Research Article

Investing in Black LGBTQ+ liberation as white people: A call to action for community psychology

Published: 2023-3

Journal: American Journal of Community Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12632

Abstract

Due to systemic racialized homophobia and transphobia, Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people continue to experience worse life outcomes in comparison to both their Black cisgender and heterosexual, and White LGBTQ+ counterparts. Community psychologists have the tools and training to address these disparities. Using a critical whiteness studies lens, we draw on qualitative data with 17 White LGBTQ+ people to describe how white supremacy manifests in LGBTQ+ spaces. Our research indicates White LGBTQ+ people want to create intersectional spaces but lack the necessary skills to effectively confront anti‐Black racism. This resulted in actions which upheld and reinforced white supremacy, despite stated commitments to Black LGBTQ+ liberation. We conclude with recommendations for community psychologists, including engaging in intersectional coalition‐building, training centered around queer critical race theory, working to address racialized homophobia and transphobia alongside existing efforts to deconstruct anti‐Black racism within community psychology, and consciousness‐raising work with White people involved in LGBTQ+ equality movements to dismantle white supremacist structures within their organizations.

Faculty Members

  • Ashley Olortegui - Department of Psychology Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
  • Kathryn Wagner - Department of Psychology Gallaudet University Washington District of Columbia USA
  • Allyson Rivera - Department of Psychology Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
  • Whitney Demond - Department of Psychology Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
  • Michele M. Schlehofer - Department of Psychology Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
  • Emily A. Bramande - Department of Psychology Gallaudet University Washington District of Columbia USA
  • Amy Lambert - Department of Psychology Gallaudet University Washington District of Columbia USA

Themes

  • intersectional spaces and coalition-building
  • anti-Black racism within LGBTQ+ movements
  • consciousness-raising and activism among White allies
  • disparities faced by Black LGBTQ+ individuals
  • role of community psychologists in addressing disparities
  • white supremacy in LGBTQ+ spaces
  • queer critical race theory
  • systemic racialized homophobia and transphobia

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