The MaBwana Black men's study: community and belonging in the lives of African, Caribbean and other Black gay men in Toronto

Abstract

In Canada, there is a paucity of research aimed at understanding Black gay men and the antecedents to risk factors for HIV. This study is an attempt to move beyond risk factor analysis and explore the role of sexual and ethnic communities in the lives of these men. The study utilized a community-based research and critical race theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight key informants to augment our understanding of Black gay men and to facilitate recruitment of participants. In-depth interviews were done with 24 Black gay men. Our data showed that the construction of community for Black gay men is challenged by their social and cultural environment. However, these men use their resilience to navigate gay social networks. Black gay men expressed a sense of abjuration from both gay and Black communities because of homophobia and racism. It is essential for health and social programmers to understand how Black gay men interact with Black and gay communities and the complexities of their interactions in creating outreach educational, preventive and support services.

Governing through community-based research: Lessons from the Canadian HIV research sector

“…HIV CBR involves the participation of community members living with and affected by HIV as partners and co-learners in the research process (Allman et al, 1997). Researchers have partnered with community stakeholders to develop appropriate research designs and data collection procedures, making it possible to effectively research sensitive and stigmatized topics (Bauer et al, 2012;George et al, 2012;Greene et al, 2010;Logie et al, 2012b;McClelland et al, 2012). This research movement has been credited with taking important steps towards "democratizing" HIV research (Ogden, 1999) and promoting the "greater involvement of people living with HIV" (GIPA) (Travers et al, 2008).…”

Barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations

“…Prior research has described how various subpopulations within the LGBTQ community sometimes experience additional marginalization and isolation among members of the LGBTQ community (George et al, 2012;Weiss, 2011). For example, LGBTQ individuals of color have described feelings of exclusion, invisibility, and identity conflict within the larger LGBTQ community and LGBTQ groups (Balsam, Molina, Beadnell, Simoni, & Walters, 2011;Poynter & Washington, 2005); this may serve as a potential barrier to engaging with LGBTQ organizations, groups, or networks (George et al, 2012;Lehavot et al, 2009). In addition, bisexual-identified individuals have described biphobia, fears of not being accepted, and a general lack of bisexualspecific groups in LGBTQ organizations (Dobinson, MacDonnell, Hampson, Clipsham, & Chow, 2005).…”

Engaging Black Communities to Address HIV

“…Although unprotected sex is the main factor directly responsible for transmission of HIV among Black people in Ontario, previous research has drawn attention to the role of community practices and systemic factors that reinforce vulnerability to HIV among this group (Gardezi et al, 2008;George et al, 2012;Gray, Calzavara, & Tharao, 2008;Husbands et al, 2010;Tharao, Massaquoi, & Teclom, 2006).…”