We identified the eight core themes based on a review of the literature and qualitative data obtained from focus groups conducted by the Malenesss Health and Wellness Summit.
- MENTAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
- PHYSICAL HEALTH & LONGEVITY
- EMPOWERMENT & SELF EFFICACY
- SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF HEALTH
- SAFETY & VIOLENCE PREVENTION
- SEXUAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
- NUTRITIONAL WELLNESS
- POLICY & POLITICAL TRENDS AFFECTING BLACK LGBTQ+ MEN
1. MENTAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
- Intersectionality & Mental Health: Exploring the layered impact of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity on mental health. Rationale: Black LGBTQ+ youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than white peers (The Trevor Project).
- Stigma, Discrimination & Resilience: Examining internalized and externalized stigma, its effects, and strategies for building resilience. Rationale: 63% of Black LGBTQ+ adults report discrimination based on race/ethnicity (National Black Justice Coalition).
- Trauma & Healing: Addressing trauma (including racial trauma, homophobia, transphobia, and violence) and connecting individuals with culturally competent therapists specializing in trauma recovery. Rationale: Black transgender women face disproportionately high rates of violence (Human Rights Campaign).
- Body Image & Self-Esteem: Exploring societal beauty standards, body image pressures, and promoting self-love and acceptance. Rationale: Body image issues and eating disorders disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community.
- Relationships & Communication: Building healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and navigating communication challenges.
- Mindfulness & Self-Care: Introducing mindfulness techniques, stress management, and self-care practices.
- Mental Health Resources & Advocacy: Providing information on available mental health services and empowering individuals to advocate for their needs. Rationale: Black adults are less likely to receive mental health care than white adults (NAMI).
2. PHYSICAL HEALTH & LONGEVITY
- HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention: Promoting PrEP awareness, offering testing/treatment, and providing education on safe sex practices. Rationale: Black gay/bisexual men account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses (CDC).
- Substance Use & Harm Reduction: Addressing substance use as a coping mechanism, offering prevention/treatment programs, and alternative coping strategies. Rationale: Black LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience discrimination and violence, increasing substance use risk (SAMHSA).
- Chronic Disease Prevention & Management: Addressing disparities in conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer through nutrition, fitness, and access to healthcare. Rationale: Black men have higher rates of hypertension and stroke (American Heart Association).
- Community Building & Social Support: Creating safe spaces for connection and belonging. Rationale: Social isolation impacts mental and physical health.
- Advocacy & Policy Change: Advocating for policies that address systemic inequalities and improve resource access.
3. EMPOWERMENT & SELF EFFICACY
- Challenging Stigma & Stereotypes: Counteracting negative stereotypes and internalized oppression. Rationale: Black LGBTQ+ men face intersecting stigmas (Human Rights Campaign).
- Leadership & Advocacy: Encouraging self-advocacy and community leadership. Rationale: Empowered individuals are more likely to advocate (National Association of Social Workers).
- Community & Belonging: Building a strong sense of community. Rationale: Social support is crucial for well-being (Mental Health America).
- Celebrating Achievements & Resilience: Recognizing achievements and resilience. Rationale: Positive reinforcement boosts self-esteem (American Psychological Association).
- Skill-Building & Education: Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills.
- Mental Health & Self-Care: Prioritizing mental health and self-care. Rationale: Mental health is essential for empowerment (WHO).
5. SAFETY & VIOLENCE PREVENTION
- Hate Crimes & Discrimination: Offering workshops on recognizing and responding to hate crimes. Rationale: LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be targets of hate crimes.
- Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Providing information and resources for recognizing and addressing IPV. Rationale: LGBTQ+ individuals experience IPV at equal or higher rates.
- Community Violence: Addressing the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identity in community violence. Rationale: Black communities often experience higher rates of violence.
- Online Harassment & Cyberbullying: Offering workshops on online safety. Rationale: LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience online harassment.
- Police Violence & Interactions: Providing information on navigating interactions with law enforcement. Rationale: Black LGBTQ+ individuals are at increased risk of police violence.
- Self-Defense & Safety Planning: Offering workshops on self-defense techniques.
- Mental Health Impact of Violence: Providing mental health resources for survivors.
6. SEXUAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
- HIV/AIDS & STIs: Offering testing, counseling, and education on prevention and treatment. Rationale: Black gay/bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS; Black men
have higher STI rates. - Sexual Health Education: Providing comprehensive education tailored to Black gay, bi, and trans men.
- Body Image & Self-Esteem: Promoting self-love and acceptance.
- Mental Health & Sexual Wellness: Addressing the intersection of mental health and sexual wellness.
- Intimacy & Relationships: Offering workshops on healthy relationships and communication.
- Sexual Violence & Trauma: Providing resources for survivors. Rationale: LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of sexual violence.
7. NUTRITIONAL WELLNESS
- Food Security & Access: Addressing food insecurity and connecting individuals with resources. Rationale: LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to experience food insecurity (Feeding America).
- Culturally Relevant Nutrition: Providing nutrition information and dietary recommendations tailored to Black communities. Rationale: Many nutrition programs aren’t tailored to Black communities’ needs (USDA).
- Body Image & Eating Disorders: Addressing body image concerns and the risk of eating disorders. Rationale: Gay/bisexual men may experience higher rates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating (NEDA).
- Nutrition for Specific Health Needs: Addressing nutritional needs related to conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Rationale: Black men have higher rates of certain health conditions requiring specific diets (CDC).
- Access to Healthy Food: Improving access to affordable, healthy food in underserved communities. Rationale: Many low-income communities lack access to healthy food (USDA).
8. POLICY & POLITICAL TRENDS AFFECTING BLACK LGBTQ+ MEN
- Impact of Current Legislation: Analyzing the effects of policies such as Medicaid funding restrictions, bans on transgender healthcare, and legislative efforts targeting DEI initiatives on the health and well-being of Black gay, bisexual, and transgender men. Rationale: These policies directly impact access to vital services, create barriers to care, and contribute to a climate of discrimination.
- Advocacy & Civic Engagement: Empowering individuals to engage in advocacy efforts, including contacting elected officials, participating in community organizing, and supporting organizations working to protect the rights and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Rationale: Direct action is essential to counter harmful policies and promote positive change.
- Navigating Systemic Barriers: Developing strategies for navigating systems impacted by discriminatory policies, including healthcare, education, and social services. Rationale: Understanding how to access resources and advocate for oneself within these systems is crucial.
- The Role of Community: Exploring the importance of community support and collective action in the face of political challenges. Rationale: Building strong support networks and working together is essential for resilience and empowerment.
- Disinformation & Misinformation: Addressing the spread of disinformation and misinformation targeting the LGBTQ+ community and its impact on policy and public opinion. Rationale: Combating misinformation is crucial for informed decision-making andeffective advocacy.
Health and Wellness Summit for Black Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (GBT) Men! A 501 (c)(3) organization and a subsidiary of Wellness Homes of Chicago, Baal Perazim Wellness, Inc.
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4. SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF HEALTH