Experiences and perceptions about social support among black men who have sex with men in Tennessee

Royalty, Racism, and Risk

“…For Chauncey, a race-conscious lens connects his life to those of other Black men and the Black community such that personal traits of race-pride, self-improvement, and responsibility can uplift Blacks as a collective. Moreover, he describes Black masculinity formation processes to counter racism that include vigilance, increased community awareness, and peer support (Johnson 2011;McQueen and Barnes, 2017). The comments above on Black male bonds broadly resonate with Du Bois's (2007a) views about the growing collective consciousness among Blacks to combat race prejudice; "There were among us, but a half-awakened common consciousness, sprung from common joy and grief, at burial, birth or wedding; from a common hardship in poverty, poor land and low wages; and, above all, from the sight of the Veil that hung between us an Opportunity" (p. 76).…”

“…For them, being disqualified as Black men using a strict Du Boisian thesis (Carbado et al, 2002) is secondary to living authentic lives. Additionally, a notable number of participants here recount bullying, isolation, and other forms of homophobia that have negative physical and socio-emotional implications for quality of life (Balaji et al, 2012;Collins 1990Collins , 2004McQueen and Barnes, 2017;Oster et al, 2013). In such cases, whether master statuses emerge and/or vacillate is often dependent on whether young Black sexual minorities encounter stigma, stereotypes-or safe spaces.…”

“…But without effective support systems and coping strategies, Black persons with diverse sexual identities, especially younger persons, are more apt than their peers to: experience physical and emotional problems; internalize negative images; attempt suicide; engage in risky behavior; fail to seek HIV testing, treatment, and/or disclose their status; or abuse drugs (Arnold et al, 2014;CDC 2020a, b;Peterson and Jones, 2009). However, Black members who embrace sexual diversity are increasingly engaging in self-affirmation and reflection (Barnes 2021;Hunter 2010;Johnson 2011;McQueen and Barnes, 2017). The ability to express their individual and collective voices are central to this process.…”

Christianity as a Spiritual Sidepiece: How Young Black People with Diverse Sexual Identities Navigate Religion

“…Anti‐gay messages via sermons and bible studies are contrasted against benefits and resources associated with Black Church participation such as: racial affirmation; the ability to forge friendship ties and a sense of belonging; opportunities to share ones’ talents and abilities; relationships; coping skills; increased life satisfaction; networks; and, other forms of social, psychological, and physical well‐being (Barnes 2013; Dangerfield 2019; Lefevor et al. 2020; Lincoln and Mamiya 1990; McQueen and Barnes 2017; Quinn, Dickson‐Gomez, and Kelley 2015; Sorett 2022). Yet when clergy and congregants openly condemn same‐gender behavior and espouse exclusionary doctrine, they can create an “immediate, constant, and seemingly irreconcilable dynamic” (Woodyard, Peterson, and Stokes 2000:456) between religious ideology and church participation by black sexual minorities.…”