Sexuality and Sexual Agency Among Heterosexual Black Men in Toronto: Tradition, Contradiction, and Emergent Possibilities in the Context of HIV and Health

Authors

  • Winston Husbands Ontario HIV Treatment Network
  • Desmond Miller Ryerson University
  • Lance T McCready University of Toronto
  • Charmaine Williams University of Toronto
  • Leondre Guy Ryerson University
  • Andre Harriott Ryerson University
  • Carl E James York University
  • Henry Luyombya Ontario HIV Treatment Network
  • Omima Mohidin Africans in Partnership Against AIDS
  • Charles Ozzoude Ryerson University
  • Maurice K Poon York University
  • Emmanuel Tabi OISE, University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjs29506

Keywords:

African, Caribbean, Black, HIV prevention, Community Based Research

Abstract

This article critically examines common understandings of sexuality and sexual agency among heterosexual Black men in Toronto. The findings are based on focus groups and in-depth interviews conducted for the qualitative arm of the broader weSpeak project, a mixed-methods study designed to engage and support heterosexual Black men in Ontario, Canada, in living more holistically healthy lives. Focus groups and in-depth interviews with 69 self-identified heterosexual Black men focused on vulnerability and resilience to HIV, but participants also shared their complex experiences and perspectives related to sexuality and sexual agency, especially in the context of systemic and structural conditions that affect their wellbeing. This article provides excerpts from their narratives to illustrate the complexities and emergent possibilities related to sexuality and sexual agency among heterosexual Black men, which may open up new ways of approaching HIV prevention and health promotion.

Author Biographies

Winston Husbands, Ontario HIV Treatment Network

Senior Scientist

Desmond Miller, Ryerson University

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services Community Research Coordinator

Lance T McCready, University of Toronto

Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education Associate Professor

Charmaine Williams, University of Toronto

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Associate Professor

Leondre Guy, Ryerson University

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services Research Assistant

Andre Harriott, Ryerson University

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services Research Assistant

Carl E James, York University

Faculty of Education, Professor Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora

Henry Luyombya, Ontario HIV Treatment Network

Research Coordinator

Omima Mohidin, Africans in Partnership Against AIDS

Connected to Care Alliance Coordinator

Charles Ozzoude, Ryerson University

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Research and Engagement Specialist

Maurice K Poon, York University

School of Social Work, Associate Professor

Emmanuel Tabi, OISE, University of Toronto

PhD Candidate

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Published

2019-12-29