Don't Block the Intersections of Who I Am: Using Photovoice Methodology to Explore the Multiple Identities of YBMSM Público

Abstract

Background: Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are subject of research because of increasing rates of new HIV infection in this group compared to their White and Hispanic counterparts. A potential explanation for this disparity is their position at the intersection of multiple complex and sometimes minority (gay and Black) identities. Little research focuses on the intersectionality of YBMSM identities.

Objectives: To understand how YBMSM conceptualize their multiple intersecting identities and to explore general aspects of YBMSM daily experiences.

Methods: We used Photovoice methodology, a participatory action research tool, to collect data. Participants took photographs of meaningful events in their lives, they analyzed the photographs in discussion sessions, and identified relevant themes. Transcripts were coded using MAXQDA, a qualitative analysis software. Thematic analysis was used to inductively create additional themes.

Results: Participants described their identities as far more complex than race, gender/sexual orientation, and HIV risk. Although 1) race, 2) gender/sexual orientation, and 3) HIV/AIDS form important parts of their identities, 4) individual factors (interests/hobbies and employment), 5) relationships, and 6) community involvement also contribute to their complex intersecting identities.

Discussion: Understanding the multiple intersecting identities of YBMSM contributes to the existing literature, which largely focuses on HIV/AIDS. There are implications for developing interventions specifically tailored to YBMSM identities with positive outcomes for their overall wellbeing. Future research should emphasize YBMSM intersectional identity formation, including societal influences.

Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................1

Problem Statement........................................................................2

Study Purpose...............................................................................4

Research Questions.......................................................................4

Definition of terms........................................................................4

Literature Review..........................................................................6

HIV and YBMSM...........................................................................6

Racial Minority Identity................................................................8

Sexual Minority Identity................................................................9

Intersection of racial and sexual minority identities.......................10

Intersectionality..........................................................................11

Photovoice..................................................................................11

Methods.....................................................................................14

Recruitment...............................................................................14

Ethical Considerations.................................................................15

Study Settings.............................................................................15

Figure 1: Photovoice Timeline......................................................16

Session 1: Introduction...............................................................16

Data Collection...........................................................................18

Session 2: Freestyle…..................................................................19

Session 3: Freestyle.....................................................................19

Session 4: What does your gay culture mean to you? .....................20

Session 5: What is your identity? .................................................20

Session 6: What are some meaningful relationships in your life?..................20

Session 7: What are your insecurities? .........................................21

Session 8: What makes you happy? .............................................21

Session 9: IDIs...........................................................................22

Figure 2: Photovoice Timeline and Attendance.............................22

Data Analysis.............................................................................23

Results.......................................................................................27

Participant Demographics...........................................................27

Figure 3: Participant Demographics.............................................27

Participant Profiles.....................................................................27

Figure 4: Conceptual Framework, Intersectional Identities............30

Racial Identity...........................................................................31

Gender/Sexual Orientation Identity.............................................34

Intersection of Identities............................................................39

HIV/AIDS..................................................................................42

Individual Factors......................................................................43

Interests/Hobbies......................................................................43

Employment.............................................................................45

Relationships............................................................................46

Self...........................................................................................46

Family/ Friends.........................................................................47

Romantic Relationships.............................................................48

Community Involvement...........................................................49

Discussion/Conclusion..............................................................51

Racial Identity..........................................................................52

Gender/Sexual Orientation Identity............................................53

HIV/AIDS..................................................................................54

Individual Factors and Community Involvement..........................55

Relationships............................................................................56

Strengths/limitations.................................................................56

Conclusion................................................................................57

References................................................................................58

Appendix..................................................................................70

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Palavra-chave	Identity YBMSM Intersectionality Photovoice
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Hussen, Sophia A, Emory University

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