| This study examines the sexual pedagogy in lesbian and queer parent families and specifically of women of color. Qualitative research was conducted to explore how and what mothers who engage in sexual and/or romantic relationships with women teach their children about sexuality. The sample consisted of twelve women of color to include Latin Americans (two Mexican), African Americans (two African American), Asian descent (two Japanese American, one Filipino, one Chinese and Hawaiian, one Indian-American), Middle Eastern descent (one Israeli) and mixed-race (one Dutch-Indonesian and one Mexican, Black and White). The women were parents to children between nine and 16 years old. The data revealed 24 major themes pertaining to parent-child communication: a) sexuality conceptualization and perception b) sexuality communication process and c) sexuality communication content. Findings on mothers' conceptualization of sexuality were consistent with Lisa Diamond's (2005) theory of sexual fluidity. Findings related to mothers' communication techniques expanded upon studies that explored sexuality communication amongst White lesbian mothers to include modeling and proactive approaches and self-reflection. Participants in this study practiced a sexual pedagogy that heavily incorporated ideas of sexuality and identity that differ from the rather limited facts of puberty, sex and safety. Findings related to what mothers communicate aligned with previous studies (Ackbar, 2011; Mitchell, 1998; Gabb, 2004; and Cohen & Kuvalanka, 2011), regarding the diversity of sexual and gender identity, tolerance and acceptance and respect (Stacey & Biblarz, 2001). Participants' sexual pedagogy was discussed in context of their multiple identity status. |
