The relationship between identity, high risk sexual behavior, perceptions of oppression, social support, and coping in Black/Hispanic men who have sex with men: An Internet study

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between identity, sexual risk behavior, coping with racism and oppression and social support on an Internet sample of 85 Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) ages 18-65.; Findings indicate that the men answering an Internet survey were predominantly HIV- (83%, n=85), with 65% (n=60) always using condoms, and 65% used condoms (n=64) at last anal intercourse. On a scale of 1-6, the men's gay identity stage mean score was high at 4.69 (SD=1.48), encompassing acceptance of and pride in gay identity. Coping with racism and/or oppression (ranging from 0 to 9) produced a mean total score of 7.85 (SD=.80), suggesting a very high level of active coping, with a full 99% in a maintenance stage. Social support had four sub-scales with all ranging from 1 (none of the time) to 5 (all of the time); the men scored high on all subscales (emotional support mean of 3.69/SD=1.15, tangible support mean of 3.53/SD=1.30, affectionate support mean of 3.54/SD=1.34, and positive social interaction mean of 3.83/SD=1.16). On a scale of 1-6, the respondents reported low levels of stress due to racism (M=2.78, SD=1.25), and heterosexism (M=2.37, SD=1.24). Those who always use condoms (65%) reported less stress from heterosexist events. Older men had higher stages of gay identity, more stress from racist and heterosexist events, and less overall social support. Linear regression was used to determine the best predictors of experiences of racism; older age and lower social support scores were predictors of higher racist events. Linear regression was also used to determine the best predictors of experiences of heterosexism; social support was the best predictor such that the higher the men's social support, the lower their experiences of heterosexism.; Results are discussed as relatively "good news," as the sample emerges as being mostly HIV-, using condoms at a high rate, enjoying high levels of social support, experiencing lower rates of racism and heterosexism, and being in a maintenance stage for actively coping with racism and/or oppression.