"Proud I Am Negative": Maintaining HIV-seronegativity among Black MSM in New York City. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dacus, Jagadisa-devasri; Voisin, Dexter R.; Barker, Judith
• Is Part Of: Men and masculinities. Volume 21:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 290
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: black MSM -- HIV-negative -- beliefs -- social and psychological dimensions; Men's studies -- Periodicals; Étude de genre; Étude sur les hommes; Homme; Identité masculine; Masculinité; Perception sociale; Recherche; Rôle selon le sexe; Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); 305.3105
• DOI: 10.1177/1097184X17696174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1097-184X

Abstract

HIV incidence among black men who have sex with men (BMSM) is at epidemic proportions. However, the vast majority of studies have focused on risk factors related to HIV infections with a dearth of research on resiliency and how BMSM maintain seronegativity. Using three focus groups ( N = 29) comprised of BMSM in New York City, this study explored psychosocial factors and practices related to maintaining seronegativity. Major themes included having spirituality and/or religious beliefs, access to social supports that held positive expectations, and having personal agency by engaging in seroadaptive harm reduction practices. Overall, findings highlight the importance of addressing HIV stigma, supporting the need for BMSM to be validated, and creating safe spaces that allow them to discuss the challenges related to remaining HIV-negative.