The Spaces Between Us: A Queer\u3c=\u3eIntersectional Analysis of the Narratives of Black Gay International Students

The experiences of international students along the lines of race and ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and nationality are virtually unknown. This study utilizes experience-centered narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of Black gay international students, and how they are racialized and sexualized in American higher education. Using a Queer and Intersectional framework, this study highlighted power structures and processes that continue to marginalize Black gay international students in the U.S. and in their home countries. Their narratives reflected significant moments or events that were important to them and how they understand their identities and realities. This study provides a strong foundation to continue the exploration of the lives of LGBTQ international students. The findings of the study offer the foundation for establishing several conclusions. It is important to note that these findings are specific and could be different if it were four other Black gay international students or varied if they attended other institutions. The findings showed that Black gay international students perform and experience their race and sexuality as connected, even in cases when they experience some dissonance due to negative experiences. The findings of the study included 1) construction of personal counter-spaces produced by resistive performances by participants 2) the problematizing race 3) tensions created by sexuality and 4) the positions within liminal national spaces