Truth Telling, Differences, and Commonalities in the Experiences of Two Black Same-Gender Loving Men in Academia

• In Event: Joy and Aliveness: Perspectives on Queer and Trans Wellness in Higher Education

Abstract

In this self-revealing chapter, we engaged in a duoethnography methodological approach to outline our career journeys through story-telling conversations about our truths, differences, and commonalities in our experiences as same-gender-loving black males (SGLBM) in higher education. We engaged in multiple reflective meetings in a brave, safe, and loving space. We recognized the emergent tensions and nuances unveiled from our conversations about our experiences of being a SGLBM in homophobic Jamaica. The unsettling emotions resurfaced the pain and discrimination we underwent through bullying in our high school and in our respective communities. We offer higher education meaningful recommendations they can employ to support increased representation of SGLBM in academia, and inspire hope and make a clarion call for advocacy.

Authors

• Andrew B. Campbell, University of Toronto

• Kaschka R. Watson, Brock University