Examining the Experiences of Belonging and Life Satisfaction with Gay Men of Color

Overview:
Cisgender Gay Men of Color (GMoC) are part of a population that is minimally explored as most research on gay men are based on white participants. GMoC are exposed to two types of minority stress related to their sexuality and their racial identities that lead to higher rates of mental health issues, suicide, and substance usage compared to heterosexuals and white gay men. The exposure to discrimination, prejudice, and stigma, negatively impacts their life satisfaction and other variables. It has been found that belonging is a protective factor for health issues and it can help improve life satisfaction. The purpose of this mixed method research study is to examine the expereinces of belonging that occurs among GMoC and how it influences their lives. Subjects are over the age of 18 and identify as a cisgender male with a sexually identity of gay. Subjects were recruited through purposive-convenience sampling and snowball voluntary response sampling. Subject participation lasted up to three months with time durations no greater than 20 minutes for the quantitative portion and 90 minutes for the qualitative portion. By administering a survey for 150 subjects and completing a focus group discussion with six subjects that are gay men who identify as Asian, Latino, and African American, this capstone project bridged the gaps found in research, in social justice, and with health disparities.

Study Type:
Mixed Methods

IRB Approved:
Yes

Target Audience:
Gay Men of Color

Target Audience:
150

How to Apply:
Use this link

Study Contact:
John Lee Duncan
Jduncan@students.llu.edu