Abstract

There is a dearth of research on how pervasive Western stereotypes of the ideal body affect non-heterosexual women, and this body of research shrinks even further when considering sexual minority women in the Caribbean. This study aimed to uncover how negotiations between identity, desire, and body politics are being navigated and experienced by sexual minority women in Barbados, along with examining concerns about body image, the impact of societal expectations, and the consequences of these expectations on physical and mental health. Using a qualitative methodology that employed a semi-structured guide, thirteen women were interviewed over the course of a year. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes that centered around the interconnectivity of desire and presentation as it related to body image; distancing from Western influences and grappling with local body ideals; and the ways in which layered events and identities have resulted in complicated relationships with food. A selection of identified community needs is also offered in conclusion.

摘要

缺乏关于西方对理想身体的普遍刻板印象如何影响非异性恋女性的研究，当考虑到加勒比地区的性少数女性时，这方面的研究进一步缩小。本研究旨在揭示巴巴多斯的性少数女性如何驾驭和体验身份、欲望和身体政治之间的谈判，同时研究对身体形象的担忧、社会期望的影响以及这些期望对身体和身体的影响。精神健康。使用采用半结构化指南的定性方法，在一年内采访了 13 名女性。主题分析揭示了三个主要主题，它们围绕着与身体形象相关的欲望和表现的相互联系；远离西方的影响并与当地的身体理想作斗争；以及分层事件和身份导致与食物的复杂关系的方式。最后还提供了一系列已确定的社区需求。