"Black Men Have to Work Much Harder": An Exploratory Study on the Gendered-Racialized Experiences and HIV Vulnerabilities of Heterosexual Young Black Men

Abstract

Research literature on the HIV vulnerabilities of heterosexual young Black men tend to focus on individual risky behaviours, without acknowledging the structural conditions that put them at risk. The aim of this study was to explore the gendered and racialized experiences of heterosexual young Black men, their HIV vulnerabilities, and conditions that promote their collective resilience. Using a narrative approach, I conducted two focus groups and five individual interviews (N=15). I also applied the lenses of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and intersectionality to critically analyze the participants’ narratives. The study results showed that social vulnerabilities, produced through anti-Black racism and White hegemonic masculine expectations, shaped the racialized and gendered identities of the participants and increased their HIV vulnerabilities. Participants identified social support, mentorship, access to equitable opportunities and safe space for critical dialogue as conditions that promote their resilience. Thus, effective HIV prevention responses must be underpinned by social justice.

“You have to make it cool”: How heterosexual Black men in Toronto, Canada, conceptualize policy and programs to address HIV and promote health

“…Studies among Black men [9,41] allude to structural barriers that impede their utilization of social and health services, as opposed to the need for culturally sensitive and structurally competent information on HIV and health. To position Black men to have unhindered access to health and HIV information that reduces their vulnerability and taps into their resilience against HIV, some Black men support the notion of informing health services and information with the notion of "cool".…”

“…This has culminated in their disconnection to health care services and spaces and subsequent overrepresentation in poor health outcomes in Canada [21]. In other words, structural racism forecloses beneficial access to health and social services [41].…”

“…They can have a big music festival on AIDS awareness, where you have like 30,000 people, your admission is to get tested. [Vince, IDI,41] Given the large following that accomplished individuals and community leaders attract, their platforms to discuss health within the Black community will help normalize such discussions particularly among younger cohorts of Black men who idolize them.…”