring the directed research question, which focused on avenues the participants consciously chose to take in order to pursue the lifestyles they wanted to live. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 African American women aged 40 and older who were in same-sex relationships at the time of the study but had previously been in heterosexual relationships, and who lived in the 5 boroughs of New York City. The study recruitment method was snowball sampling, and numerous interview questions were used to capture the essence of each woman’s experiences. Inductive analyses revealed a positive and productive social change for practitioners, clinicians, educators, and researchers concerning African American women in same-sex relationships who were previously in heterosexual relationships. Psychologists and researchers who work directly with African American women in same-sex relationships might benefit from these findings. Same-Sex Relationships Among African American Women Previously in Heterosexual Relationships by Patricia Lynn Smith MS, Capella University, 2011 MA, The City College of New York, 2007 BS, Atlantic Christian College, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University July 2016 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my mother, the late Mary Coreen Thomas Smith, for all of her guidance and for teaching us that the Creator is real and that my sisters and I only have each other as well as our families as we grow. Next, I want to thank my husband, soulmate, and father of our two beautiful and smart daughters, Candra and Kashondra, Benjamin Carter McArthur. He has always had faith in me as his wife and friend, and he is my greatest supporter. I want to thank both of my daughters for showing me what unconditional love means. My sisters Cheryl, Susan, Sandra, Shellie, Joyce, Mary, and the late Lela Mae Hart: Thank you all for being available for me when I needed you. I have to give special thanks to my two sisters: Susan Y. Smith is my friend and sibling and always has my back, and my youngest sister, Sandra Kay Smith, is the one who can always make me laugh. I want to give a special thanks to my one and only Aunt Susie Y. Thomas-Brown and my mentor and godmother and friend, Miss Elnora Gibbs. I want to thank my nieces Octavia, Shawanika, and Deidra for all their support. I have to especially give thanks to all my peers: Dr. Margaret (Peg) Henderson, who is one of the most positive and supportive people I know in this universe; Dr. De’Angela Joi Mitchell; Dr. Angela Denise Pope; Dr. Dorothy Wyatt-Youmans; Dr. Cheryl Riley; Dr. Avon Hart-Johnson; Irena Glover; Linda Scope; Latonia Greene; Dr. Martha Green; Dr. Keica Freeman; Senetha Ramsey; Kimberly Dudley; Nathasha Brooks-Harris; Latoya White; Vanessa Earth Bey; and Dr. Juanita White. I thank my best friends, Maria Cox (cousin), Joyce Latham-Pittman (oldest friend), Michelle Walker (godsister), Freddie Mae Miller, William Pippen, Jr., Rebecca Mosley-Stokes, Wanda V. Mitchell, Terry Thomas (cousin), Allen M. Jerkins, Michelle Washington, Michele Gaddy, Beatrice Paulche, Cynthia Greene, Gayle Blanding, and Simba Fox. I truly want to dedicate this to my father, the late Robert Lee Lucas, Sr. He told me as a young girl, “Get your education, Lynn, because no one can take it away from you. ” I thank everyone for being a part of this positive and productive educational life journey. Acknowledgments I want first to thank the Creator of all creations for providing me with the wisdom to fulfill my goals as I journey through this universe in a positive and productive manner. I know what it is to have and not to have certain things in this world, but knowledge is the ultimate power that is received. Staying positive is the key component for me, and spirituality is the other element that I have been fortunate enough to have, guiding me to know who I am as a person, and to know the powers I have within myself to continue to provide positive avenues for others as well as myself. I want to give special thanks to Dr. Pamela Denning, my committee chairperson, for encouraging me throughout this process. I want to applaud Dr. Andrew Garland-Foreshee. You have been a great director throughout this process, and you made me go into the depth and intensity of my research to give a detailed analysis of my study; thank you so much. Thank you, Dr. James Castleberry, for serving as the university reviewer. You have a unique style, and I appreciate your instructions. Thank you so much, Dr. William Barkley, for providing me with all of the tools I needed to be successful in completing my dissertation. I want to give thanks to Carolyn Roney, the director of the Disability Department, for guiding me through the first stages of my dissertation process and letting me know that I was on the right track to complete my dissertation. I want to thank all of the cohorts at residencies. I met some positive individuals: faculty, staff, and students. I must say that the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS) Conference and Residency was the most informed residency of all; I enjoyed it. Colleagues and peers from all over this country were there, as were others from around the world. It was a phenomenal experience. Moreover, this study could not have been completed without the cooperation and participation of the 10 beautiful African American queens who were willing to be the vital point in my study. I have to thank these women over and over again. They were great! This study would not be as it is without their contributions.