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I Feel Blacker: Applying a Black Feminist Paradigm to an Intervention Program for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the South

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Abstract

Research on black men who have sex with men (BMSM) has tended to focus on HIV-related health disparities. Because the disease disproportionately affects BMSM, this emphasis is important. Yet it is also valuable to consider other dimensions of their lives. This study examines views about race and racial identity for ninety 18–24-year-old BMSM who participated in a culturally-based risk-reduction prevention program in the South. Moreover, based on its dual emphasis on oppression and resistance for marginalized groups, we consider whether and how their sentiments can be better understood using a black feminist lens. Quantitative results suggest tensions around the topic of race, but generally more affirming views about their racial identities and increased knowledge about racial issues. Qualitative findings reflect themes of identity and group affirmation and pragmatic strategies to reduce risk. The possible benefits of culturally-based interventions are discussed.

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Notes

  1. HCV is a liver disease due to infection from the HCV virus that can result in liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. HCV is a leading cause of liver cancer. It is usually spread when blood from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person, most often via sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. According to the CDC, about 3.5 million people are living with HCV in the U.S. Most of them do not know they are infected. African Americans experience substantially higher rates of chronic HCV and HCV-related deaths compared to other ethnic groups (taken from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/blackhistmnth-hepc.htm).

  2. The overall experience is called I AM! Inspired, Aware, and Making It Happen!

  3. Information about d-Up: Defend Yourself! is available at https://www.whatworksinyouthhiv.org/strategies/evidence-based-interventions/d-defend-yourself.

  4. Sample counts (N = 90) are: wave 1 (n = 14); wave 2 (n = 7); wave 3 (n = 12); wave 4 (n = 13); wave 5 (n = 7); wave 6 (n = 9); wave 7 (n = 12); and, wave 8 (n = 16).

  5. For Question 18, the post-prevention mean score (4.78) is lower than the pre-program value (5.10) and suggests reduced negative views. However, both values still reflect potentially disconcerting beliefs that life doesn’t have much meaning.

  6. The first author here, the program PI, and the Program Coordinator are immediately notified of participants who respond 5 or above on Questions 1, 12, and 18 (pre- and post-program) for subsequent referrals to partnering counseling agencies.

  7. Respondents may be older than age 24-year-old if they had a birthday before the time of the concluding surveys.

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Funding

This study was funded by HIV CBI—Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (1H79SP021246-01X).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human and Organizational Development and the Divinity School, Vanderbilt University, Peabody #90, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN, 37203-5721, USA

    Sandra L. Barnes

  2. Behavioral Sciences and Education Department, Fisk University, Park-Johnson Hall #312, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA

    Leslie Collins

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Correspondence to Sandra L. Barnes.

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Barnes, S.L., Collins, L. I Feel Blacker: Applying a Black Feminist Paradigm to an Intervention Program for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the South. Sexuality & Culture 23, 862–881 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-019-09598-3

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