Talesnick, J. (2013).

Incoming Class of 2007

Internship: Stony Brook University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

January 2013 Conferral

Body Modification in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Population

Chair: Danielle Knafo, Ph.D.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, with their shared sociopolitical foundations and history, have developed common cultural norms, traditions, and practices, such that a distinct community has emerged. Within the social context of marginalization and heteronormativity, individuals develop both individual and group identities relating to their LGBTQ status. Despite the increasing visibility and public interest in this minority group, which is as varied as the individuals who comprise it, it is nonetheless considered an understudied, often misrepresented, and underserved population. The present qualitative study sought to examine a specific subset of LGBTQ individuals—those who engage in acts of body modification (BM), which for the purposes of this study, has been defined as the voluntary alteration of one’s body via any number of methods (e.g., tattooing, piercing, suspending, branding). Using the qualitative research methods proposed by Auerbach and Silverstein (2003), this study explored, via individual interviews, the subjective experiences of 17 LGBTQ people who engaged in at least 3 BMs over a five-year span. Results suggested myriad motivations for engaging in BM, including aesthetics, individual expression, group affiliation, and commemoration of events. Nuanced LGBTQ-specific results were yielded as well (i.e., BM related to “coming out” and LGBTQ identity development). This research illuminated the varied reasons for engaging in BM (the “why”), as well as offered insights into the physical and emotional experiences of BM, the decision-making about what/when/where/with whom to body modify, and the impact on public image and self-identity. Limitations of this study and future research ideas were also considered. Keywords: Body, Modification, BM, Tattooing, Piercing, Queer, Gay, LGBTQ