Black Gay Men's Gay Identity Disclosure and Voluntary (Dis)engagement as Stigma Management

• In Event: 525 - Regular Session. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender 2

Abstract

Scholars identify gay identity disclosure as an effective strategy for LGBT individuals to manage anti-gay stigma; however, few have considered how a person’s willingness and ability to choose when, to whom, and how s/he discloses may be contingent upon the visible stigma attached to her or his racial identity and the environment in which s/he participates. This chapter focuses on Black gay men's (BGM) use of gay identity disclosure to gain control over the stigma attached to their gay identities and control their level of engagement with perpetrators of stigma. I analyze semi-structured interviews from 31 self-identified BGM between 23 and 57 years old using thematic coding. Findings reveal that in cases when BGM voluntarily disclose their gay identity, it is used as a means to maintain connections to predominantly Black churches, gain a sense of empowerment and recognition, maintain integrity, and procure access to a wider array of resources that buffer multiple types of stigmas and discriminatory experiences. BGM used their gay identity disclosure status as a way to control when, where, and to whom they engaged in discussions about their sexuality and to minimize experiences with discrimination. Additionally, BGM expressed a concern with participating in predominantly White gay churches, organizations, and community spaces because of the persistent stigma attached to being Black despite being affirming for being gay. The findings from this chapter have implications for understanding how the interplay between visible and hidden stigmas influence processes of disclosure and the strategies people use to challenge stigma.

Author

• Allison Mathews, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill