Abstract
We are well into the third decade of the HIV epidemic. While strides have been made in HIV prevention, rates for African American
men who have sex with men (AAMSM) and young AAMSM continue to increase—perhaps indicating that traditional deficit-approaches
of HIV prevention are not effective for all populations. Following a recent call to investigate the resiliency of young gay
men, this study identifies sources of resilience and strength within the House and Ball communities, a subculture comprised
primarily of AAMSM. The mixed-methods design included survey data (N = 263) collected at community events, interviews with Ball attendees and focus group data with House members. Survey data
indicate a relationship between participating in the House and Ball communities and seeking support, acceptance and entertainment.
Qualitative data validate these findings and provide detail on motivations for AAMSM to participate and the perceived benefits
of participation. Findings are discussed in relation to building strengths-based interventions, using concepts of resiliency
including shamelessness, social creativity, social support and volunteerism.
men who have sex with men (AAMSM) and young AAMSM continue to increase—perhaps indicating that traditional deficit-approaches
of HIV prevention are not effective for all populations. Following a recent call to investigate the resiliency of young gay
men, this study identifies sources of resilience and strength within the House and Ball communities, a subculture comprised
primarily of AAMSM. The mixed-methods design included survey data (N = 263) collected at community events, interviews with Ball attendees and focus group data with House members. Survey data
indicate a relationship between participating in the House and Ball communities and seeking support, acceptance and entertainment.
Qualitative data validate these findings and provide detail on motivations for AAMSM to participate and the perceived benefits
of participation. Findings are discussed in relation to building strengths-based interventions, using concepts of resiliency
including shamelessness, social creativity, social support and volunteerism.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0205-2
- Authors
- Katrina Kubicek, Community, Health Outcomes, and Intervention Research Program, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, 90028 CA, USA
- Miles McNeeley, Community, Health Outcomes, and Intervention Research Program, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, 90028 CA, USA
- Ian W. Holloway, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- George Weiss, Community, Health Outcomes, and Intervention Research Program, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, 90028 CA, USA
- Michele D. Kipke, Community, Health Outcomes, and Intervention Research Program, Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 6430 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, 90028 CA, USA
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165