Racial Constructions among Gay Men On/Offline: The Utility of Race on Erotic Capital in Cyber Space

• In Event: 306 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Sex and the Internet

Abstract

While there is extensive literature examining the influences of race/ethnicity in the heterosexual population, there has been less attention given in sociological studies to how these factors operate in gay communities. The goal of this study is to analyze how race/ethnicity influences sexual activity among men who have sex with men (MSM) on and offline. In particular, one objective is to examine how the social construction of race intersects with sexuality. To achieve this goal, we will be expanding upon Eduardo Bonilla-Silva and associates’ (2002) Latin Americanization Thesis of tri-racial stratification that posits that the U.S. will reflect a three tier racial structure with the White race on top, then an intermediary group of Honorary Whites and a Collective Black category at the bottom. By utilizing 16 in-depth interviews with Latino, Black, mixed race, and White men who have sex with men (MSM) along with content analysis of MSM internet websites, this study will expand upon Latin Americanization Thesis by examining the intersection of race/ethnicity with sexuality and interrogating the limits of racism within these online spaces and sexual territories. Specifically, we will add to this thesis by illustrating how sexuality influences the social construction of race, which in turn has implications for mate selection and sexual health decisions in homosexual communities.

Authors

• Jesus Gregorio Smith, Texas A&M University

• Maria Cristina Morales, University of Texas-El Paso