Russell M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23; 6: 324 (abstract no. Th.D.792).
The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, N.Y., USA
OBJECTIVE: To examine how internalized homophobia in black gay and bisexual males impedes acceptance of "gay identified" services. METHOD: Data collected came from two sources: Review of 25 patient charts of black males who are self identified as having had same sex experiences, and interviews with clinic social workers. These patients are followed in a New York City based out-patient designated AIDS treatment center. RESULTS: Forty percent of the black population were self-identified as having had a "same sex" sexual experience. When terms such as "gay" or "bisexual" were used, patients became resistant and denied behavior. However, when asked about "having had sex with a man" patients were more willing to disclose their experiences. These patients were reticent to utilize gay identified support services. Hence by choice these patients were self-isolating and did not access services. CONCLUSION: With supportive counseling, discussing "male to male" sexual experiences as opposed to gay experiences, 20% of these patients have begun to participate in support groups and access services from organizations that are "gay identified", i.e. GMHC. All colleagues interviewed emphasized the importance of avoiding labels such as "gay behavior" and "homosexual activities". Emphasis is placed on "man to man sex" maintaining the idea the experience is sexual and not an emotional relationship.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Bisexuality
- Communication
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Interviews as Topic
- Male
- New York City
- Prejudice
Other ID:
UI: 102182402
From Meeting Abstracts