Understanding Partner Selection in Black Queer Men

The LGBTQIA (Queer) community, particularly men seeking other men as romantic partners, are very selective in choosing a potential partner. Sexual racism is an occurrence that is rapidly emerging within the community. Research has asserted that cisgender, gay, White men are most specific, as they use race as a preference for partner selection. Selection among men in this community appears to be influenced by heteronormative ideals as many, including men of color, seek a White male, that is masculine, a certain age, and with a fit, muscular physique. The literature is lacking when discussing the preferences of men of color. It also fails to discuss which factors influence partner selection among Black men seeking to date or have sex with other men. This study examined the predictive relationship of racial identity, sexual role identity, political identity politics, colorism, and experiences to explore the relative influence on interracial dating attitudes and preference for a particular partner. The study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed method research design that will occur in two phases: quantitative and qualitative. Constructs of the racial identity, sexual role identity, political identity politics, colorism, and experiences were explored