“There’s This Invisible Synergy”

A Creative Exploration of the Sense of Belonging Experiences of Black Gay Men

Bibliographic Data

ID22412815
AuthorsOlivia H Hunte (0009-0007-1800-0323, University of Denver, corresponding author), Miriam G Valdovinos (0000-0002-8121-1488, University of Denver)
Year2026
Publication date2026-07-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Black Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0095-7984 • E-ISSN: 1552-4558
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00957984261461469
OpenAlexW7168405035
LanguageEN
References cited46

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.

Biopsychosocial model · Extant taxon · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Intersection (aeronautics) · Intersectionality · Mental health · Psychology of self · Sense of place · White (mutation) · Art Therapy and Mental Health · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Mental Health and Patient Involvement

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Open DOIOpen Access