Experiences of African American Lesbians Who Attended a Historically Black College or University

Experiences of African American Lesbians Who Attended a Historically Black College or University by Lee Kimball Outlaw Barmore MA, Argosy University-Atlanta, 2009 BA, Pace University, 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University August 2019 Abstract The lived experiences of African American lesbians who attended historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have not received sufficient empirical attention; therefore, this study was conducted to understand and describe their experiences. The study followed a qualitative phenomenological approach. The multidimensional identity model, developed by Reyolds and Pope, was used as the framework through which to understand the participants’ experiences. Semistructured, 40 to 60 minute interviewes were conducted with 6 women who identified as African American lesbians and attended HBCUs. Initial hand and subsequent NVivo coding of interview data led to the development of the following 7 themes: (a) either African American women or African American lesbian, (b) fear of rejection, (c) chosen kin, (d) no benefit of being an African American lesbian at an HBCU, (e) love for the African American community, (f) women who love women, and (g) the road not taken. The findings suggest African American lesbians often shift between identities, depending on the situation or setting. The results of the study provide suggestions for counselors and counselor educators who will be able to increase their understanding of the unique needs of individuals who identify with at least 3 marginalized communities. African American lesbians who attend HBCUs may benefit from this inquiry as HBCUs can use the information in this study to help create and sustain a more inclusive campus environment. Additional implications for social change and future research are included at the end of the study.The lived experiences of African American lesbians who attended historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have not received sufficient empirical attention; therefore, this study was conducted to understand and describe their experiences. The study followed a qualitative phenomenological approach. The multidimensional identity model, developed by Reyolds and Pope, was used as the framework through which to understand the participants’ experiences. Semistructured, 40 to 60 minute interviewes were conducted with 6 women who identified as African American lesbians and attended HBCUs. Initial hand and subsequent NVivo coding of interview data led to the development of the following 7 themes: (a) either African American women or African American lesbian, (b) fear of rejection, (c) chosen kin, (d) no benefit of being an African American lesbian at an HBCU, (e) love for the African American community, (f) women who love women, and (g) the road not taken. The findings suggest African American lesbians often shift between identities, depending on the situation or setting. The results of the study provide suggestions for counselors and counselor educators who will be able to increase their understanding of the unique needs of individuals who identify with at least 3 marginalized communities. African American lesbians who attend HBCUs may benefit from this inquiry as HBCUs can use the information in this study to help create and sustain a more inclusive campus environment. Additional implications for social change and future research are included at the end of the study. Experiences of African American Lesbians Who Attended a Historically Black College or University by Lee Kimball Outlaw Barmore MA, [Argosy University], 2009 BA, [Pace University], 2000 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University August 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my mother, Barbara Outlaw Barmore. Mom, you know me and more importantly, you SEE me. Your never-ending support, your unwavering belief in me, and your unconditional love are everything to me. You know how challenging this journey has been and when I thought I could not do it, you always knew I could. Thank you for showing me what a strong determined woman could do. “Where’s my Kimmie? ” Here I am mommy, here’s your Kimmie! I would also like to dedicate this to all of the other strong women in my family. I am because of you. Acknowledgments Completing this dissertation has truly been a collaborative effort. “My soul sits back and wonders,” I want to thank God from whom all blessings flow. God has always made it possible for me to get through life’s storms and challenges. I am thankful to God for all the people He has placed in my path. I thank my dissertation committee. I actually had two chairs, twice the blessing! Dr. Jason Patton, you were with me since the inception of this project. I want to thank you for all of your work and supportive words. I was sad to see you go, however, the blessing that replaced you was in the form of Dr. Theodore P. Remley, Jr. Dr. Remley, you were a Godsend. Never in my years would I have believed that I would be mentored by someone of your reputation and experience. Thank you for taking the torch and providing me with the continued guidance and support that I had become accustomed to. Thank you, Dr. Geneva Gray. Your consistency and feedback have been comforting and much needed throughout this process. Many thanks to Dr. Linwood Vereen who completed the team as the URR. I appreciate all of your comments and work towards helping me reach my goal. Mom, thank you, love you, thank you, LOVE YOU! THANK YOU! There have been many classmates who were encouraging and supportive. Thank all of you! Julie Forrest-Lytle, thank you for our weekly calls. You have been there for my ups, downs, and then some. You made the process not so lonely. Thank you! Mary! You have been a bright star in my life since we met. Everyone should have a friend like you. I am truly blessed and thankful for you. Our friendship has meant more than I can say. If anybody looks up a “real friend” in the dictionary, your wonderful face will be right there. Thank you for making me a better me My acknowledgments would not be complete without calling the names of loved ones who are no longer on this earth, but who will always be in my heart: My father, John M. Barmore, Sr.; my brother, Raymond C. Barmore; my grandmother, Naomi Abraham; my godmother, Susan Summerville; and my cousin, Marie “Ree” McCauley. Gone but not forgotten does not begin to describe my feelings for each of you. Miss you! Finally, thank you to the six participants who were brave and trusting enough to share their experiences. Thank you.