Coloniality of Sexuality: Violence in Lesbian Relationships Across Latin America

This research adopted a unique collaborative methodology, emphasizing an "encounter research" approach. This involved direct engagement with lesbofeminist organizations and lesbian individuals across Bogotá, Brasília, and Mexico City. Four key organizations served as crucial partners: Corporación Femm in Bogotá, Coturno de Vênus in Brasília, and El Clóset de Sor Juana and Musas de Metal in Mexico City. These organizations provided invaluable insights and facilitated connections with the community. In addition to group discussions and collaborative sessions, nine lesbian participants were interviewed in depth across the three cities. This qualitative approach allowed for a rich understanding of lived experiences, fostering a sense of shared inquiry and mutual learning. The methodology was designed to move beyond traditional research paradigms, seeking to build solidarity and empower participants by co-creating knowledge. The process of "encountering" and "mirroring" with participants was central to the research, aiming to foster reflection and shared understanding in the journey towards decolonizing love and sexuality.

This section delves into the intricate ways in which race, gender, and class intersect with lesbian identities and experiences, particularly within the context of coloniality. Lesbian identities are not monolithic; they are shaped by a complex interplay of social categories. The research highlights how colonial legacies have disproportionately impacted racialized communities, influencing perceptions and experiences of sexuality. The analysis of coloniality in relation to race reveals how racial hierarchies established during colonization continue to affect how lesbian individuals of color navigate their identities and relationships. Similarly, the intersection of coloniality with gender underscores how patriarchal structures, often reinforced by colonial imposition, shape gender roles and expectations within lesbian relationships. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of class, demonstrating how socioeconomic disparities, often rooted in colonial economic systems, further complicate the experiences of lesbian individuals. Understanding these intersecting oppressions is crucial for a comprehensive analysis of violence and for developing effective strategies for liberation.

This chapter dissects the pervasive influence of compulsory heterosexuality and the idealized notion of romantic love on lesbian relationships and the prevalence of lesbophobia. Compulsory heterosexuality, the societal assumption that all individuals are heterosexual, creates a backdrop against which lesbian identities and relationships are often marginalized or rendered invisible. This societal pressure contributes significantly to social lesbophobia, manifesting in discrimination, prejudice, and the invalidation of lesbian experiences. Furthermore, the thesis explores how the widely accepted ideal of romantic love, often characterized by specific tropes and expectations, can create internal pressures and conflicts within lesbian relationships. The "straight mind" – the internalized heteronormative thinking – further exacerbates lesbophobia by shaping how individuals perceive and judge lesbian relationships, leading to internalized lesbophobia among lesbian individuals themselves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing the subtle and overt ways in which lesbophobia operates.

Building upon the analysis of violence and its roots in coloniality, this chapter proposes concrete strategies for decolonizing love and sexuality. The first crucial step is to break the silence surrounding violence in lesbian relationships, creating safe spaces for open dialogue and acknowledgment. This involves actively identifying and naming the various forms of violence experienced, moving beyond euphemisms or minimization. The establishment and strengthening of support networks are vital, providing solidarity and resources for those affected. A key principle is to hold perpetrators accountable while simultaneously avoiding the stigmatization of victims or the lesbian community as a whole. The role of the state is examined, emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks and effective implementation of policies to combat violence. The indispensable role of social movements in advocating for change, raising awareness, and fostering community resilience is also highlighted. Ultimately, this section outlines pathways towards a paradigm shift, where love and sexuality are experienced free from the constraints of colonial legacies and heteronormative oppression.