Matebeni, Zethu (University of Cape Town South Africa)

Black Lesbian Sexualities and Identity in South Africa Matebeni, Zethu (University of Cape Town South Africa)

Black lesbian sexualities and identity is a multifaceted in-depth ethnographic study of black urban lesbian life in contemporary South Africa. It speaks to current concerns, which raise questions related to the politics of inclusion/exclusion, love, sexuality, identity politics, violence, style and urban space while sensitively giving agency to women?s narratives. In many ways, it enriches and challenges conventional gay and lesbian studies and studies on sexuality in Africa by bringing meaning to the complex interplay between space, style, erotic practice and sexuality. It further illustrates the flexible practices and variable notions of sex, sexuality and gender categories. At the same time it tackles the precarious and painful position of black lesbian women whose narratives show that they inhabit the world actively, not only as victims, but also as conscious subjects who make meanings of their lives.