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Eidelson and Eidelson's (2003) analysis of five beliefs that can lead individuals or groups towards conflict can be used to examine challenges for Black LGBT populations, in conjunction with an examination of relevant cultural complexities. Vulnerability, superiority, injustice, distrust, and helplessness relate to several issues of significance for Black same gendered loving people. Issues related to these concepts may bring Black LGBT people into conflict with heterosexual members of their own race, as well as into conflict with others outside of the race who are sexual minorities. This chapter examines a few of such issues. Tensions may exist between Black heterosexuals and LGBT populations surrounding feelings of vulnerability; racial tension and conflict may exist between Black LGBT persons and white LGBT persons surrounding beliefs about superiority; conflict may exist between Black MSM's sexual expression, their needs for feelings of control, and the sometimes failed safe sex HIV campaigns hoping to reach them; and the injustices of racism, heterosexism, and marginalization for Black LGBT populations may lead to helplessness and distrust-related conflicts such as avoidance of culturally insensitive health related services. Adherence to rigid gender roles associated with power and dominance may also lead to feelings of helplessness, negative coping, and difficult emotional experiences leading to escalating violence in domestic partnerships.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0565-8_7

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