Constructing our identities: Identity Expression amongst lesbian women attending university

Abstract

Issues of marginalisation have been central to studies on lesbian women, and can affect the expression of sexuality. The university is a site that can potentially provide a physical and relational space that facilitates the negotiation of identities within the context of institutional policies and spaces that protect LGBTI people. This article examines data collected from 3 focus group discussions with 11 lesbian women attending a metropolitan university. Using queer theory, this article explores their identity expression; identification with 'categories' of lesbianism; the intersections of sexual identity with other social markers; and the interplay of space and identity expression. The data were audio-recorded and analysed using thematic content analysis. The results of the study indicated new emerging ways of viewing and expressing lesbian identity. The results show intersections of identity expression with shifts in policies, Westernisation, privilege, and power, as well as an increase in LGBTI consciousness and access to information, has allowed for wider expressions of sexuality that attempt to break gender binaries.