Summary

This project is designed to explore the mediating effects of faith based organizations on HIV risk behaviors and VCT among young Black MSM. Through this qualitative study, we hope to provide a narrative of participants’ religious and sexual health education experiences. In particular, we seek to understand the extent to which young Black MSM (18-25 years old) participate in religious services, how they use religious or spiritual practices as coping mechanisms and sources of social support, as well as the impact of the messages they have received about their sexuality from faith settings on their sexual behavior and formation of social networks. In addition, are also interviewing faith leaders to learn about their sexual health training and better understand how they see their role in HIV prevention, especially as it relates to services and attention to young MSM.