Black Lesbian/Bisexual Women: Community-Based Health Promotion within the Context of Erotic Performance Events

The Office on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. states, “past negative health care experiences can discourage a lesbian from seeking care in the future, including preventive and screening measures, which further jeopardizes her health” (National Women's Health Network, 2005). For Black lesbian and bisexual women, a lack of health insurance coverage (unable to afford their own or through a partner) can impact their ability to have access to regular health care with a consistent health provider whom they trust and to whom they can come out about their relationships and sexuality. Based on three years of ethnographic research at three erotic event sites in Washington DC, this presentation explores how Black women's lesbian social spaces use erotic imagery and strip performance events to promote greater self-acceptance and foster community, as well as an opportunity to encourage health behaviors (such as self breast exams) and connect to culturally competent health resources. Pairing visual materials with interview data, we can better understand how the safe space of welcoming, acceptance and sexual freedom makes “partying with a purpose” a powerful means of valuing Black women's same-sex desire unconditionally, simultaneously encouraging increased access to health resources and strengthened community bonds.