Abstract
ObjectivesThe dominant discourse in literature often constructs heterosexual African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) masculinity as inherently problematic and in need of “correction, repair, or rescue.” This discourse privileges hegemonic male standards and conceals the power relations that shape racialized masculinities. Our study of self-identified heterosexual ACB men and male youth examines how performative and perceptual attenuations of hegemonic masculinity can moderate social and behavioural vulnerabilities in the context of HIV prevention, transmission, and survival.MethodsWe used descriptive qualitative methods informed by community-based participatory research. Individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 63 ACB men and male youth (aged 16 and above) residing in Ottawa, Canada, including community leaders, HIV service providers, and decision makers. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed with NVivo software. Member-checking, peer debriefing, and external audit ensured trustworthiness of data.ResultsACB men and male youth define masculinity by their ability to provide for, protect, love, and lead their families. Within ACB cultures, men demonstrate their masculinity through their traditional role as family breadwinners, and are expected to be strong, bold, and responsible. This positive view of masculinity is potentially beneficial to the well-being of ACB men and male youth, and challenges mainstream notions of Black masculinity as uncontrolled, risky, toxic, or even predatory.ConclusionA positive view of masculinity among ACB heterosexual men and youth could support future practice and policy interventions aimed at strengthening community responses to HIV and health.
Highlights
Heterosexual African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) men experience social inequalities that increase their vulnerabilities to HIV (Husbands et al, 2014; Husbands et al, 2020)
Some ACB men may express their masculinity through aggression and lack of respect towards women, our study participants described men as people who use their strength to defend and protect their family members, including the women in their lives (FGD 02, 25+ Adult Non-PHA)
Masculinity has been linked to higher health risks (Bowleg et al, 2013a; Jacques-Aviñó et al, 2019), including avoidance to seek healthcare due to anti-Black bias in medical establishments (Randall, 1995), our research found that heterosexual ACB men are concerned about their health
Summary
Heterosexual African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) men experience social inequalities that increase their vulnerabilities to HIV (Husbands et al, 2014; Husbands et al, 2020). Heterosexual ACB men and youth (young men) have largely been ignored in research and programming, as most HIV studies on ACB masculinity focus on men who have sex with men. We recruited self-identified heterosexual ACB men and youth (aged 16 and over) with the help of trained peer recruiters through networks, venues, and events which they frequented, such as the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, River Jordan Ministries, Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), and Black Student Leaders Association, as well as the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Community Multicultural Day event. It is important to recognize and accommodate the circumstances and priorities of ACB men (Bowleg & Raj, 2012), as well as to identify and highlight their potential resourcefulness
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
