White Rainbow Weaponization: White Gay Males Understanding and Use of Racial Identity Privilege in Urban Post-Secondary Education

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how white gay cisgender males navigate their racial and LGBTQ identities within urban post-secondary education (UPSE) settings. Grounded in Critical Whiteness Theory (CWT) and Queer Theory (QT), I examined how these individuals comprehend, utilize, and challenge their racial privilege alongside their marginalized sexual identity. Specifically, I investigated "White Rainbow Weaponization" (WRW)—the strategic use of white racial identity to maintain power and privilege within LGBTQ spaces. Thirteen white gay cisgender males participated in the study, which utilized semi-structured interviews, racial autobiographies, and vignette exercises to provide an in-depth account of their experiences. Key findings revealed that participants often perceived their whiteness as invisible until they entered racially diverse environments, aligning with the notion of whiteness as an unmarked norm. Many acknowledged leveraging their racial privilege within LGBTQ spaces, recognizing that being white afforded them advantages not equally accessible to LGBTQ individuals of color. The participants' narratives highlighted a complex dynamic between acceptance and discrimination. While they benefited from racial privilege, they also faced obstacles due to their LGBTQ status, revealing how these intersecting identities shaped their experiences in UPSE environments. Participants expressed discomfort in engaging in conversations about race, often fearing they might say the wrong thing or be perceived as racist. Exposure to researcher-introduced artifacts documenting the experiences of LGBTQ students of color heightened their awareness of systemic challenges and prompted critical self-reflection. This led to increased empathy and, for some, a commitment to future action to address racial inequities. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive policies and practices to counteract systemic whiteness and promote equity for all LGBTQ students within UPSE institutions. This study illuminates the dual challenges and benefits of holding intersecting identities, providing a nuanced understanding of the experiences of white gay cisgender males in UPSE settings. It highlights the importance of community and support networks for personal and academic growth and calls for intentional efforts to promote inclusivity and equity within educational institutions.