“There’s This Invisible Synergy”: A Creative Exploration of the Sense of Belonging Experiences of Black Gay Men

Abstract

Sense of belonging as a biopsychosocial need foundational to human development must be an integral part of ongoing mental health and wellness discourse centering Black gay men. In the extant literature, a sense of belonging is depicted as a protective factor in promoting mental wellness. However, the paucity of studies indicates an urgent need to establish a baseline for understanding the mental health consequences within Black gay men’s sense of belonging experiences. Using intersectional theoretical frameworks, this study engages in an identity-affirming exploration of the sense of belonging experiences of eight Black gay men living in a primarily white geographic area. Through an interpretive phenomenological analysis and the creative method of poetic transcription, major findings illuminated the layered, multidimensional sense of belonging for participants at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality. Politicization of these intersecting identities shaped how participants experienced belonging. Results elucidate the need to further examine the far-reaching consequences of belonging as a potential protective factor in the lives of Black gay men.