Impact of Racial and Sexual Identity on the Development of Black Sexual Minorities

Carmen P Lewis, Tennessee State University

Abstract

Many studies exploring the impact of the college environment on identity development among Black lesbian, gay, and bisexual students have primarily focused on Black people who attend predominately white institutions (Goode-Cross & Good, 2008; Gossett et al., 1998; Harris, 2003; Lett & Wright, 2003; Washington & Wall, 2006). Furthermore, a smaller number of studies have examined how the intersection of race and sexuality may affect the development of individuals depending on their cultural experiences. The present quantitative study investigated the impact of college campus perception, sexual identity development, and racial identity development affect the sexual and psychological health of Black students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The final sample included 144 undergraduate and graduate students who self-identified as Black. In addition to a demographic questionnaire, five measures were included in this research study to include: Cross Racial Identity Scale, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale, Flourishing Scale, Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire, University Environment Scale. Findings support a positive relationship between racial and sexual identity development and some significant impact on campus perception, health, and institutional choice (i.e., PWI vs. HBCU). This research may contribute to the intersectionality literature by providing additional insight regarding the health of racial and sexual minorities.

Subject Area

Psychology|Sexuality|Black studies

Recommended Citation

Carmen P Lewis, "Impact of Racial and Sexual Identity on the Development of Black Sexual Minorities" (2022). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI29992199.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI29992199

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