Older Black Women's Narratives on Sexuality

Conservative attitudes regarding sex and sexuality in the Black community are common, characterized by a lack of discourse. This qualitative research study investigated this lack of language and its impact on past experiences of older Black women. Fourteen women recalled conversations about sex with parents and other caregivers and their impact on sexual experiences. Five themes emerged: 1. Mother's silence; 2. early sexual experiences as "the unknown"; 3. no language for discussing sex; 4. the impact of having no discussion about sex on past sexual experiences; and 5. a circle of silence. The lack of a language to discuss sexuality in this community means a scarcity of writing on their experiences in the literature.