For many, going to church was a requirement as children and they may have gone to Sunday school, sang in the choir or participated in other church activities. Often, generations of families are involved in the church: their great grandparents helped build the church, their grandparents provided leadership, their parents work and volunteer at the church. 3 For many Black gay men, church is a part of their identity. How has the church positively affected Black gay men?Ĭhurches have traditionally occupied a special place in the African American experience. For this Fact Sheet, we use the term “Black gay men” to refer to all Black men who have sex with men. 2 Black men who have sex with other men may self-identify as gay, same gender-loving, bisexual, straight, or may refuse to be categorized at all. 2 At the end of 2010, of the estimated 872, 990 persons living with an HIV diagnosis, 440,408 (50%) were among MSM with 31% of those living with the disease being African American. From 2008 to 2010, new HIV infections increased 22% among young (aged 13-24) MSM and 12% among MSM overall-an increase largely due to a 20% increase among young black MSM.
Among all men who have sex with men (MSM), black MSM accounted for 10,600 (36%) estimated new HIV infections in 2010. Black gay and bisexual men are the most heavily impacted population in the Black community. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a devastating effect on Black gay men in the US. 1 The Black church is a part of many Black gay men’s lives, and, unfortunately, so is HIV. These men experience various homophobic and AIDS-phobic messages that increase their feelings of shame, diminish their religious identity, and are separated from important resources of the Black church. However, some Black gay men feel alienated from Black religious congregations. 1 Using the biblical themes of social justice and inherent dignity of all people, the Black church helped restore and promote the self esteem and self-worth of Black people who were victims of racial and other kinds of oppression. The church has been a vital and trusted institution in the Black community, providing support, defining values, and building community. As a long-standing institution developed for and by Black people, the Black church provides religious education and spiritual formation, and buffers against societal oppressions. Many Black men in the US grow up in families that are significantly involved with the Black church. What is the role of the Black church for Black gay men and HIV prevention? Why the Black church?