The Dynamics and Complexities of Interracial Gay Families in South Africa: A New Frontier

This book provides an in-depth account of a qualitative study on the familial arrangements and domestic settings shaping interracial gay partnerships in the South African context, and it offers both empirical and theoretical insights on the topic. While heterosexual intimate relationships, particularly mixed-race couples, have attracted societal and scholarly attention in South Africa due to the country's past history of racial segregation, it is, however, striking how little emphasis is placed on understanding same-sex unions in a transforming South Africa. This book is timely and important because it explores the vignettes, complexities and dynamics of interracial gay intimate relationships, an area that hardly gets the scholarly attention it deserves. The book addresses the intersectionality, and the question of how sexuality, gender, racial identity and personal resources influence the relationship as well as the way resilience strategies are drawn upon to sustain the partnership.

Dr Oluwafemi (Femi) Adeagbo is currently a Senior Social Scientist at the Africa Health Research Institute in South Africa. He is also a Senior Research Associate in both the Department of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London. He is a sociologist with an interest in the issues of gender and sexuality, migration and health. He has been working for some years on how 'masculinities and personal resources' shape intimate relationships particularly how these two factors impact on men's attitudes, health, decision-making, power/gender relations, division of household labour/gender roles and violence in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Femi was recently awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF, South Africa) rating for his research contributions. He is also a recipient of many local and international awards.

Chapter 1. Same-sex Intimacy in South Africa: an Introduction.- Chapter 2. Diversity in Families.- Chapter 3. Relationship Formation, Division of Housework & Power Negotiation.- Chapter 4. Conflict Management, Coping Strategies and Social Support.- Chapter 5. Conclusion: Contributions, Recommendations & Future Research Areas.