Development of an LGBTQ+ Sexual Health and Culture Training to Improve HIV Prevention Support From Black Women in Social Networks of Young, Black Sexual Minority Men.

Abstract

Young, Black sexual minority men (YBSMM) in the South experience disproportionately high HIV incidence rates, related to experiences of intersectional stigma. Black women are often key support figures for YBSMM. This observation led to the development of "PrEP Utilization through Increasing Social Capital among YBMSM Networks with Women" (US NoW), an intervention in which Black women serve as facilitators of sexual health discussions with groups of YBSMM to enhance social capital, reduce impacts of intersectional stigma, and promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. However, during formative qualitative interviews, numerous women selected as facilitators expressed homophobic views that could jeopardize intervention success and participant safety if left unaddressed. We therefore developed a facilitator training curriculum specifically for Black women in the South, with a goal to mitigate these risks and strengthen support offered to YBSMM. The curriculum is rooted in established cultural competence and humility educational frameworks, with training delivery informed by learner-centered teaching methods. The completed training-facilitated by a researcher who identifies as a Black sexual minority man-utilized interactive activities and discussions to teach women about bias, cultural competence and humility, HIV, and LGBTQ-focused sexual health topics. Overall, this training resource aims to equip Black women facilitators with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively engage with YBSMM in a PrEP intervention. More broadly, we highlight the importance of addressing bias to provide non-stigmatizing sexual health support to LGBTQ+ individuals.