“I Don’t Fit in a Box; No One Does:” Intersectionality and Gay Male Identity

Using an intersectionality framework, this qualitative study explores how stigma affects identity development and how intersecting identities can compound to either foster resiliency or create health concerns for 11 men who are emerging adults (18-29), same sex identified, African American, HIV +, and homeless. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted through RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network) in Charlotte, NC. Questions were formulated to understand how participants view themselves and perceived stigmas, current/past health conditions, and their five to ten year prospects. This study uses grounded theory as a guide to analyze and interpret data. Themes explored include: risks (acquiring HIV through homeless status), biographical disruptions, and self-acceptance as a foundation to resiliency through self-empowerment. All participants in this study displayed resilient behaviors post-diagnosis to present, even those who experienced the worse “biographical disruptions.” Participants all spoke about being a survivor of sorts. I found that, for my participants, owning one’s identity created a buffer against the adverse effects of stigma

LGBTQ Emerging Adults: Their Experiences with Homelessness

Using a qualitative method, this study explored the experiences of emerging adults (ages 18-24) who are LGBTQ and homeless in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area of North Carolina. Emerging adults who are homeless and identify as LGBTQ are shown to have different health and safety concerns compared to peers. Because of these unique factors, researchers suggest these individuals require specific social services that cater to their needs. Nine face-to-face interviews were conducted which resulted in a total of 9 hours of collected data. In order to ensure that research results are as accurate as possible, grounded theorists suggest that one have at least fifty hours of collected data (Charmaz, 2006). Therefore, this study uses a grounded theory method as a guide to explore the experiences of emerging adults who identify as LGBTQ and are homeless. Questions in this study were designed to explore participants’ experiences with community-based outreach services and their overall experience with homelessness. This paper addresses three major themes found within the data: unsafe shelter conditions for LGBTQ individuals, couch surfing, and resiliency. Participants who had access to organizations such as RAIN (REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK) which provided social support systems, were in college, and living a healthy lifestyle. Data suggests that those with a strong social capital are more likely to be successful (in their definition of the word)