In chapter one I presented the rationale and motivation for the research by describing how patriarchal practises are socialised across South African cultures and how the interpretations of scripture inform a dominate heteronormative narrative that is enforced onto all bodies. I examine how patriarchy not only controls the hierarchy of human value but governs what are considered acceptable sexual and intimate relations, producing a binary centred on reproduction. I highlighted the stigma faced by QPoC and revealed how religion is used to dehumanise us. I introduced the intersection of race, class and gender and contextualised it in a post-apartheid South Africa, exploring whiteness and white supremacy from a religious perspective. In addition, chapter one presented the research design and explained the structure of the research.
In chapter two I reviewed the literature landscape for the study, focusing on the key research used by Queer Theory and the Sociology of Religion to make meaning of their work in the study of heterosexual norms and homophobia, internalised stigma and shame, queerness,
queer-identity formation and expression, the role of religion in liberating, social and cultural norms as reinforcers of patriarchy as an underlying system of domination, the role of language in the construction and expression of identity, the closet and coming out and inviting in, and South African legislation and the Constitution in relation to the human dignity and equality of queer-identifying people. In reviewing existing literature, I considered the complexity and nuance of the closet and the violence often associated with queer identity construction, negotiation, and expression. From the literature reviewed I was able to understand the scale of existing knowledge and identify gaps that this research would aim to fill. The literature provided a comprehensive framework for understanding queer identity and offered an opportunity to explore the impact of class on QPoC, influences and uses of power and our ability to shield ourselves from religiously-infused vulnerability that promotes the self-sacrifice as holy rather than profane.
In chapter three I explored the theoretical frameworks the study would use to guide the research and analyse the findings. In my attempt to understand whether QPoC are prepared to sacrifice themselves for systemic change and liberation, in socioreligious contexts I explored how Queer Theory, and the Sociology of Religion could be used. Using a Queer Theory perspective, I explored identity as fluid and performed in a manner that is responsive to institutional settings, physical environments, and relational contexts in which QPoC are located. Recognising that I intended to consider QPoC, it was important to understand the impact of the intersection of race with queer identity. Queer Theory has often been criticised for not representing the unique experiences of PoC, so Intersectionality Theory was used as a sub-category of Queer Theory to do this work. Using the Theory of the Sociology of Religion, I aimed to understand how religion and religious experiences impact the lives of QPoC. I drew on Queer Theory to understand how societal norms are influenced by and influence, are impacted by and impact
queer identity construction and expression. I drew on the Sociology of Religion to understand how queer identity is negotiated in different socioreligious contexts with varying socioreligious pressures. In chapter three I also presented the research paradigm and explained the methodology in detail before presenting the ethical considerations that I had taken and the risks that were foreseen. I explained the research goals and objectives and how data would be collected through FGDs to answer the sub-research questions and explained the sampling framework. I further explained how thematic analysis would be used to interpret the data to discuss the findings and find a suitable conclusion to the study.
In chapter four I presented that data collected through the FGDs. I conducted four in-depth FGDs with QPoC living in Cape Town, South Africa over a period of four days. Listening to the voices that are often silenced as unworthy, I gained insight into the experiences of a sample of QPoC which served as the starting point for reflection. From the FGDs I was able to generate rich data that I analysed thematically, sorting it into the following six themes: Queerness, Passing, Freedom with conditions, Being different and othered, The consequences of queerness, Letting go and Sacrifice. It was a beautiful experience to be a part of as participants openly and comfortably shared aspects of their nuanced experiences of being queer and of colour in Cape Town, South Africa.
In chapter five I discussed the findings of the research in relation to the literature explored and the theory that guided the research methodology. Here I highlight how non-normative constructions of gender and sexual identity can defy the hegemonic norm. Acknowledging that there are a multitude of consequences that arise from our resistance to the binary I expose alternative uses of power and how QPoC are not merely acted upon, but exercise agency and choice in constructing, negotiating, and expressing their queer identities. I then interrogate the
notion that religion is to blame for the suffering of QPoC and explore how religion is used by those who victimise QPoC to justify the injury. I challenge us to reimagine the category of queer, not just as an umbrella term for SOGIESC but as a way of destabilising the notions of belonging associated with racist heteropatriarchy.