PUBLICATION
ABSTRACT
Studies on the experiences of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) often focus on HIV-related topics rather than other dimensions of their lives such as how they endeavor to be agentic as they navigate systemic forces. The Structure versus Agency discourse is used here as a theoretical backdrop to examine the challenges and reflections of BMSM. Based on a mixed-methodological analyses and 168 BMSM who reside in the South of the United States, the study considers whether and how they identify and respond to problems and tensions. Results show that BMSM emphasize personal challenges linked to economics, bullying, stereotypes, and intra-group tensions, often under the specter of racism, that result in greater salience of their racial and/or sexual identities. Moreover, despite references to structural impediments, BMSM are more apt to offer agency-based strategies for redress. Findings inform existing literature to better understand both the nuanced lives and varied needs of this population.