Framework for Understanding MSM and Down Low Sexuality among Cultural Minority 38 Men

Abstract

The practice of “down low” sexuality in African American and Latino American cultures is a pattern in which a man identifies as straight yet engages in sexual acts with other men. This paper examines the forces that cause men who have sex with men (MSM) to reject a queer identity in favor of a closeted one. A framework for understanding down-low sexuality among ethnic minority men is proposed based on the premise that ethnic MSM are influenced by a trifecta of cultural pressures unique to their minority status and not experienced similarly by white MSM. This premise rests on research suggesting that ethnic minority men are expected to achieve different standards of masculinity, experience compounded stigmas associated with minority status, and are more frequently involved in an interdependent family model when compared to white MSM. This complicates effective identity management among ethnic minority MSM. This framework is useful to people working in the mental health field because deepening our understanding of the cultural processes behind down-low sexuality as a sexual identity can help counselors work with this population from an informed standpoint of increased competence. Discourse about why some ethnic minority MSM may opt for a down low identity rather than being openly queer is important when the goal is to practice culturally competent, identity affirmative counseling. Note: The term “culture” will frequently be used in place of race because culture is an observable product of the undeniably existent racialization process.