Black Beyond the Rainbow: Clinical Implications for the Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Queer Identity

abstract:Current trends indicate increasing numbers of Black people are seeking mental health services, specifically looking for similarly-identified therapists. Therefore, in addition to relatability, clinicians must be competent enough to create a safe and welcoming space for clients' exploration processes. Drawing from primary sources, the authors call attention to the paucity of literature related to Black queer women's experiences and identify the historical assessments of Black queer people in social science literature that has focused heavily on queerness as abnormal or inherently anti-Black. These factors are of particular interest as Black spaces, which typically exist as havens for Black individuals, may be stressors for Black queer people with implications that range from masking sexuality and gender expression, fearing persecution and loss, and internalizing the notion that gender non-conforming behavior is deviant. Based on the intersectional experiences of Black queer people, the authors will posit clinical implications and recommendations.