analysis that lies at the intersection of numerous literary theories. They offer all of the basics (quotes, chapter summary, characters, historical context, literary criticism). FOR BLACK LESBIAN IDENTITY IN AUDRE LORDES ZAMI: A NEW SPELLING OF MY NAME. Lorde did not return to New York City until she heard that her father had passed away. Zami a New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde. She struck up a friendship with a woman named Ginger, and the two became lovers. As they drive in Kitty’s car back to her house, Audre tries not to think, and the two don’t speak. As a young Black woman, she was powerless to complain about working conditions and was considered lucky to have a job at all. They loosen as they dance only with each other, and Kitty asks Audre back to her house for a drink. They do a slow dance together, moving their matching belts to the side to get close. Kitty asks about Muriel, and Audre says they’ve broken up, then Kitty asks her to dance: “Dancing with her this time, I felt who I was and where my body was going, and that feeling was more important to me than any lead or follow” (245). Making souse is rhythmic, simple, and second nature for Lorde, unlike sex and menstruation which are mysteries carefully guarded by her mother. Two years later, sans Muriel, while Audre is avoiding hanging out with couples, Kitty sees Audre in a bar. Lorde, 74-75 Lorde employs a detailed description of making souse with her mother as a segway to talk about her early experiences with sex and menstruation. Audre prefers the slow fish-or the bump and grind-to actual dancing. Audre admires Kitty’s dancing and her appearance.

Kitty asks her about her name, and Audre reciprocates, then Kitty says she likes her hair and asks if Audre is a singer. At one of the parties, Audre meets Kitty, whose full name is Afrekete. Audre describes the various attire and hairstyles seen as well as the food eaten at these parties. A friend named Gerridrives Audre and Muriel to parties sometimes.

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