Exploring the role of LGBT-affirming churches in health promotion for Black sexual minority men.
Cult Health Sex
; 22(10): 1191-1206, 2020 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31594476
ABSTRACT
In the USA, Black sexual minority men (BSMM) remain disproportionately impacted upon by HIV and other sexual health issues. Individuals who attend church have lower rates of morbidity and mortality than those that do not; however, church attendance presents a paradox of being protective for some health outcomes and a risk for others among this population. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) affirming churches may offer support, but little is known about the role of LGBT-affirming churches in the lives of BSMM and how they may impact HIV and other health outcomes. This study explored the role of LGBT-affirming churches in the lives of BSMM. Nine focus groups (N = 52) were conducted in Baltimore City, Maryland between December 2017 and April 2018. Thematic analysis evaluated domains related to how men perceived, experienced, and engaged with LGBT-affirming churches. Three primary themes identified (1) preferring traditional church environments over LGBT-affirming churches; (2) experiencing the LGBT-affirming church as a space of acceptance, emotional healing, and modelling loving same-sex relationships; and (3) perceiving LGBT-affirming churches as opportunities to engage community members to promote the well-being of BSMM. A secondary theme identified involvement in the house and ballroom community as an LGBT-affirming religious experience.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Black or African American
/
Protestantism
/
Sexual and Gender Minorities
/
Health Promotion
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Cult Health Sex
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
/
CIENCIAS SOCIAIS
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: