This study was designed to explore the experience and meaning of the sociopolitical experiences of negotiating space when managing multiple marginalized identities. Although research literature on shifting identities as a socio-political phenomenon is growing, along with research on negotiating space, minimal qualitative research exist on the phenomenon of negotiating and contesting space for African descent lesbians situated in the context of intersectionality. This study was guided by four research questions: What is the meaning of negotiating space for African American lesbians? How do African American lesbians negotiate their space in society? In what ways do African American lesbians construct definitions of their intersecting identities? And, how is reconstructing identity related to the meaning of being an African American lesbian? This phenomenological study included interviews with sixteen co-researchers, who are identified as African descent lesbians, aged 23-54 years. For this study, the conceptual framework of intersectionality illuminated the phenomena of managing multiple marginalized intersecting identities. Theoretically in this study, social constructionist and essentialist theories informed the process of identity formation for individuals. Findings of this research study revealed that contesting heteronormative spaces are vital for African descent lesbians‘ personal survival. Negotiating space is a resistant strategy in response to oppressive spaces along with an interior and exterior embodiment of accepting differences. Findings also revealed for African descent lesbians, negotiating space is a form of normalizing differences through the lens of a feminist communication theory. Findings support that identity and space is a fluid concept shaped by social interactions. Central findings of co-researchers when managing multiple marginalized identities are resiliency and self-efficacy. These findings offer new insight on how to address issues surrounding managing multiple marginalized identities. Implications of findings indicate, although individual personal freedom is achievable, it is insufficient when socio-political inequalities continue to exist. Equally, visibility of social and economic African descent lesbian elites, along with support from the African American community is necessary to recognize that African descent lesbians who are denied access to equal resources and services is a pervasive social problem. Keywords: intersectionality, self-efficacy, African American lesbians, negotiating space, resiliency, social conflict, phenomenology, sexuality, race, and gender.