Correlates of Homonegativity Towards Men Who Have Sex With Men Among Black Individuals in the United States

This study aims to identify the factors that are associated with homonegativity toward men who have sex with men (MSM) within Black communities since the expansion of LGBTQ rights. A survey was completed in 2016 by a nationally representative sample of 868 Black respondents, 18-50 years old, via e-mail. Demographics, perception of same-gender sexual behaviors, religiosity, experienced racism, and contact with the carceral system (CS) were assessed. 61.6% of respondents endorsed at least one homonegative belief. Being male, residing in the South, attending religious services, receiving homonegative faith messaging, and having contact with the CS were significantly associated with homonegativity toward MSM while experiencing racism, older age, and residing in a non-metropolitan area were not. Education efforts on LGBTQ identities in Black communities should engage faith communities, extend to metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas of the South, and include younger and older adults. Programs that decrease the arrest of Black individuals may also help reduce homonegativity toward MSM.

Faith leaders' messaging is essential to enhance HIV prevention among black Americans: results from the 2016 National Survey on HIV in the black community (NSHBC)

Background

To investigate whether religious service attendance and faith leaders’ messages about HIV and same-sex relationships are associated with acceptance of HIV prevention strategies.

Methods

Multivariable Poisson regression assessed whether attending religious services, faith leaders’ messages about HIV and same-sex relationships, and supportiveness of those messages were associated with HIV testing, as well as knowledge of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among 868 Black Americans [45% men; M (SD) = 34 (9) years-old] in the 2016 National Survey on HIV in the Black Community, USA.

Results

Participants who reported attending services monthly and/or hearing faith leaders’ messages that were supportive of same-sex relationships had a significantly higher likelihood of willingness to use PrEP (adjusted Rate Ratio[ARR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 2.48) and aRR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.35, 3.55, respectively), independent of HIV risk. Homophobia was significantly associated with higher likelihood of being aware of PrEP and testing for HIV testing in the past 12 months.

Conclusions

Faith leaders’ messaging can influence Black Americans’ perceptions and uptake of HIV prevention strategies. Faith institutions and faith leaders should be involved in designing and disseminating HIV prevention strategies.