Southern Boy Blues

Abstract

This chapter aims to examine issues related to the mental health needs of Black men who sleep with men (BMSM) who reside in southern United States. This chapter examines incidences of clinical symptomology with this population as well as incidences of trauma, and medically exasperated symptoms in the context of post-pandemic America. By presenting a brief synthesis of research pertaining to help-seeking behaviors of this population, the authors aim to broaden perspectives of treatment efficacy when working with BMSM from various age groups. Risk behaviors, internalized homophobia, down low culture, and common misconceptions of gay male sexuality in the Black community will also be explored. Lastly, Cass's sexual orientation identity formation model is used to help the authors exemplify an effective strategy for working with the clinical issues of southern BMSM as well as cultural considerations to enhance therapeutic rapport building at various stages of the counseling process as described by Hill.