Abstract:
Under Embargo until 2028.
An understanding of Black gay male college students’ lived experiences in higher education is lacking. The researcher used the critical race theory and quare theory paired together to shape the scope of this study. This study examined how Black gay male college students’ experiences affect their perception of college as social and educational environment. Further, this study illuminated how the participants made meaning of their time on campus and navigated their respective social spaces. The researcher used counter-stories and thematic analysis to capture the essence and experiences of the five participants. The findings from the in-depth, semi-structured interviews generated five themes: (a) race was not a factor in selecting choice of college, (b) I will show you who I am when I am ready, (c) they are afraid of who I am, (d) I am not your negro, and (e) I am a leader within the community. Through the quare theory and critical race theory lens, each Black gay male college student’s experience was demonstrated to be unique, but all participants experienced at least one time in their life racial discrimination and or homophobia. Furthermore, despite their harsh environments, these five participants demonstrated resilience and success during their college experience. There were three suggestions for implication of research, which include (a) a need to address LGBT organizations at PWIs that serve the gay community, (b) recruitment of Black gay males for faculty positions, and (c) faculty at PWIs need training on the sensitivity of sexual minority groups.