Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2780-5592

Date of Award

12-12-2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Rosalind S. Chou

Second Advisor

Katie L. Acosta

Third Advisor

Wendy Simonds

Abstract

Documentation and analysis of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women’s experiences in the U.S. centers White lesbians in urban settings. This study contributes to the growing literature on sexually nonconforming (SNC) women of color. When women of Filipino descent, or Pinays, are romantically attracted to other women, how do they negotiate relationships with their families of origin and choice? What are the raced and gendered experiences of SNC Pinays? I conducted narrative analysis of 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews that center the voices of SNC Pinays in the U.S. Through Burawoy’s extended case method, I find that both SNC Pinays and their parents complicate emphasized femininity by selectively using or interpreting aspects of patriarchal gender systems. I also find that older Filipina/Filipina American women seek recognition as successful mothers by reinforcing conformist displays of femininity. My findings show how intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender limit SNC Pinays’ social and romantic interactions.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/13421970

Share

COinS