Principal Investigator: Vincent Mousseau, RSW
Supervisors: Dr. Terence O. Lewis, RSW; Dr. Barbara-Ann Hamilton-Hinch

My PhD research builds on my previous Master’s work on identity development among Black LGBTQ+ individuals, delving into the impact of the kiki ballroom scene on identity cohesion for those who navigate intersections of Blackness, queerness, and transness. Ballroom culture, deeply rooted in Black, queer, and trans identity, provides a unique environment where members experience both acceptance and challenge as they negotiate these identities. Through my research, I aim to understand whether existing in ballroom spaces helps participants resolve or further complicate the tension often felt as being “too gay to be Black and too Black to be gay.” 

My work investigates how these communities foster a sense of belonging and resilience, addressing complex identity conflicts that stem from both internalized societal pressures and unique, intersectional struggles. I aim to reveal how ballroom spaces offer participants a pathway to develop a more cohesive sense of self, enhancing their emotional and social well-being within a context of communal resilience and pride. 

This project employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), allowing for an in-depth exploration of personal experiences within the ballroom scene. Methodologically, I draw on Afrocentric frameworks, decolonial theory, and the principles outlined in Research is Ceremony by Sean Wilson, as well as Afrocentric Social Work and No Tea, No Shade, which provide a foundation for examining identity within the specific socio-political context of Black LGBTQ+ life on unceded Indigenous land. Additionally, I engage with anti-colonial perspectives to contextualize the impact of colonial legacies on identity formation among Black queer and trans people in North America. 

By bridging Afropessimist and Afrocentric perspectives, this research not only highlights the resilience within Black queer and trans communities but also critiques how these individuals navigate identity amid the residual impacts of anti-Blackness and colonization. Ultimately, my work seeks to contribute to social work practices by deepening the understanding of identity cohesion in marginalized communities and offering insights into how culturally affirming spaces can be cultivated to support this process. 

 This research page serves as an evolving exploration of the intersections of Blackness, queerness, and ballroom culture, aiming to foster conversations that contribute to more inclusive practices within both academic and community spheres.