Negotiating masculinity: Experiences of black gay men

Abstract

South Africa’s progressive Constitution remains at the forefront of legislation within the African continent, which emphasise inclusion, freedom and societal acceptance. This social advancement led to the adoption of the Civil Union Act in 2006. This made South Africa one of the first countries to recognise same-sex marriage as well as to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. Although the Act expresses ideals which strive for human dignity and respect, incidences of hate crimes and discrimination towards members of the LGBTI community still occur. Sexual orientation continues to be considered a taboo subject, which is often fueled by unsettling stereotypes that justify discrimination against sexual minority groups. Black gay men are a minority based on their race and sexual orientation, this study analyses how they perceive gender and masculinity in particular. The research questions analyse the role of socialisation and other social institutions in shaping ideas pertaining to masculinity through the life-stages of the participants beginning from boyhood until young adulthood. Masculinity is analysed using contextual tools – which describe sexuality and gender within the South African context, and conceptual tools – which provide theoretical explanations relating to masculinity and sexuality. Masculinity will be explored as a dynamic and contextual social construct, which is learned and performed according to one’s personal experiences and upbringing. Qualitative research methods were utilised in the form of focus group discussions and supplemented through semistructured interviews for detailed narratives on the experiences of the participants. The research findings reveal the important role, which primary socialisation agents possess in shaping an individual’s understanding of gender and sexuality. The image of a “good black man” remains entrenched in heteronormative ideals, which reinforce homophobic, religious and conservative views. South Africa may have a liberal Constitution but the reality of “coming out” is not without its challenges.