Toward information resilience: Applying intersectionality to the HIV/AIDS information practices of Black sexual minority men

Abstract

Using intersectionality as a critical theoretical framework and analytical tool, this study investigated the HIV/AIDS information practices of Black sexual minority men (SMM). Twenty-two Black SMM were interviewed about their HIV/AIDS-related information practices. The resulting data were analyzed inductively using methods influenced by constructivist grounded theory. I propose information resilience as a strengths-based concept to describe protective and promotive information practices that focus on meeting individual or community-centric goals despite intersectional stigma and discrimination. Anticipated and experienced intersectional stigma and discrimination were the key motivators for protective information practices among Black SMM. Promotive factors, including peer support and self-efficacy, shaped promotive information practices to foster development and enhance well-being. The findings have implications for the incorporation of intersectionality theory into information practices research, contribute to theoretical development in the field of library and information science, and have implications for the design of information and technology-based HIV prevention and treatment interventions to address intersectional discrimination and its impact on Black sexual minority men.