The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 38, No. 2 & Volume 39, No. 1 - 144

Terrell L. Strayhorn • Taris G. Mullins

in america, describe the challenges they face as both Black and gay, and offer possible solutions to the social pathologies (e.g., racism, homophobia) that seem to stymie their cognitive, social, and psychosocial development (Harris, 2003; Washington & Wall, 2006). the research on the coming out process for Bgmus is limited at best. For instance, contrary to the generally held belief that Black men conceal their affectional status (i.e., “live on the down low”), some Bgmus report going to college to come out and to live out (strayhorn, Blakewood, & deVita, 2008). and though prevailing theories posit coming out as an orderly, stage-wise process of publicly acknowledging one’s sexual orientation, research on Bgmus suggests a more complicated, and complex, process where men make different decisions to disclose or conceal their gay identity to different people, in different ways, at different times (strayhorn et al., 2010). Furthermore, we know that recognizing and publicly acknowledging one’s sexual orientation can be seriously traumatizing, especially for gay men of color who often find themselves rejected or marginalized by members of their own race—the very people and resources they tend to need to productively cope with life

challenges (icard & nurius, 1996). For instance, in a previous study, researchers found that most of the Bgmus with whom they spoke reported being kicked out of their parents’ home, dismissed by family members and siblings, or rejected by church members when they disclosed their sexual orientation (strayhorn et al., 2010). additional research in this area focuses on the engagement of gay men of color in unhealthy sexual behaviors and the associated consequences (e.g., stds, substance abuse, suicide) for same-gender-loving men (Baumrind, 1995; icard, 1996; lebson, 2002; Washington & Wall, 2006). results suggest that such encounters can negatively affect the psychological well-being and self-esteem of gay men of color, while placing them at risk for distress, depression, and suicide, although we do not know if this is true for all such men in various contexts. Other work investigates whether and how Black gay men identify sexually (e.g., Brown, 2005; Brown, 2008; icard, 1986). For instance, Brown (2005) employed a case study approach to analyze qualitative data from 110 african american men in atlanta. although all of his participants indicated that they have sex with men, relatively few identified as gay (37%); 13% identified as “down low bisexual,” 9% as bisexual, 7% as homosexual, and even 17% as straight. He concluded that Black gay men cannot accept a gay identity for reasons ranging from homophobia to traditional notions of Black masculinity. Finally, a nascent line of inquiry has centered on several major foci related to Bgmus’ academic and social experiences in college. a review of the literature suggests at least three

. . .contrary to the generally held belief that Black men conceal their affectional status (i .e ., “live on the down low”), some BGMUs report going to college to come out and to live out .
144

The Journal of College and universiTy sTudenT housing

The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 38, No. 2 & Volume 39, No. 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 38, No. 2 & Volume 39, No. 1