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Through Feminist Eyes Speaker Series: "Creating and Defining Family: Experiences of Black Lesbian Couples"
(Diversity)
Research explores experiences of gay and lesbian couples and families as well as their connections with their extended families. Much of the current research has focused on the experiences of white gay and lesbian couples. When Black lesbian couples, in the United States, are considered, the existence of multiple minority statuses plays a distinct role in the defining of current family and the connection the current family has to the extended family. This presentation will explore how Black lesbian couples and families connect to social support systems that may only support one aspect of their identity (while subsequently degrading, ignoring, and/or pathologizing another aspect of their identity.) In addition, how Black lesbian couples create and form families which may be similar or different than traditional Black heterosexual couples or mostly white gay and lesbian couples will be discussed. Finally, the role ritual plays in the lives of Black lesbian couples, particularly commitment ceremony functions, will be highlighted. Dr. Glass will share how her research on Black lesbian couples and families has contributed to a deeper understanding of some of these questions.
Valerie Q. Glass is currently an Instructor in Human Development at Virginia Tech. She received her doctorate in Human Development with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. Dr. Glass has recently published papers in Family Relations, the Journal of GLBT Family Studies, and the Journal of Family Psychotherapy. Currently, Dr. Glass is working on several different research projects: family identity across diverse family forms, building therapeutic relationships, and applying feminist pedagogy in the Human Sciences. Dr. Glass is currently teaching Human Sexuality, Gender and Family Diversity, and Family Relationships at Virginia Tech.
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540-231-7806