Strategic performance of Black queer motherwork

Objective

The goal was to conduct a Black feminist–informed study to understand how Black queer mothers experience motherwork.

Background

The interlocking nature of multiple marginalized identities places Black queer mothers at a unique intersection of oppression. A Black feminist–informed exploration of motherhood among Black queer cisgender women provides an opportunity to analyze queer experiences of motherwork.

Method

Semistructured interviews and photovoice submissions were conducted with 10 mothers who identify as Black, queer, and cisgender women. Only eight of the participants participated in photovoice. Participants were recruited using a purposive, snowball sampling method.

Results

Using reflexive thematic analysis, two key themes were identified: attentiveness and resistance to discrimination and promoting openness of self-expression in child(ren).

Conclusion

By engaging in motherwork, Black queer mothers were attentive to activities or strategies that would promote family survival, attended to their children's emotions, and cultivated a meaningful identity in their children, including providing new and inclusive experiences to shape the reality of their children in a positive way.

Implications

A Black feminist understanding of how Black queer mothers engage in queer motherwork, specifically the importance of intentionality among Black queer mothers, is provided.