Me and You, Your Partner, and Their Partner Too: Exploring the Experiences of Afro-Caribbean Men Who Are in Polyamorous Relationships

Abstract

Polyamory is a growing practice in the Afro-Caribbean community, yet current research related to Afro (Black) polyamory is minimal. Stories surrounding polyamory in Caribbean communities are relegated to social media posts, forums, and discussions. Further absent from polyamorous literature are the lived experiences of the people in this population, how masculinity serves as an influence, and the meaning they ascribe to such practices in their lives. The research question was, "What are the experiences of AfroCaribbean men in polyamorous relationships?" Drawing from the experiences of three Afro-Caribbean men, I conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study to explore the lived experiences of being Afro-Caribbean and polyamorous. I conducted a semi-structured interview using open-ended and guided questions for the subject genogram. An IPA inductive approach was used to recognize patterns and themes and using a Bowen family systems theory (BFST) as a deductive approach helped organize these themes. Five superordinate and 12 subordinate themes emerged from the data from the resultant thematic analysis. The findings of this study support data found in current research on Afro-Caribbean men while adding new experiences to consider for future research. Generational patterns, origins of becoming polyamorous, being Black and polyamorous, and the intersecting identities and experiences all serve as helpful information for prospective therapists working with diverse CNM clients.