Abstract
This study examines the various ways African American men identify themselves sexually. Many African American men practice same-sex relationships but do not identify themselves as bisexual, gay, or homosexual. A case study approach was used to analyze data gathered in Atlanta, Georgia using 110 male respondents. The researcher found that these men divide their identity because of multiple social factors. The conclusions drawn from the findings suggest that homophobia, heterosexism, and poor constructs of black manhood are the foremost reasons African American gay men cannot accept a gay identity.
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Edward Brown II holds the Master of Arts in African and African American Studies with specializations in psychology and gender theory. He is a development and research consultant in New York City.
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Brown, E. We wear the mask: African American contemporary gay male identities. Journal of African American Studies 9, 29–38 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-005-1020-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-005-1020-x