As the World Turns: Being Black and Gay on Campus in the 21st Century

Abstract

This qualitative study explores factors contributing to the Black gay men at a predominately White institution (PWI) in southern California using the intersection of race (Cross, 1995), sexual identity (Cass, 1979, 1984), and social capital-institutional agents (Stanton-Salazar, 2011). The purpose of this study is to examine the Black gay male college population in an attempt to bring voice to their growing, but silent, segment of campus community. Four participants voice their concerns of being Black and gay while navigating through the challenges at their institution. Themes that emerged were self-identity, coming-out, racial & cultural dissonance, masculinity, religion/spirituality, institutional support, and family affairs. Participants reported that their sexual identity was more salient than their racial identity in creating social support; experiences with Black peers were negative and rejecting, especially surrounding the participation in Black activities, events and organizations on campus; the campus LGBT centers were supportive with creation of LGBT student organization; need more faculty and staff who identified as gay and be role mode; and they use campus departments (e.g. Residence Life, Counseling Services) faculty, staff and students trust (ally)as support. Implications for practice and research are discussed which lends to future research that could better understand this growing population on our campuses.