Black Gay Men of the South: Research Implications and E. Patrick Johnson’s Sweet Tea

Abstract

E. Patrick Johnson’s Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South raises many research questions for future study of Black gay men in the south. The mens’ stories shed light on the lived experiences of the target population, and far more research is needed to expand upon Johnson’s themes. In this chapter, several specific possibilities for psychological studies are presented using specific research questions that are inspired by Johnson’s findings. Several research questions are prompted by these stories with respect to issues such as social development, sexual behavior, gender identity and gender diversity, personality and creative expression, spiritual identity, perfectionism, and relationships. Johnson’s findings also suggest more investigation into the psychology of same sex behaviors within the contexts of churches, the military, and HBCUs. Vast opportunities for further research are evident by Johnson’s exploratory interviews of the men of Sweet Tea. Also, as is common in discussing research with Black LGBT populations, gaining access to Black gay men or men who have sex with men who are less open about their sexuality, is necessary to expand the knowledge gained from Johnson’s interviews.