The Intersection of Sociocultural Factors and Health-Related Behavior in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: Experiences Among Young Black Gay Males as an Example

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016 Dec;63(6):1091-1106. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.07.009.

Abstract

Intersectionality suggests that multiple social identities intersect at the individual or micro level of experience and reflects larger social structural inequities experienced on the macro level. This article uses intersectionality to describe how multiple stigmatized social identities can create unique challenges for young black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM). YBGBM exist at the intersection of multiple stigmatized identities compared with their majority peers. This article examines key intersecting identities and cultural expectations that exist in YBGBM and how those factors may predispose young men to adverse health outcomes and health inequality.

Keywords: Black/African American; Gay; Health-related behavior; Intersectionality; LGBT; YBGBM; Young black gay and bisexual men; Youth.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Social Identification
  • Social Perception*
  • Stereotyping*
  • Young Adult