Black women working together: Diversity in same sex relationships

As Black women choose to remain single longer, marry later or terminate through separation or divorce dissatisfying heterosexual relationships, relationships with other Black female become more critical to the maintenance of their well-being. Black women throughout history have been characterized by their intimate relationships with each other despite diversities in backgrounds, attitudes or beliefs. Variables of gender and culture/ethnicity are often overlooked in attempts to understand the interpersonal dynamics of their close relationships.This paper examines the influence of the social constraints of racism and sexism on the same sex relationship behaviors among Black women. Research is presented on the interpersonal behaviors of a group of diverse Black women when both gender and ethnic constraints were minimized. Implications for further research and interventions methods to eradicate lateral oppression among Black women are discussed.