Race, Gender, and Sexuality

Afro-American Writers like Alice Walker have been spine to women liberation from Racism and sexism. Alice Walker have contributed a great deal to expand the understanding and awareness in literature regarding prevailing social vices like Racism and Sexism that African woman have continuously been subjected to. The purpose of this paper is to study how dynamics of traumatizing evils like Sexism, Racism along with Motherism, Womanism in works of Alice walker represent conditions of Black women. Moreover, racism and sexism are interconnected with Gender violence which is a theme in the two selected works The Color Purple and Possessing The Secret Of Joy. Walker urges black women to recognize their connectedness to women who historically have built bridges for them with their indomitable and independent spirit. The fact of being black mother and over that a woman in racist and sexist society is well expressed through characters in these two works by applying a womanistic approach.

The present paper explores Alice Walker’s Possessing the Secret of Joy in an attempt to highlight the importance of the establishment of a well-defined identity as the crucial step in the life of Tashi, a victim of genital mutilation. She becomes whole and healthy once she finds a voice and remakes her severed ties with the black community. Her individual acts of rebellion are complemented with collective political action against genital mutilation. Butler’s view, agency is a restorative energy which works against fragmentation and opens a new possibility for psychic healing as the essential path to the formation of an individual identity. The paper explores the path taken by the novel’s female protagonist to validate her right as an active agent and defy the objectifying assumptions which deprive women of the right to be treated as human subjects. The long-held womanist aspirations shared by Tashi and her fellow sufferers matched by the desire to restore the lost agency is the only hope given to black women to establish their own voice. The protagonist’s final healing is thus achieved through the healthy interaction between individual as well as collective acts of rebellion: individual agency accompanied by political and social transformation.

A preliminary perusal of Sam Selvon, Bernadine Evaristo and Hanif Kureishi’s written works reveals a conscientious attempt to engage with the experiences of marginalised identities. Such a shared emphasis on making visible the stories of persecution faced by minoritarian demographics becomes a politically charged move, aimed at carving out a space for those previously excluded groups in the canonical mainstream. Beyond pushing representations of otherness to the foreground by articulating the experiences of those located on the periphery, it is also critical to understand how these writers “dissolve considerations of content into those of form” and convey otherness through the use of unorthodox or non-conforming formal, structural and stylistic strategies. While cultural theorist Isabel Waidner suggests that “[h]istorically, sociopolitical marginalisation and avant-garde aesthetics have not come together in British literature, [with many writers] counterintuitively divorcing outsider experience and formal innovation”, I argue that Selvon, Evaristo and Kureishi strive to achieve the complete opposite. Their oeuvres often explode with a radical manipulation of syntax and grammar, fuse vernaculars with standard English, and adopt an experimental attitude towards conceiving how architectural space on a page fits. Along with a multiplicity of other techniques that resist easy categorisation, such diverse literary codes become arsenals of resistance to challenge the monolithic majority culture and deconstruct the semantics of language that underpins eurocentric/phallocentric/heterocentric epistemological privilege. In so doing, these writers who go against the grain—or revolutionise it—help to imagine a more inclusive and progressive future in the British body politic.

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) and Black transgender women (BTW) are impacted by dual epidemics of HIV and incarceration. We advanced understanding of the relationship between criminal justice involvement, HIV, and other key HIVrelated characteristics among these key populations in the US. We conducted a systematic review up to 2018 and 47 articles met the inclusion criteria of scientific publications involving quantitative findings of US-based HIV-related studies focused on criminal justice-involved (CJI) BMSM and BTW. Overall, there was a dearth of studies focused specifically on BTW. Criminal justice involvement was relatively high among BMSM and BTW and more pronounced among BTW. The current evidence favors no association between incarceration and HIV acquisition among BMSM with limited information about BTW. Criminal justice involvement was associated with a greater likelihood of STIs among BMSM with mixed results for sexual risk behaviors. Criminal justice settings served as an important venue for HIV testing/diagnosis for both BMSM and BTW. However, these settings were not conducive for subsequent stages of the HIV care continuum. Studies pointed to an independent association between criminal justice involvement, substance use, housing instability, and greater odds of incarceration among BMSM who were unemployed and had limited education. Future incarceration was associated with high levels of perceived racism among BMSM. Among young BMSM, high network criminal justice prevalence was also associated with sexual risk behaviors, poorer mental health outcomes, drug use, and housing instability. CJI BMSM and BTW represent a critical subpopulation to end the HIV epidemic in the US. Keywords HIV. Criminal justice-involved. Corrections. Black men who have sex with men. Black transgender women * Russell Brewer

Alice Walker (1944) ranks among the greatest American writers of the twentieth century. Through her novels Meridian and the color Purple, Alice outlines many issues concerning the effect of authoritarian thinking upon its often innocent victims, and the possibility of meaningful, productive resistance. Walker's texts aim at giving a voice to those who have no voice especially those poor, rural black women who are robbed of power and the right to make decisions about their own lives by a range of forces standing against them. These texts also aim at clarifying how Walker's female protagonists, Meridian and Celia try to free themselves from oppression, misery , fear and underestimation by men in the Patriarchal society. Walker's heroines nevertheless articulate clear visions not just of the wrongs they face, but also of the hope and strength that cannot be quenched within them. In 1976, walker's second novel, Meridian, was published. The novel dealt with activist workers in the South during the civil rights movement, and closely paralleled some of Walker's own experiences. In 1982, Walker published what has become her best-known work, the color Purple. The novel follows a young troubled black woman fighting her way through not just racist white culture but patriarchal black culture as well. Walker has been described as an activist who is a defender not only of human rights but of all people. Walker through her effective style presents how African American woman who have been treated as slaves , will rebel and achieve brighter future life.

This paper attempts to explore Celie's struggle for independence in a male dominated African American society as depicted in Alice Walker's The Color Purple (1982). Focusing on the lives of African-American women in the Southern United states during 1930s, it unfolds the events of black male brutality towards black women. It exposes the ways that the central character, Celie, pursues, when she proceeds to her long journey to freedom. Celie passes through a difficult path of racial/patriarchal oppression before she gets sovereignty. She accepts the solidarity of the female community to accomplish her quest for identity. Applying textual inquiry approach, the present paper highlights the role of deep female relationships in the life of Celie, a poor black girl. Celie becomes stronger when she gets support from other women, which helps her to emancipate herself from the evils of patriarchy and sexism. Celie's freedom goes through physical, then spiritual, and finally economic phases, specifically, when she establishes her own business. Narrating the accounts of under privileged black community, Walker clarifies that 'womanism' is the only medium that helps to liberate inconspicuous southern black women from patriarchy and structural racism and sexism. The harsh circumstances are the key factors which make African American community captive and black women's lives miserable.

Many Black gay and bisexual men (BGBM) practice consistent religious worship and spirituality in order to cope with social challenges. This study utilized data from in-depth qualitative interviews conducted to explore personal meanings of religiosity and spirituality and how these constructs affect partner choices and sexual behaviors among BGBM. Interviews were conducted with 26 BGBM in Los Angeles, California, from September to November 2015. In-depth interviews yielded themes related to BGBM's understanding of religiosity and spirituality and how their personal beliefs influenced their partner choices and sexual risks. Implications for church-based and community-based interventions are discussed.

The aim of this study was to identify sex venue-based networks among men who have sex with men (MSM) to inform HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dissemination efforts. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed MSM about the venues where their recent sexual partners were found. Venues were organized into network matrices grouped by condom use and race. We examined network structure, central venues, and network subgroups. Results: Among 49 participants, the median age was 27 years, 49% were Black and 86% reported condomless anal sex (ncAS). Analysis revealed a map of 54 virtual and physical venues with an overlap in the ncAS and with condom anal sex (cAS) venues. In the ncAS network, virtual and physical locations were more interconnected. The ncAS venues reported by Blacks were more diffusely organized than those reported by Whites. Conclusion: The network structures of sex venues for at-risk MSM differed by race. Network information can enhance HIV prevention dissemination efforts among subpopulations, including PrEP implementation.

Black and Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM) accounted for 53% of males newly diagnosed with HIV in New York City (NYC) in 2015. Despite increased HIV testing efforts with BLMSM in the U.S. and specifically in areas like NYC with high rates of HIV, data show suboptimal testing among BLMSM in some high-prevalence areas of the country. Few reports describe the HIV testing perspectives of BLMSM at risk of HIV acquisition. We sought to obtain information from BLMSM at possible risk of HIV infection to learn about their HIV testing perspectives. During 2011-2012, we obtained baseline and 3-month follow-up computer questionnaire data and in-depth interview data from self-identified BLMSM in the NYC area who had not been recently tested for HIV. Quantitative demographic data were analyzed using SAS. Qualitative interview responses regarding personal experiences and thoughts about HIV testing were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Overall, 109 BLMSM participated; 51 (46.85%) had never been tested for HIV; 43 (39.4%) were aged 18-29 years; 51 (46.8%) reported condomless sex at last sex. Qualitative analyses revealed three major themes: (1) perceptions on the NY State HIV opt-out HIV testing law; (2) HIV testing experiences; and (3) HIV testing and its role in the MSM community. These findings provide insight into HIV testing approaches and can be used to help strengthen HIV testing strategies for BLMSM in NYC.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective yet under-utilised method for preventing HIV transmission in high-risk groups. Despite ongoing social marketing to increase PrEP awareness, few studies have evaluated public responses. This paper contextualises negative responses to Chicago's PrEP4Love campaign. In February 2016, a sexpositive ad campaign called PrEP4Love was launched online and throughout public spaces in Chicago. A gender and sexuality inclusive campaign, PrEP4Love is intended to be culturally responsive and sex positive, while retaining a focus on risk reduction. Advertisements prominently feature Black sexual minority men, and Black transgender women, and were strategically placed in diverse Chicago neighbourhoods. In response, there were 212 new callers to the PrEPLine during the two-month study period. Negative responses were concerned with: negatively depicting Black homosexuality (4), general anti-LGBTQ comments (7), adverse effects on children (6), sexually explicit nature (5), and general stigmatisation of racial minorities (4). Discussion focuses on sex-positive frameworks, normalising intimacy, stigma and historical mistrust of medical and pharmaceutical institutions, and the social meanings of biomedical prevention technologies (e.g. PrEP) in relation to dominant norms of sexuality and gender. This study is the first to investigate public responses to a sex-positive PrEP campaign. More studies of PrEP social marketing are needed to evaluate targeted public health campaigns to guide future PrEP promotion strategies.

Rooi Mabaso, a million gratitude's, for allowing me to take space in your office, in your day and for your unflinching commitment to the successful completion of this study. Your unrelenting dedication to a project that is in some ways divorced from your daily deliverables is indicative of your passion for the sexual health of MSM. Keep the spirit and continue doing the valuable work you do. Siyabonga. To my friends, you have been sounding boards, psychologists, readers, critiques, translators and most importantly my very own cheerleaders. Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngokungiqhuqhuzela, nangokungsingatha ngeskathi ngenza lomsebenzi, ngithi kini, izandla zidlula ekhanda! Finally, and certainly not least, to every single MSM in Msunduzi Local Municipality who took part in this study, gay, bisexual, straight or curious, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for trusting in me and for taking the time to be part of this study. Thank you for allowing yourselves to share your joys and vulnerabilities with me and for sharing about your lived experiences. Especially in the context of a society that discriminates and marginalises individuals who experience non-normative sexual desire. For entrusting me with your voices, I am honoured and humbled. I only wish that I have done justice with what you have entrusted in me. This work is a small step towards giving you a voice and ensuring that the narratives of MSM of colour in Msunduzi are heard. Ngiyabonga! "In South Africa, I am oppressed because I am a black man, and I am oppressed because I am gay. So, when I fight for my freedom I must fight against both oppressions."

Men who have sex with men (MSM) may prioritize interpersonal and structural factors, such as LGBTQ-related inequalities, housing instability, financial insecurity, and relationship seeking, over HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to assess how MSM prioritize HIV relative to other factors and the association between HIV prioritization, HIV testing and sexual risk behavior, and perceived risk. Data were collected from a national online survey of MSM in the United States assessing HIV knowledge and prioritization. Participants ranked HIV prevention relative to LGBTQ-related concerns and life issues (e.g., housing, job, relationship). Adjusted regression models were conducted to assess the association of HIV prioritization with HIV testing and condomless anal sex (CAS) and to evaluate associations between perceived risk and HIV risk behavior. Among 516 participants, HIV prevention was ranked significantly higher among MSM reporting recent CAS ( p = .04) and HIV testing within the...

Objective: A randomized control pilot study was conducted with Black men who have sex with men (BMSM; N = 42) aged 18–30 years to examine the feasibility of implementing a video intervention delivered using Facebook to motivate HIV testing. Methods: At baseline, participants were unaware of their HIV status and had not tested for HIV in the past 6 months, residing in Los Angeles County. The intervention content included topics such as social influence, HIV knowledge, stigma, HIV positive knowledge, and benefits of knowing one’s HIV status. Findings: Logistic regression revealed that those receiving the video intervention were 7 times more likely to have tested for HIV than those in the control group at 6-week follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 7.00, 95% confidence interval [1.72, 28.33], p = .006). Conclusion: Data suggest that the intervention was feasible for motivating HIV testing.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV-prevention method that includes HIV-negative individuals taking a daily anti-retroviral medication and regularly visiting a provider. Since 2012, when Truvada was approved, uptake has been increasing but is still low, and disparities exist among gay and other men who have sex with men (GMSM) of color. This review identifies the qualitative methods used in PrEP studies and compares approaches used in studies with samples of white GMSM and GMSM of color to those only sampling GMSM of color. To locate peer-reviewed studies of the social dimensions of PrEP, published between 2010 and 2020, I searched data bases using key words, excluding quantitative studies, and ended up with a total of 49 articles. Studies using samples of GMSM of color were more likely to take extra steps to study men of color, compared to scholars who sampled GMSM of color and white GMSM. The findings suggest that, to build trust and comfort among GMSM of color, it...

The writer of every society is currently looking into a new way of expression than his predecessor. With this discovery, there have been many changes in the literature, especially when Marxism applied in literature as a background then makes great changes in the literary environment into new dimensions. Marxism is the key to the development for writing outcome in present days. A new society has been made clear through practice for people who are tired of the social system that is rooted in traditional society. In order give solutions for problems of women Fredrick Engle stretched Marxism to Marxist feminism, according to Marxist feminist philosophy, one of the reasons for women's oppression is the lack of prospects for women to produce and individual useable resources. Fredrick Engle mainly highlighted three major causes for women subjugated in his Marxist feminism that patriarchy and economic dispossession and capitalism. I have chosen Alice walker's three novels for this paper they are "The Meridian", "The Color Purple" and "The Temple of My Familiar.

African-American women have been inappropriately and unduly, stereotyped in various contrasting images as slaves post-slavery, wet nurses, super women, domestic helpers, mammies, matriarchs, jezebels, hoochies, welfare recipients, and hot bodies which discloses their repression in the United States of America. They have been showcased by both black men and white women in different ways quite contrary to their being in America. Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Gloria Naylor, Gayl Jones, Paule Marshall, Sonia Sanchez, Toni Cade Bambara, to name a few writers, have put forth the condition of black women through their works. They have shown the personality of many a black women hidden behind the veils of racism, sexism, classism and systemic oppression of different sorts. Walker coined the term Womanism in her 1984 collection of essays titled In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose. Womanism advocates consensus for black women starting with gender and proceeding over to race, ethn...

Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (BMSM) experience a disparate rate of HIV infections among MSM. Previous analyses have determined that STI coinfection and undiagnosed HIV infection partly explain the disparity. However, few studies have analyzed the impact of partner-level variables on HIV incidence among BMSM. Data were analyzed for BMSM who attended the Los Angeles LGBT Center from August 2011 to July 2015 (n = 1974) to identify risk factors for HIV infection. A multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze predictors for HIV prevalence among all individuals at first test (n = 1974; entire sample). A multivariable survival analysis was used to analyze predictors for HIV incidence (n = 936; repeat tester subset). Condomless receptive anal intercourse at last sex, number of sexual partners in the last 30 days, and intimate partner violence (IPV) were significant partner-level predictors of HIV prevalence and incidence. Individuals who reported IPV ha...

presented in two main parts. A first, where race, gender and sexual diversity will be defined, at least in terms of essential indicators, so that it will be possible to specify questions related to each of the dimensions postulated in an evaluation, as well as their connections, in the presented context. In the second part, having this conceptualization as reference, a set of social dimensions will be proposed as a basis for the development of a concrete evaluation tool that includes race, gender and sexual diversity transversally in the social policies of the state and federal levels from the Brazilian government. Defining race, gender and sexual diversity The concept of race was developed in Europe within the biological sciences and appropriated as a social explanation during the nineteenth century in positivist studies that tried to define whether population biological determinants were obstacles or contributions to development. Racial theories supported several nationalist ideologies which were inspired by European liberalism and positivism and developed studies that demonstrated the psychic degeneration of blacks and mestizos and their strong tendency towards crime and their inability to conform to European civilization norms, as in Brazil, in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. An example of this, in the Brazilian case, was the anthropology work of coroner and psychiatrist Nina Rodrigues in Salvador, whose inspiration was taken from the Italian studies about race. She analyzed black bodies and was immersed in black culture and this resulted in the recommendation of a criminal law applied to black people particularities, because they suffered from the evil of crime. (Rodrigues, 1935) According to Quijano (2005), the formation of America is closely linked to the construction of social and historical identities that have resulted in the social classification of the population. This classification consists of a pyramid in which the black is in the economic base, followed by the indigenous, who also forms part of the labor force, though he is still seen as someone provided with humanity, and on top there is white population. The construction of this dichotomy between the black as basis of the economy and the white as a dominator was part of a classification marked by race discourse, which defined labor relations, what is seen as culture and the organization of a social hierarchy. Thus, as part of a "civilizational mith"

This study uses the relational content analysis method and theories of intertextuality, intersectionality, and womanism to explore the continuity of womanist ethos in select novels of the African-American novelist Alice Walker. It attempts to explore Walker's use of womanism as an intertextual trope in The Third Life of Grange Copeland (1970), Meridian (1976), The Color Purple (1982), The Temple of My Familiar (1989) and Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992); Walker's portrayal of Celie-Shug as a perfect womanist couple in Color Purple and their reappearance in Temple as mother trees; foremothers as role models in Third Life and Temple; Walker's telling and retelling of Tashi's lifelong suffering from female genital mutilation (FGM) in Color Purple, Temple, and Possessing-the subject of this paper.

Background Black men who have sex with men, who account for less than 1% of the U.S. population, account for approximately 25% of new HIV infections annually. Condomless anal sex contributes to HIV infection among black men who have sex with men. The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties (resilience) may be protective against condomless anal sex, but has been understudied among black men who have sex with men. Psychosocial factors related to resilience, i.e., condom use self-efficacy and internalized homophobia, may also affect condomless anal sex. We assessed the association between resilience, condom use self-efficacy, internalized homophobia and condomless anal sex among black men who have sex with men. Methods Data are from a 2010-2011 study examining condomless anal sex (past 60 days) among black men who have sex with men in New York City. Validated scales assessed resilience (theoretical range = 0-100), condom use self-efficacy (theoretical range = 27-135), and internalized homophobia (theoretical range = 9-36). We described continuous variables using median and interquartile range (IQR). Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models assuming a robust variance estimator were used to compute unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios, respectively, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) examined the association of resilience, condom use self-efficacy, and internalized homophobia with condomless anal sex, while controlling for potential confounders (e.g., having >1 sex partner). Results The median resilience score within our sample (N = 228) was 75 (IQR = 66-83). Many black men who have sex with men reported condomless anal sex (55.7%) and >1 sex partner

The aim of this study was to identify sex venue-based networks among men who have sex with men (MSM) to inform HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dissemination efforts. Using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed MSM about the venues where their recent sexual partners were found. Venues were organized into network matrices grouped by condom use and race. We examined network structure, central venues, and network subgroups. Among 49 participants, the median age was 27 years, 49% were Black and 86% reported condomless anal sex (ncAS). Analysis revealed a map of 54 virtual and physical venues with an overlap in the ncAS and with condom anal sex (cAS) venues. In the ncAS network, virtual and physical locations were more interconnected. The ncAS venues reported by Blacks were more diffusely organized than those reported by Whites. The network structures of sex venues for at-risk MSM differed by race. Network information can enhance HIV prevention dissemination efforts among subpopulat...

With the rollout of the commercial LP in 1948, record labels sought ideas to build up their popular music catalogues by recording mood albums, or background music, for specific activities or states of mind. 1 Background music for workspaces and businesses had become more common following World War II, and postwar radio was increasingly organizing programs around specific times of day including uninterrupted stretches of continuous music for late-night listening. The LP afforded longer listening time, and record companies marketed background music that consumers could now purchase for the home. Between 1949 and 1954 mood albums for social gatherings, housework, study, cooking, romance, and relaxation flooded the market. 2 Columbia, RCA Victor, Capitol, Mercury, MGM and Decca had collectively released one hundred and seventy-five mood music albums, thirty percent of RCA Victor's non-classical sales were mood albums, and (excluding show albums) they accounted for eight out of ten of Columbia's best-selling popular LPs. 3 In general, mood's musical aesthetic comprised popular song forms with no words (but frequently wordless vocals), prominent melody, strings, muted brass, winds, piano, and limited percussion (with the exception of Latin-themed songs). Even with the number of mood artists and variety of arrangements, over time mood music has become interchangeable with easy listening, Muzak, and elevator music (Sterne 1997; Lanza 2004). This type of music can often signify bland (occasionally insidious) white middle class conformity devoid of any ethnic, racial, or sexual difference. One way of understanding the emergence and popularity of mood albums, and by extension its musical aesthetic, is to consider background music's hypothetical foreground during this period. Background music for workspaces was embraced by defense industries during World War II, as a way of maintaining morale, relieving boredom, and boosting production. Studies were conducted to determine the parameters of "music to work by." Some indicated that songs with vocals "stopped production lines dead," but choral groups and voices used as instruments were acceptable. 4 Rhythm was considered distracting for those doing jobs that required precision and detail, and should only be used for workers

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective yet under-utilised
method for preventing HIV transmission in high-risk groups. Despite
ongoing social marketing to increase PrEP awareness, few studies have
evaluated public responses. This paper contextualises negative
responses to Chicago’s PrEP4Love campaign. In February 2016, a sex
positive ad campaign called PrEP4Love was launched online and
throughout public spaces in Chicago. A gender and sexuality inclusive
campaign, PrEP4Love is intended to be culturally responsive and sex
positive, while retaining a focus on risk reduction. Advertisements
prominently feature Black sexual minority men, and Black transgender
women, and were strategically placed in diverse Chicago neighbour
hoods. In response, there were 212 new callers to the PrEPLine during
the two-month study period. Negative responses were concerned with:
negatively depicting Black homosexuality (4), general anti-LGBTQ com-
ments (7), adverse effects on children (6), sexually explicit nature (5),
and general stigmatisation of racial minorities (4). Discussion focuses on
sex-positive frameworks, normalising intimacy, stigma and historical
mistrust of medical and pharmaceutical institutions, and the social
meanings of biomedical prevention technologies (e.g. PrEP) in relation
to dominant norms of sexuality and gender. This study is the first to
investigate public responses to a sex-positive PrEP campaign. More
studies of PrEP social marketing are needed to evaluate targeted public
health campaigns to guide future PrEP promotion strategies.

Black feminism is a school of thought stating that sexism, class oppression, gender identity and racism are inextricably bound together. Black feminism became popular in the 1960s, as the impact of the Civil Rights Movement that excluded women and the racism of feminist movement. Alice Walker is one of the most inspiring Afro-American writers. She coined the term womanish to defend the black rights. She shows interest in the whole people around the world. The Color Purple (1982) is a novel where Walker discusses many important themes that she stresses in her writings. Racism, sexism, intra- racial racism, traditional gender role, patriarchy, poverty, family centeredness, discrimination, gender conflict, domestic violence, and having an identity are some of  the main topics that the novel tackles Alice Walker is most recognized and celebrated contemporary black women novelists

Black gay men must navigate identities and stigmas related to being gay and Black, and report higher HIV incidence relative to their White male counterparts although they report lower rates of drug use and risky sexual behaviors. This study examined whether closeness to the gay or Black community correlated with HIV-related risk and protective behaviors. Data were drawn from uConnect, a population-based cohort study of young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) on Chicago's South Side. The sample consists of 618 Black MSM ranging in age from 16 to 29. Cross-sectional measures for this study include Black and gay community closeness, drug use, sexual risk behaviors, HIV testing, and health promotion behaviors. Closeness with the gay community was associated with greater pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge as well as participating in health promotion programs along with higher rates of transactional sex and having sex under the influence of substances, and increased odds of self-reported HIV seropositivity. Involvement in the Black community was associated with lower odds of reporting being HIV positive. Findings suggest that programs and initiatives are needed to help promote the positive aspects of the Black and gay communities, while minimizing the negative correlates of such involvements.

This research paper focuses on Alice Walker ‘The Third Life of Grange Copeland’, to
illustrate, there is a danger to the black male as well in adopting definition of self. It is a critical
analysis on the black people oppression, gender discrimination, suppression, and enslavement,
behavior of character and self- realization. Grange Copeland, the protagonist of the play, has
been poisoned by the effects of the southern sharecropping system. Grange and his son
Brownfield get oppressed by the white society, who are the victims of sharecropping system, to
take out their frustration they brutalize their women. The black women are oppressed and
suppressed in different aspects. The black women, in this novel, is dominated and abused by men
of their own community, they were explored as collective voicelessness of African American
women.

Alice Walker’s novel, Possessing the Secret of Joy shares some similarities with
many texts written by black Americans, but it is uniquely different because its settings
include an African village where the story begins. The novel is rich in intertextuality as it
engages other great American authors like W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, William
Faulkner, feminist bell hooks; and Austrian psychoanalytical theorist, Carl Jung. Beside its
psychoanalytical framework and story-telling pattern with multiple narrators, Possessing the
Secret of Joy is also grounded in Louis Althusser’s Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) and
Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) theories, as well as in Antonio Gramsci’s hegemony
theory.1
These theories exemplify themselves in the way the protagonist in the novel is
convinced to succumb to genital mutilation and how a journey into herself to remember longrepressed
memories, eventually results in her ability to liberate women of her village.
Possessing the Secret of Joy is a modernist novel in which hegemony, patriarchy, and
feminism converge to expose an obnoxious practice in an African village in expectations of
dismantling the antiquated tradition that informs the novel