The Design, Implementation and Evaluation of the Gatekeepers Collective as a Resiliency Model for Same Gender Loving Men (SGLM) to Facilitate Identity Reformation, Empowerment, Health Promotion and Wellness.

摘要

The study purpose was to evaluate the quality and usefulness of The Gatekeepers Collective (TGC) as a resiliency model for Black same gender loving men (SGLM) intended to facilitate identity reformation, empowerment, health promotion and wellness. This study was a secondary analysis of data gathered by TGC, and used ethnography with a case study approach by a participant observer, while the body of data included: (1) quantitative and qualitative results from a participants' survey; (2) qualitative results from a focus group; and, qualitative results from an interview of two expert psychologists.;As the first part of data analysis, survey results showed the sample (n=29) was 86.2% (n=25) Black/African American with mean age of 47.55 years (min 18, max 85). Some 79.1% (n=23) were employed with annual mean income of ;Ratings of TGC components of discussions, workshops, overall experiences, and the leadership were closest to very good, or between very good and good. A major impact from participating in TGC was experienced by 58.6% (n=17) for finding their own voice/speaking, 42.3% (n=11) for developing coping strategies for stress, 40% (n=13) for developing a healthy sexual identity, and, 50% (n=13) for knowing when to seek professional help and seeking it out..;Participants also provided qualitative data; and, together with the second and third sources of data, the focus group and interview with two expert psychologists, data provided many emergent themes covering strengths of TGC, needed improvements, and recommended directions and strengths to build upon.;Overall, the body of data provided a favorable evaluation of TGC. TGC emerges as a viable resiliency and identity reformation model worthy of replication and wider dissemination to meet the needs of Black SGLM who are especially vulnerable, given the HIV epidemic. Yet, Black SGLM may emerge resilient with repair to their identities via participation in TGC model, as a viable alternative among contemporary approaches to HIV prevention.