A Phenomenological Examination of Identity Development in Five African-American Gay Men
A Phenomenological Examination of Identity Development in Five African-American Gay Men
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Issue Date
2001
Authors
Port, Bryan B.
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Abstract
An exploratory phenomenological study of identity development in African-American gay men was performed using in-depth narratives from five participants. Previous research concerning gay identity development has been focused in a predominantly White-dominant American cultural context, and research concerning African-American identity development has ignored diversity within the Black community, especially with regard to sexual orientation. Therefore, little is published about the experience of Black gay men. The purpose of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of the issues and experiences pertaining to the Black gay population by exploring and identifying themes from the narrative of five Black gay men. Five Black gay men between the ages of 30 and 40 in the San Francisco Bay Area were interviewed by the researcher. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed resulting in nine emerging themes: (1 ) awareness of Black identity; (2) awareness of gay identity; (3) denial of gay identity; (4) acceptance of gay identity; (5) fear and hypervigilance; (6) family issues; (7) separation from Black community; (8 ) re-identification with Black heritage; and (9) development of Black gay identity. The results of the study highlight the diversity and comparability of experiences among the five Black gay men within a common age cohort. Some findings confirm conclusions suggested by previous literature on racial and gay identity development. Other findings raise questions about previous reports and suggest further research on the impact of cohort, religious affiliation, community norms, and multiracial issues. The therapeutic implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions for future studies are proposed.