Narrating sexual identities in Kenya: "Choice, " value, and visibility. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zingsheim, Jason; Goltz, Dustin Bradley; Murphy, Alexandra G.; Mastin, Teresa
• Is Part Of: Journal of lesbian studies. Volume 21:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Agency -- discursive identities -- Kenya -- lesbian -- WSW; Lesbianism -- Periodicals; Gay and lesbian studies -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.7663
• DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2016.1147007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1089-4160

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines the discursive construction of female same-sex sexual identities in Nairobi. We identify the discursive forces of "choice, " devaluation, and invisibility as influential within Kenyan media representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex citizens. Using creative focus groups and participant observation, we demonstrate how same-sex attracted women in Nairobi resist and rearticulate these discursive forces to assert their identity and agency as individuals and as a queer community.