for colored girls–heteronormativity and misconceptions surrounding sexual health

Shange, highlights conceptions of heteronormativity and the perceived association of sexual health with sexuality in “for colored girl who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf” through the discussion the women have about testing for sexually transmitted infections. In this conversation, Shange highlighted the stereotypes and assumptions that were prevalent surrounding HIV, especially in this time period when there was a lack of research surrounding STIs. It is particularly interesting to note that she highlights heteronormative ideas through a discussion between women, who she is thus implicating for contributing to a heteronormative system that perpetuates homophobic notions of masculinity, but she also shows the ways in which men, even gay men, may have contributed to patriarchal and heteronormative systems.

One woman suggested that another woman’s man had been cheating on her and said she specifically saw him at a gay bar with another man. They implied that because he was gay, she needed to get tested for “aids”, which she replied to with “i know you’re not suggesting he’s on the dl”. Shange illustrates the association many people create between HIV/Aids and gay men, specifically Black gay men. Further, she is confused and unsure about how she contracted HIV and how she will continue her life with HIV, signaling to the lack of knowledge surrounding HIV during this time. She asks “am I going to die?”, despite the fact that HIV’s symptoms are treatable. In this, Shange reflects a lack of understanding around HIV, that often led to misconceptions around how it was contracted and how it would affect relationships.

Additionally, it is important to note that when she finds out that she is HIV positive, she tells the man, who ultimately becomes aggressive and hits her. His own internalized homophobia and heteronormative ideas of manhood lead to his abuse of a woman. This is important to note, because Shange is showing that not only is the homophobia he is experiencing affecting his life, but it is also permeating throughout the community leading to a greater heteronormative system.

This conversation surrounding HIV/Aids is still highly relevant due to the ways that it continues to affect Black communities in different ways based on sex education and the misconceptions around it. Shange was highlighting the ways that it was perceived in many Black communities through this work. I have attached a video which highlights the current ways in which HIV/Aids is affecting Black communities.