Young Black women continue to be at high risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, little is known about the risks specifically to young Black women who primarily have sex with women (YWSW). As part of a larger sexual health project, in-depth qualitative interviews were completed with 14 Black women ages 16-24, who identified as lesbian. Using within and cross-case analysis, this article explores their consensual sexual debut experiences with both males and females. The most obvious indicator of risk was the almost universal lack of safer sex practices. Other risks include the context of the debuts including young ages of debut, lack of adult supervision, use of alcohol, and lack of agency in female debuts. The two motivations for debuting with males that may put young women at increased risk are intent to get pregnant and the need to “cover up” or “test” sexual attraction.
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